John DeGraff Col. Bridges

Colonel John DeGraff Bridges, USAF Ret was born January 31, 1915, at Hollis, Oklahoma, to John W. and Susan D. Bridges. He passed away on January 21, 2011 in San Antonio, Texas. His early years were spent in Oklahoma. He graduated from Classen High School and attended Oklahoma University from 1934 to 1937, playing varsity football. He was selected as aviation cadet reporting to Randolph Army Flying Field on July 1, 1937. He was commissioned as a pilot in the US Army Air Corp in June 1938, and received Regular Army Commission in 1939. In 1945 he married Thelma J. Richmond of Laurel, MS. During his career he served as military pilot, staff officer and commander of various organizations located throughout the world. Col Bridges retired with 31 years of service in March 1967. Combat citations include the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, AF Commendation Medal and Distinguished Unit Citation with two oak leaf clusters. While serving in Japan, the Japanese government presented "The Third Order of the Sacred Treasury." He was also awarded the Pennsylvania Air National Guard Commendation Medal prior to retirement in 1967. Following retirement he resided in Lima, Ohio and embarked on a second career as plant manager of The Military Products Plant, Fruehauf Corporation in Delphos, Ohio from 1967 to 1980. His first wife, Thelma passed away in July 1978. In February 1982, Col Bridges married his second wife, Scottie Billie M Bridges. They moved to Air Force Village II in 2000. Col Bridges is survived by his wife, Scottie Billie M. Bridges; son, John Chip R. Bridges, and wife, Cindy; grandchildren, Allison, and husband, Brian Banks; Ashley; and Austin Bridges; great granddaughters, Kadence and Abbey Rose of southern California; stepchildren, Steve Metzenthin and wife, Kelli, and son, Dan; Leah Coyne and husband, Mike, and son, Dillon.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

FRIDAY

JANUARY 28, 2011

3:00 P.M.

FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

MEMORIAL SERVICE TO FOLLOW

4:30 P.M.

IN THE HIGH FLIGHT CHAPEL

5100 JOHN D. RYAN BLVD.

A reception will immediately follow the memorial service in the Roadrunner Lounge. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the AFVII Health Care Center or the Chapel Building Fund please make check payable to Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation or AFVCF.