Walter Kross

Last updated
Walter Kross
Walter Kross.jpg
Born (1942-10-03) October 3, 1942 (age 80)
Bronx, New York
AllegianceUnited States
Service/branch United States Air Force
Years of service1964–1998
Rank General
Commands held Air Mobility Command
United States Transportation Command
15th Air Force
436th Military Airlift Wing
Battles/wars Vietnam War
Awards Defense Distinguished Service Medal (2)
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Legion of Merit
Distinguished Flying Cross (3)

General Walter Kross (born October 3, 1942) [1] is a retired United States Air Force four-star general who served as Commander in Chief, United States Transportation Command/Commander, Air Mobility Command from 1996 to 1998.

Contents

Kross was commissioned through Officer Training School in December 1964. His early career combined both fighter and airlift experience as he flew 157 F-4 combat missions, 100 over North Vietnam. He later transitioned to airlift, then senior executive and congressional pilot support. He was assigned to Headquarters United States Air Force for six years, part of that time in the Chief's Staff Group. He has served as commander of a C-5 wing, as director of operations and logistics for all defense transportation requirements in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and as director of operations for Air Force headquarters. Additionally, Kross was commander of the provisional force in charge of standing up Air Mobility Command, as well as its first vice commander. He was also commander of 15th Air Force, Travis Air Force Base, California, then director, Joint Staff, Washington, D.C.

Education

Assignments

Flight information

Awards and decorations

COMMAND PILOT WINGS.png Air Force Command Pilot Badge
US-TRANSCOM-Emblem.svg United States Transportation Command Badge
Bronze oakleaf-3d.svg
Defense Distinguished Service ribbon.svg
Defense Distinguished Service Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster
Air Force Distinguished Service ribbon.svg Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Legion of Merit ribbon.svg Legion of Merit
Bronze oakleaf-3d.svg
Bronze oakleaf-3d.svg
Distinguished Flying Cross ribbon.svg
Distinguished Flying Cross with two oak leaf clusters
Bronze oakleaf-3d.svg
Bronze oakleaf-3d.svg
Meritorious Service Medal ribbon.svg
Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Silver oakleaf-3d.svg
Silver oakleaf-3d.svg
Bronze oakleaf-3d.svg
Bronze oakleaf-3d.svg
Air Medal ribbon.svg
Air Medal with twelve oak leaf clusters
Bronze oakleaf-3d.svg
Air Force Commendation ribbon.svg
Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster
Bronze oakleaf-3d.svg
Joint Meritorious Unit Award-3d.svg
Joint Meritorious Unit Award with oak leaf cluster
Valor device.svg
Silver oakleaf-3d.svg
Bronze oakleaf-3d.svg
Bronze oakleaf-3d.svg
Outstanding Unit ribbon.svg
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with "V" device, one silver and two bronze oak leaf clusters
Outstanding Unit ribbon.svg Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (second ribbon to denote ninth award)
Bronze oakleaf-3d.svg
Bronze oakleaf-3d.svg
Bronze oakleaf-3d.svg
Organizational Excellence ribbon.svg
Air Force Organizational Excellence Award with three oak leaf clusters
Combat Readiness Medal ribbon.svg Combat Readiness Medal
Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg
National Defense Service Medal ribbon.svg
National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star
AFEMRib.svg Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Silver-service-star-3d.svg
Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg
Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg
Vietnam Service Ribbon.svg
Vietnam Service Medal with seven service stars
Air Force Overseas Short Tour Service Ribbon.svg Air Force Overseas Short Tour Service Ribbon
Silver oakleaf-3d.svg
Bronze oakleaf-3d.svg
Bronze oakleaf-3d.svg
Air Force Longevity Service ribbon.svg
Air Force Longevity Service Award with one silver and two bronze oak leaf clusters
USAF Marksmanship ribbon.svg Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon
Air Force Training Ribbon.svg Air Force Training Ribbon
Vietnam gallantry cross unit award-3d.svg Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
Vietnam Campaign Medal ribbon with 60- clasp.svg Vietnam Campaign Medal

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References

PD-icon.svg This article incorporates public domain material from the United States Air Force.