Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Jack L. Randolph passed away at his home in Ventura, California, on 20 June 2005 at the age of 95.
His wife Nellie and sons, Jack Jr. and Edward, were at his bedside. Col. Randolph was born in Warrenton, Oregon on Sept 9, 1909, to Frank and Lucy (Lindley) Randolph, the oldest of seven children.
Col. Randolph was in the first flying class to graduate from Randolph Field, San Antonio, Texas, in 1931. It was then known as "The West Point of the Air." He served in the Air Force for 31 years. During WW II he was in Grottaglie, Italy as Commander of the 449th Bomb Group (1944-1945), 15th Air Force.
He was awarded:
Medals:
- Silver Star Distinguished Flying Cross w/oak leaf cluster
- Air Medal wl 3 oak leaf clusters
Campaign medals:
- European-African-
- Middle Eastern.
Bronze Service stars for:
- Rome-Arno
- Southern France
- Normandy
- Air Offensive Europe
- Air Combat Balkans
- Germany Campaigns
Certificate of Valor
- From Major Gen Nathan Twining (Co 15th Air Force) -- In Recognition of
Courageous Service in Aerial Combat
Col. Randolph was the last surviving bomb group commander of World War II in the 15th Air Force. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, a daughter, two sons, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
A family memorial service with full military honors was held on 23 May 2006 at Riverside Califomia Memorial Cemetery.