Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Fl 

Owens W Ayers Class 1938

Entered Service About 1940
Branch U S Army Air Corps
Discharged Early 1970's
Rank Lt Colonel
Died November 13, 2002
Buried National Veterans's Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. 
Military honors were provided by members of the honor guard from McDill Air Force Base, who presented Mrs. Ayers with a U.S. flag and presidential commendation.

Distinguished Flying Cross

Air Medal

French Croix de Guerre Asiatic Pacific

European Africa Middle East

American Theater

World War 2 Victory

 Joined the U. S. Army Air Corps and upon completion of flight training, was presented with both Navy and Army Air Corp wings. During World War ll, was based in India, where he was assigned to the 7th Emergency Rescue Squadron.  He flew the PBY 10A, and amphibious airplane, in rescue missions into Indo-China enemy territory.  For his service, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and two OLC and the French Croix de Guerre with one OLC, which he received for his rescue of high ranking French diplomats in Indo-China. Other medals Asiatic Pacific - European Africa Middle East -  American Theater and World War 2 Victory Medal

After the war, he left active military service, but continued in the active reserves of the U.S. Air Force, reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel prior to his retirement from the reserves in the early 1970s.