George Francis Ditzhazy, USAAF Pilot

George Ditzhazy was co-pilot of the Willard Bills crew of the 718th Squadron, 449th Bomb Group, Fifteenth Air Force. On 26 July 1944, the crew bailed out of the aircraft that is shown in my avatar near Split, Yugoslavia (now Croatia). One man was killed during the bailout, three were captured by the Germans, but the rest of the crew evaded with the help of Partisans and returned to duty, resuming combat missions on 13 August.

Ditzhazy became a 1st Pilot flying with his own crew and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for the 13 October 1944 mission to Vienna, Austria. He was a long-time member of the 449th Bomb Group Association.

A tribute page:
http://trees.ancestry.com/view/Military.aspx?pid=277012549&vid=30cb7a5d-fbe1-4371-b04d-3543e651d72b&tid=9684872


http://obits.mlive.com/obituaries/saginaw/obituary.aspx?n=george-f-ditzhazy&pid=183691557

Ditzhazy, George F. 6/10/1921 - 1/23/2017 Saginaw Twp., Michigan Passed away peacefully on Monday, January 23, 2017, at Shattuck Manor, surrounded by his family. He was 95 years old. George Francis Ditzhazy was born on June 10, 1921, in Ecorse, MI, to the late Joseph and Mary (Tomasko) Ditzhazy. George graduated from Southwestern High School, Detroit in 1941. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force serving his country from 1943-1947 as a B-24 Pilot and Captain. Before leaving for overseas, he married the love of his life, Ruth Marie Sauve, on January 13, 1944, in Detroit, MI. Following his service, he furthered his education at Wayne State University and earned his Bachelor degree in journalism. George was the Divisional Purchasing Manager for Central Foundry Division of GM from 1964-1985. He was, also, an active volunteer and worked with many community organizations. Following his retirement, George enjoyed wintering in Palm Desert, CA, golfing, and spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Ruth; daughters: Donna (James M.) Kupper of Ann Arbor and Dawn Garber of Saginaw; grandchildren: Jeffrey (Stephanie) Kupper, Melissa (Brian) Rapela; Annie Garber, Laura Garber and R.J. Garber; great grandchildren: George, Theodore, and Kilderry Rose Kupper, Melody and Hudson Rapela. George was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, and four brothers. FUNERAL: A funeral liturgy will be held for George at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 31, 2017, at St. Dominic Catholic Church, St. Stephen site, 1310 Malzahn St., Saginaw. Rev. Fr. Andrew LaFramboise will officiate. Military honors under the auspices of the U.S. Air Force and American Legion Post #439 will be held at the church. VISITATION: Family and friends are welcome to visit at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Monday, January 30, 2017, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. George will lie in state at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.