Levi R. Chase

Major General Levi R. Chase (23 December 1917 – 4 September 1994) was an American fighter pilot and double flying ace during World War II. Chase served for 33 years including four combat tours across three different wars: World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, he flew 512 combat missions in total.

Early life and education He was born in Cortland, New York, in 1917. He graduated from Cortland High School, in 1936, and attended Syracuse University from 1937 through 1940.

Military career He entered active military duty in the United States Army Air Corps as an aviation cadet in February 1941, and graduated from advanced flying training at Maxwell Field, Alabama, with his commission as Second lieutenant in the Army Air Corps and pilot wings in September 1941. He planned and led the longest fighter-bomber raid until that time made by the Army Air Forces, some , from Cox's Bazar, India, to attack the Don Muang Airfield in Bangkok, Thailand.

Chase became a member of the Inactive Reserve in May 1945 and returned to civilian life as a New York State veteran's counselor. During this time he attended the Albany Law School, New York, from 1946 to 1949. In December 1966 he was transferred to Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, as vice commander of the 313th Air Division. In November 1967 he became commander of the 327th Air Division and chief, Air Section, Military Assistance Advisory Group, Taiwan. Distinguished Flying Cross (5 oak leaf clusters), Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Air Medal (27 oak leaf clusters), the British Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar, the Croix de Guerre (with palm), and the Republic of China Order of Cloud and Banner 4th Class.