William James Elander, Jr.                         02 July 1934 – 28 August 2020

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of our brother William J. “Bill” Elander, on 28 August 2020.

Bill graduated from The Citadel in 1957, was immediately commissioned in the U.S. Air Force, and entered pilot training at Webb AFB, Luke AFB, and Nellis AFB, with his first post-training assignment in the F-100 at George AFB in Victorville, California.

Subsequent assignments were in the F-105 and F-4. In 1969, Bill was selected to join the USAF Thunderbirds Demonstration Team, where he served with our Brother Doyle Ruff.

                       Bill Elander – 6th from the left                               Doyle Ruff – 3rd from the left

In 1965, Bill spent six months flying combat missions over North Vietnam in the F-105, and in 1972, returned to fly a second tour in the F-4E. His aircraft was shot down by a surface-to-air missile in July 1972 near Hanoi, and after a successful ejection, Bill joined other airmen at the prison known as the “Hanoi Hilton.” After his release in March 1973, Bill continued with the USAF until his retirement.

We will all remember Bill as a patriot, and as a good friend with a giving disposition and a warm heart.

Bill suffered from a number of health issues in recent years, which in the months prior to his death included multiple surgeries and two strokes. He died at home, surrounded by his wife, Lynn, children Scott, Tanya and Benjamin, and grandchildren.

Plans for a celebration of life are not yet finalized. We will update the membership when details are known.