Aderholt, Harry C.
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[edit] Biography
Aderholt joined the military in April, 1942 and completed pilot training as a 2nd Lt. in May, 1943. From October, 1943 to August, 1945 he served in North Africa and Italy as a B-17 and C-47 pilot[1].
After World War II, Aderholt served as a staff pilot and later flight instructor and flight safety officer. He completed the Air Tactical School in December, 1948[1].
During the Korean War, from July, 1950 to September, 1951, Aderholt commanded Detachment 2 of the 21st Troop Carrier Squadron, whose responsibilities included carrying out missions behind North Korean lines. One such mission involved recovering parts from a Soviet MiG-15 for later analysis by Air Force Technical Intelligence[1][2].
Aderholt then completed a tour of duty with the CIA as head of the air training branch, followed by a second tour as an Unconventional Warfare Planning Officer[2][3].
In September, 1957, Aderholt was assigned to the 1007th Air Intelligence Service Group as a special warfare staff officer. In September, 1959, he transferred to the 1040th U.S. Air Force Field Activity Squadron in the same capacity[1].
Aderholt became the Commander of the 1095th Operational Evaluation Training Group in Okinawa in January, 1960. The 1095th was a cover organization that provided support to overt and covert operations in Southeast Asia, including CIA activities in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. The unit was "instrumental in developing the Laos airfield complex known as Lima sites...that were used throughout Southeast Asia as support sites for special warfare operations and as 'Jolly Green' helicopter forward staging bases for rescue and recovery operations in Laos and North Vietnam"[1][2].
Aderholt returned to active duty in October, 1973 for an assignment as Deputy Commander and later Commander (May, 1975) of the United States Military Assistance Command, Thailand, and deputy chief, Joint United States Military Advisory Group, Thailand, headquartered in Bangkok[1].
He was promoted to the rank of Brig. Gen. effective May 31, 1974, and retired on August 1, 1976[1].
[edit] Timeline
- June 7, 1894 Description...[4].
[edit] Sources
- Air Commando: Inside the Air Force Special Operations Command
- CIA Air Operations in Laos, 1955-1974 by Leary, William M., Studies in Intelligence, Winter 1999-2000
