Stanton R. Musser

Major general Stanton R. Musser (2 April 1936 – 8 October 2012) was a United States Air Force (USAF) officer.

Early life and education Musser was born to Marjorie May and Harold L. Musser in Watsontown, Pennsylvania on 2 April 1936. He attended Gettysburg High School. He earned a bachelor of science degree in physical education from Gettysburg College in 1958. Musser was a sprinter, hurdler and an end in gridiron football. In 2002, he was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Honors of Gettysburg College and Adams County.

Military career Musser was commissioned as a second lieutenant through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program and began pilot training at Malden Air Base, Missouri, in August 1958. Upon completion of pilot training at Laredo Air Force Base, Texas, in August 1959, he received his pilot wings. He was then assigned to Williams Air Force Base, Arizona, and later to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, where he completed North American F-100 Super Sabre combat crew training in July 1960. After survival school training at Stead Air Force Base, Nevada, in September 1960, he was assigned to the 417th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 50th Tactical Fighter Wing, located at Ramstein Air Base in West Germany, as an F-100 fighter-bomber aircraft commander.

Later life Musser served as Commandant of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets for ten years. He died on 8 October 2012 in Blacksburg, Virginia; and was survived by his wife, three children and six grandchildren. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Decorations His military decorations and awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit with three oak leaf clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with 10 oak leaf clusters and Air Force Commendation Medal.