St. George, Utah – Wallace Ray Humphreys, 101, passed away September 1, 2025. He was born on February 17, 1924 in Ogden, Utah to Newel and Marie Hutchins Humphreys.

At age 17, Wallace was first introduced to the B52 Aircraft while working as a mechanic at Hill Air Force Base. In 1943 he joined the U.S. Air Force and took the exam for flight school. He was one of only three in his group to pass the exam. He went through basic training, pre-flight school, flight training, and aviator gunnery school.

Wallace was assigned to the 71st Bomb Squadron of the 38th Bomb Group, Fifth Air Force (The Wolf Pack) and was based in Lingayen Gulf, Philippines. Out of a total of 32 missions, Wallace flew 15 missions over Japan Proper. It was very seldom that he returned from a mission without battle damage. He was sent home due to psoriasis.

In 1953, Wallace was asked to return to active duty as an aircraft maintenance officer. He replied that he would only accept the assignment on flying status in a jet aircraft. After spending almost five years as a flight instructor, he was due for an overseas mission. He went to Burtonwood, England, flying weather reconnaissance with the 53rd Weather Squadron for nine months.

During the Vietnam War, Wallace attended ground and flight school to become a roto-wing pilot. His assignment was Phase III testing of the H-53 helicopter.

Wallace received many commendations. He was especially proud of his USAF Command Pilot Wings, Senior OCBM Badge, Distinguished Flying Cross, Four Air Medals, Bronze Star, Presidential Unit Citation, AF Reserve Medal, five Outstanding Unit awards, Good Conduct Medal (Army), American Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze Stars, AF Longevity Service Award with four oak leaf clusters, seven WWII Campaign battle stars, and his Small Arms Expert Medal.