KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Edward McBride was born on December 20, 1930, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. After enlisting the Air Force Aviation Cadet Program in 1952, he commissioned to 2d Lt. and was awarded his pilot wings on June 16, 1953.
McBride’s first duty location was at Itazuke Air Base, Japan. He next served with the 16th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Naha AB, Okinawa, from 1959 to mid-1961 and the 325th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Truax Field, Wisconsin, from late 1961 to 1964.
He next transitioned into the T-28 Trojan and flew with the 605th Air Commando Squadron out of Howard Air Force Base, Panama Canal Zone, from 1964 to 1968.
McBride began flying combat missions with the classified RAVEN FACs over Laos, and was killed through hostile action in an air crash on land, November 27, 1968.
Edward McBride's body was returned to the United States and he was buried in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Keesler’s McBride Library is named in his honor.
His commendations include a Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Gallantry Cross and Air Force Good Conduct Medal.
Editor's note:
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