Brig. Gen. Kenneth R. Fleenor

(Inducted in 1997)

Bowling Green native Kenneth R. Fleenor rose through the ranks of the United States Air Force to become a brigadier general with many decorations and director of all flight operations for the USAF Air Training Command. Fleenor, 67, a 1952 Western graduate, was commissioned into the Air Force as a second lieutenant, earning his wings in 1953. During his 28-year career, he also served as flight commander, squadron commander, director of flight operations, base commander and wing commander. Before retiring in 1980, Fleenor logged more than 6000 flying hours in jet fighters and trainers, including 184 combat hours.

On Dec. 17, 1967, during his 108th combat mission in Vietnam, his fighter was shot down and Fleenor was held prisoner in Hanoi for more than five years. His decorations include the Distinguished Service medal, the Silver Star, Legion of Merit with one oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster, Bronze Star Medal with one oak leaf cluster and V devise, Air Medal with seven oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Purple Heart with one oak leaf cluster and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with V devise and five oak leaf clusters.

Fleenor has continued to be busy after retirement. Now living in Selma, Texas, he has been involved with city government, serving three years on the Selma City Council and seven years as mayor. He has also served on various civic boards, was a regional coordinator for the Governor's Texan's War on Drugs Committee, was general manager of the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo and operated a beverage company in San Antonio. He is married to the former Anne Read of Scottsville. They have five children and 11 grandchildren.