Lt. Col. Clyde B. East’s military service spanned three major conflicts: World War II, the Korean War and the Cuban Missile Crisis – a testament to his unparalleled valor, dedication and patriotism.

Lt. Col. East was born and raised on the Coles Hill Farm in the Sheva community. He joined the Canadian Air Force in 1939 – at the time lacking the education to enter the U.S. Air Corps but still determined to serve. During the early days of World War II, Lt. Col. East flew Spitfires in the defense of freedom.

Lt. Col. East joined the U.S. Air Corps in 1942, and as a decorated reconnaissance pilot, he flew P-51 Mustangs, participating in more than 200 combat missions and earning more than 350 hours of combat flight during World War II. He contributed to the Allied effort by shooting down enemy planes, including the first German aircraft on D-Day and later became Pittsylvania County’s most highly decorated veteran.

Over his career, Lt. Col. East earned numerous awards, including the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross (with multiple clusters) and the Air Medal with 36 Oak Leaf Clusters, earning recognition in the Guinness Book of World Records from 1955-1956 for the highest number of repeat combat medals at that time.

After World War II ended, Lt. Col. East continued to serve, flying more than 130 additional combat missions and further commendations in the Korean War. During the Cold War, Lt. Col. East served in critical missions during the Cuban Missile Crisis under the direction of President John F. Kennedy.

Lt. Col. East retired in 1965 after a distinguished military career and continued to serve his community, including volunteering at the Ronald Reagan Museum, where his medals are displayed highlighting his heroism. Lt. Col. East passed away on July 30, 2014, at the age of 93 in his home in Woodland Hills, California.