Clifford L. Lundgren

Lt Col Clifford L. Lundgren, USAF (Ret.) Clifford L. Lundgren (Cliff) passed away on September 30, 2018. Most recently residing in Lewes, Delaware, Cliff was born February 17, 1919 to Lawrence and Alice Lundgren in Chicago, Illinois. He studied Mechanical Engineering between studies at the Armour Institute of Technology and work at Underwriters Laboratory. He began his military career with four years of service in the United States Naval Reserves, including a period of active duty prior to World War II. In 1942 he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps, later to become the U.S. Air Force, remaining on active duty for 23 years and retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1964. As a pilot, Cliff served as a flight instructor as well as a pilot in light bombers and transport aircraft. In addition to his flying duties, he held positions as an Operational Intelligence Officer at all levels of command in Air Transport Service, Tactical Air Command, and Strategic Air Command units. During the Korean War, Cliff served first in intelligence duties, then as a Tactical Air Control Officer with the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, the first unit to reach Hyesanjin on the Yalu River, the northernmost part of North Korea on 21 November 1950. Cliff was later reassigned to 5th Air Force Headquarters in Korea where he served as an Intelligence Duty Officer in the Joint Operations Center. In that position he conducted high-level briefings on the results of air strikes and coordinated with Operations Officers on other matters pertaining to air strikes against enemy targets. Cliff was awarded two Bronze Star Medals; one for meritorious service with the 7th Infantry Division and the other for his service while assigned to the Joint Operations Center. Cliff was a life member of the Order of Daedalians (a national fraternity of military pilots) and a life member of the Military Officers Association of America. Upon retirement from the Air Force Cliff served as an analyst with the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency. Over the course of his career he earned a degree in General Studies from the University of Maryland. He was a past President of his local Kiwanis Club in Florida, and also participated in his local Meals on Wheels program as well as reading programs for children. In his spare time, Cliff enjoyed a number of activities, including travel (he owned several RVs), photography, woodworking, golf, grilling steaks, music, dancing, and writing. Possessing a strong interest in current events, he was also an avid student of history, especially regarding the Revolutionary War. A life-long Chicago Cubs fan, he later adopted the Washington Nationals as his team as well. Cliff is survived by his beloved wife of 20 years Elizabeth Joy; a loving second family including Jenna Morgan Arvanitis (George), Oley Daniel Morgan (Francesca), Patricia L. Morgan, Tamoley M. Curran (Charles), Debra Morgan Riddle (James); 8 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years Elizabeth “Bette” and survived by his loving children David W. Lundgren (Patricia); Lanaya L. “Putsie” Abernathy (Dave); Pat McGonigal (Les); Nancy Lundgren (Dave Brown); 7 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; his nephew Clifford J. Lundgren and former son-in-law Steve Campbell and predeceased former son-in-law Larry Hunt. Cliff is now in his heavenly home. He will forever be remembered as a strong, tenderhearted man who loved his family and his country and trusted in the promises of God. In lieu of flowers contributions in Cliff’s honor may be made to the organizations below who support our military and their families: United Service Organizations (USO) or the Gary Sinise Foundation. Interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.