JAC Pays Respects to WWII 303rd Bomb Group Leader

  • Published
  • By Peter G. Park, Commander's Action Group
  • JIOCEUR Analytic Center
ROYAL AIR FORCE MOLESWORTH, England --  The JIOCEUR Analytic Center paid its respects at the inurnment of the World War II commander of the 303rd Bomb Group (Heavy).

Navy Captain Teresa S. Whiting, Deputy Director of the JAC's Joint Reserve Intelligence Support Element in Washington DC represented JAC Commander Marine Corps Colonel Peter S. Devlin and the men and women of the JAC at the June 5th ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia in a final tribute to Air Force Major General Lewis E. Lyle who died April 6, #160;

The attendance of Capt. Whiting highlighted the JAC's status as a joint service organization at Royal Air Force Molesworth, England - the World War II base of the 303rd Bomb Group (Heavy) which the general commanded in 1944.

As Capt. Whiting noted: "All members of the ceremonial guard, band and color guard were Air Force, so I found myself the only attendee from another service... this communicated the joint nature of the JAC to Maj. Gen. Lyle's family. The general's son, John Lyle, was very appreciative of the JAC's participation."

The family of Maj. Gen. Lyle expressed its thanks for the JAC's support of her and her family during this time. Capt Whiting said: "When I met Mrs. Betty Lyle, it was clear that she also was very appreciative that we had a representative there to demonstrate our respect for her late husband. She emphasized how grateful she was that the JAC had flown a flag over the command for presentation to her." Note: The American flag was flown at half-staff in honor of the General on June 8th at RAF Molesworth (the day of his memorial service in Hot Springs, Arkansas).

Capt Whiting added: "It was an occasion that made me feel especially proud to serve our nation's military."