Keith Willoughby

2nd Lt Keith R Willoughby was assigned to the 459th BG 756th Squadron.
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS): Pilot.

Provided by Keith Willoughby

I enlisted in the Air Force when I graduated in the spring of 1942 from North High School in Wichita, Kansas. I was inducted at Salina about August 1943 and was told to go home and wait until I was called.

I was called about January 4, 1944 and was sent to Jefferson Barracks where I went thru all the shots and training for about 2 months. Then to St. Cloud, Minnesota to what they called a college training detachment. From there I went to Santa Ana, California for pre-flight. Then primary training at Dos Palos, California. Then basic training at Minter Field in Bakersfield California. Then to Pecos, Texas for advanced flying, where I received my wings and commission. Overseas training was done at Pueblo,Colorado. I was sent overseas in July 1944 and stationed at Cerignola, Italy. I flew 35 missions over Europe.

I finished my missions in January 1945 and returned to States in March. Went to Walla Walla, WI. until my discharge at Boise, Idaho in Oct. 1945.

Following military service I graduated from Wichita University, Wichita, Kansas, transfered to University of Kansas Law School at Lawrence, Kansas, received my law degree in 1951. Moved to Colby, Kansas and practiced law.

Was county attorney, attorney for Colby Community College and City Attorney at various times. In January 1978 was appointed District Judge for the 15th Judicial District, which covered Cheyenne, Sherman, Wallace, Rawlins, Thomas, Logan and Sheridan Counties in Northwest Kansas.

I served as administrative judge for these counties until january 1993 until I retired. I was a democrat but was appointed to the bench by Robert Bennett,who the Republican Governor of Kansas,which doesn't happen very often.

I was a member of the 459th Bomb Association until it just gave up the ghost for lack of participation. After I retired, sold our house, purchased a motor home and traveled until 2009. Sold the motorhome and purchased a house in Bashor, Kansas where we now live.

The following information on Keith Willoughby is gathered and extracted from military records. We have many documents and copies of documents, including military award documents. It is from these documents that we have found this information on 2nd Lt Willoughby. These serviceman's records are nowhere near complete and we are always looking for more material. If you can help add to Keith Willoughby's military record please contact us.

Please contact us with any biographical data, pictures or other information regarding the service and life of Keith Willoughby.