George Hammond Obituary

GREENVILLE, SC -- Colonel George R. Hammond, USAF (Ret.) died on December 2nd at the age of 93. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Alma Hammond, of Greenville, SC, son, George Hammond of Greenville, SC, daughter Denise (Dee) Hammond of Colorado Springs, CO, daughter Lori Enrico of Minnetonka, MN, six grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

George was born to Frank B. Hammond and Lena (Beck) Hammond of Cashion, OK. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1938 and sunk the first Japanese submarine off of the Oregon coast on December 24, 1941. He flew bombers in WWII and stayed in the service to fly two tours in Vietnam in fighters. During his 34 year Air Force career, he was awarded the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, 6 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 29 Air Medals, the Bronze Star and numerous other American and Foreign decorations.

After his retirement from the Air Force, he embarked on a 23 year career with the University of North Dakota where he earned his bachelor's degree, became an Assistant Dean of the School of Business, was the Director of the UND flight operations program and Chairman of the Aviation Department. He also played a major role in the establishment of the UND Aerospace Foundation.

A memorial service will be held at the Cascades Verdae, Greenville, SC at 1:30 on Monday, December 9th. He will be buried with military honors at the National Cemetery on Fort Jackson, SC.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity.

The Mackey Mortuary. Condolences may be made on line at www.mackeymortuary.com.