Carlos Vasquez.
Pilot · 330th Squadron · Of Edinburg, TX.
The man.
From the 2nd Air Division Association Yearbook
Assigned to 330th Bomb Sqdn. (H), 93rd Bomb Group (H) at Hardwick, England in July 1944 as aircraft commander. Among the first crews to transport food and supplies to France in support of General Patton's forces (Sept. 3-4, 1944). Participated in Operation Market Garden on Sept. 18, 1944. Completed 35 combat missions on Jan. 31, 1945.
Service record.
Missions flown.
Before and after.
Carlos Vasquez flew as a senior combat pilot in the 330th Bomb Squadron, accumulating enough missions to hold that distinction through the winter of 1944 into 1945. He finished his tour in early February 1945 and rotated out — one of the experienced pilots who had seen the campaign through its most difficult stretch and made it home.
When Vasquez left, the role of senior combat pilot in the squadron passed to Walter Hughes, who held it through the final weeks of the war until completing his own tour in April 1945.
Remained in military as pilot after WWII. Served as instructor and test pilot, engineering officer, supply officer at squadron, depot and command levels. Qualified in over 48 military aircraft. Retired June 1, 1963 as assistant chief, Equipment Division for MATS (MAC). Attended various colleges; major in economics and business administration; minors in real estate and Spanish. Awarded four national honor academic awards. Married Nadine M. Murphy on Dec. 24, 1943; one daughter, Carla Nadine. Hobbies: astronomy, gemology, lapidary; professional securities and real estate investor.