Wayne S. Dodds

Wayne S. Dodds, born March 29, 1916 near Cedar Rapids, Iowa, graduated Iowa State University with a chemical engineering degree in 1940. His professional career began at Merck and Co. working on the development of penicillin and other pharmaceuticals. After Pearl Harbor, he enlisted as an aviation cadet in 1942 and trained in class of 43-1, graduating and commissioned at Mission, Texas. First assignment 6th Air Force Panama Canal defense forces, flying P-39s and P-40s. Returned to US with 29th fighter squadron equipped with P-51s and assigned 3rd Air Force.  Mid-1944 transferred to Mediterranean Theater and assigned to the 57th fighter group, 66th fighter squadron.  57th was committed to "Operation Strangle," cutting off supplies to enemy forces in Italy. Flew 105 missions through VE Day, destroying supply routes, ammunition, depots, bridges, railroads, tunnels, close support attacks on tanks and artillery. Downed by 20 mm ground fire on the 54th mission and required 31 days to maneuver through enemy lines to friendly territory.  Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, and Air Medal with six Clusters.  Released from active duty as a Captain on July 20, 1945.  Served as Director of the Engineering Laboratory at Northwestern University and conducted research on the purification of air in nuclear submarines, earning a Ph.D.