What's in a name: Gaude Lanes

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. David Bui
  • 81st Training Wing Public Affairs

Gaude Lanes

 

Robert P. Gaude, Jr., First Lieutenant, USAF, 1930-1953

 

1st Lt. Robert P. Gaude, Jr. was a native of Biloxi, Mississippi, who served as an Air Force fighter pilot during the Korean War. He commissioned from the Georgia Institute of Technology in June of 1951 and graduated from pilot school in December of 1952.

Gaude was assigned as an F-84 Thunderjet pilot with the 430th Fighter Bomber Squadron during the Korean War. He flew 38 combat missions during his time in service.

On July 10, 1953, Gaude was killed in action while flying a combat mission in North Korea. The awards and decorations he earned include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

The Gaude Lanes are used today as a 24 lane bowling center, providing morale, welfare and recreation to the Airmen of Keesler Air Force Base.