During a distinguished career that spanned 40 years, Power served in Europe with the 8th Air Force during World War II and flew 28 combat missions over Germany and five mercy food drops into occupied Holland.
“Ed was a mentor for many Airmen throughout his career and through his actions he taught all of us the values we live today of integrity, service and excellence,” said Maj. Gen. Harry “A.J.” Feucht, the current Ohio assistant adjutant general for Air and Power’s son-in-law.
Power began his military career when he enlisted in the aviation cadet program in December 1942. He earned his pilot’s rating at Lubbock Army Air Field, Texas, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army Air Corps in June 1944.
He was discharged from active duty in October 1945 and reassigned to the Reserve component. He transferred to the Ohio Air National Guard in June 1949 with an assignment to the 166th Tactical Fighter Squadron. He eventually transferred to the 105th Radar Calibration Unit at Lockbourne Air Force Base in Columbus where his unit was recalled to active duty in support of the Korean War, serving at Donaldson Air Force Base, S.C.
After a brief stint with the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing in Alexandria, La., Power returned to the Ohio National Guard as the wing staff maintenance officer in the newly-formed 121st Tactical Fighter Wing. He transferred to the Springfield-based 178th Tactical Fighter Group as the Aircraft Maintenance officer in April 1956. In 1962, he was again called to active duty with the 178th in support of the Berlin Crisis. He subsequently served a short tour of duty at Tuy Hoa, Vietnam.
In February 1977, Power took command of the 160th Air Refueling Group at Rickenbacker Air Force Base in Columbus. In August 1979, Ohio Gov. James A. Rhodes appointed Power as Ohio’s assistant adjutant general for Air, at the time, the largest Air National Guard in the country. He retired from service in January 1983.
Along with his wife, Ruth and seven children, he is survived by nine grandchildren.
“Ed Power left a legacy of pride and exceptional dedication to this nation and he will be missed,” Feucht said.
Viewing is 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, at the Conroy Funeral Home, 1660 East High St., Springfield. Funeral service is 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 225 East High St., with burial to follow at 12:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Cemetery Mausoleum in Lockbourne.
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