Flying Colors

Victor Vic Tatelman was a cadet in Visalia, California when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. A chilling anger along with undeniable feelings of retribution filled the air, and Vic, just like the other Cadets, looked for the opportunity to pay back. Vic flew more than 120 missions, serving two tours of duty, first in the Pacific in World War II, and then again in the Pacific during the Korean War, having earned may Air Medals, two DFC (Distinctive Flying Crosses), and one Purple Heart. In 1947, He joined the Reserves. Among many assignments, he worked at the Pentagon, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He was responsible for the development and training of other cadets in the deployment of the new sophisticated radar counter measures, and, among others, he flew his Dirty Dora on raids to destroy enemy bases. Having survived many battles, he conducted low flights over the destruction and aftermath of Hiroshima—the single most important action that brought about the closure to World War II.