Alfred Kalberer

Alfred Fredrick Kalberer (Jan 1, 1907 - Jun 20, 1984) was an American World War 2 bomber pilot, and later, an Air Force general at the U.S. Eighth Air Force and Strategic Air Command. During his career, Kalberer was awarded 26 military decorations, including the Order of the British Empire, the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, the Air Medal, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Accounts of the raid were featured in popular press. In September he was awarded the Silver Star. Kalberer was part of a raid on the Ploesti oil fields.

In June 1943, Kalberer was promoted to lieutenant colonel and entered the B-29 program. He was assigned to India as deputy commander of the B-29 equipped 462nd Bomb Group. In August 1944, the unit's commander was shot down, Kalberer assumed command and was promoted to full colonel. In Fall of 1946, he was assigned to Headquarters of the Eighth Air Force at Fort Worth, Texas; From September 1946 to December 1947. He served as chief of intelligence for the Eighth.

In December 1952, Kalberer was promoted to one-star general. He was appointed deputy commander, 15th Air Force and promoted to major general in August 1957. In July 1961, he was named chief of staff to the Allied Air Forces Southern Europe. His wife, Charlotte, died in 1975.