George E. Tudor, 92, of Bristol, passed away on April 19 in Bristol. He was a son of the Rev. David and Mary (Evans) Tudor. Born in Union, Ia. in 1917, he grew up in Nebraska prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corps.
In 1943 he was awarded pilots wings and commissioned a second lieutenant, ultimately achieving the rank of Captain. He served as a pilot instructor on B24 Liberator bombers at Maxwell Field, Alabama before being assigned to a new B24 bomber and a crew of 10. There, he participated in 37 bombing missions in WWII, including the Ploesti Oil Fields of Romania, and some of the most heavily defended German cities. He was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in combat, the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Clusters, the Purple Heart, the Air Medal, as well as the Victory in Europe Medal. He was part of the 451st Bombardment Group, which was awarded three Presidential Unit citations for excellence in destroying enemy targets.
In the fall of 1945 he received his discharge from the U.S. Army Air Corps and joined American Airlines as a pilot. During his career with American, spanning 32 years, he flew nearly every plane used by American Airlines.
In August of 1948 he married Jane Pattison, who was a flight attendant with American Airlines. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Susan Prince of Andover, Mass.; son, Jonathan Tudor; and grandchildren, Michael and Lauren of Scarborough.
George was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and mentor.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a local animal shelter of your choosing.
Condolences for the family may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
