William Luke "Bill" Fry

William Luke "Bill" Fry went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, October 14, 2021. Bill was born March 18, 1923 in Stafford, KS. The son of Bonnie Lou (Butler) and Thomas Alec, was raised in Hutchinson, KS. He had three sisters, two that died as infants (Sara Jane and Jean Marie) and an older sister, Mary Annette, now deceased. He attended and graduated from St. Theresa's Catholic Church School. As a boy, he had an insatiable desire for the subjects of science and math, but always dreamed of becoming a pilot. He had pictures of fighter planes pinned to his bedroom wall. At a very early age, he once wrote on a valentine to his father that he was going to become a pilot and someday would take him for an airplane ride, which he did. In December of 1942, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. February 2, 1943 he had become an Aviation Cadet. His first assignment was to fly a P-61 Black Widow and he has tales to tell of the risks he took in flying that aircraft. Eventually he transitioned to be the pilot of the B-17 Flying Fortress. In March of 1944 he left the United States and was assigned to Station 120 at Deopham Greene, England as a B-17 pilot. B-17 pilots were assigned to fly and were eligible to return home after completing 25 mission. Most were shot down and did not ever complete 25 missions. Lieutenant Fry flew 24 missions as B-17 Bomber Pilot. On February 3, 1945, his 24th bombing mission, his squadron took off with orders to bomb Berlin. His aircraft took on heavy flak over Berlin, and although not hit directly, three of his aircraft's four engines were disabled. This left only one engine to fly the aircraft. His radio operator was critically injured. At this point, he did something unorthodox and polled his crew on the choices that they had: attempt to return to England, attempt a landing in Russia, or cross the Baltic to Sweden. The vote was unanimous to go to Sweden. They were met with heavy cloud cover and anti-aircraft. Fry told his crew to dump everything overboard to attempt to make the aircraft lighter and stay in the air. He ordered the bomb bay doors open to show that they had no armament. At an altitude of 150 feet off the ground over Sweden, they found a small airfield, technically much too short to land a B-17. At the far end of the runway, were standing about 40 civilians, most with machine guns. Nonetheless, with only one chance to land, Lt. Fry managed to land the B-17, saving his crew and the aircraft. As he landed, one engine burst into flames, which briefly scattered the civilians. He managed to ground loop the airplane to a full stop. The crew jumped out and were confronted with the armed civilians who took them as prisoners of war in Vasteras, Sweden. (They were interred in Sweden as POWs for weeks, not for days, as they had been promised in their briefing before takeoff). He was honorably discharged from the 8th Air Force in 1945 and returned to his Hutchinson, KS. He received the good conduct medal, the Air Medal, and the EAME Theatre Ribbon with 3 Bronze Stars. On July 20, 2021, he received the coveted Legion of Honor Medal from the French Republic for his service to France in World War II in Normandy, Northern France, and Aredennes-Alsace. He was a lifelong pilot. He has taught many to not only fly, but to safely fly airplanes. He continued to serve his country with the Kansas Air National Guard, eventually as the Commander of 117th Tactical Squadron, based in Hutchinson. In September 2021 he received the Master Pilot Award. His post war professional career includes both military and civilian service: Military Service: Pilot, Army Air Force Reserve (1945-1957); Commander, 117th Tac Recon Sq., Kansas Air National Guard (1957-1969); Air Force Reserves (1969-1983); Retired as Lieutenant Colonel, USAFR (1983). Civilian Service: Sales, Beatrice Foods (1945-1947); Buick/GM Automobile Sales Manager (1947-1957); United Airplane Sales Vice President/Marketing Manager, Beech Aircraft Corporation (1957-1963); President & General Manager, Beech Aircraft holdings in West Texas, Oklahoma, California, and Colorado (1963-1985); Independent Beech Aircraft stores, consultant/sales broker (1986-1992); President/CEO, Southwest Turbines, Ltd. (1962-2020). He taught many to be productive salesmen. He was very well respected as both an executive, salesman, and pilot, as told by Mrs. Olive Ann Beech. He has remained a devout member of the Roman Catholic Church. At one time, before becoming busy with his career management, he was also Boy Scout leader. He is a member of the Organization of Freemasonry - Masonic Service Organization (Albert Pike Lodge #303) and has achieved the 32nd Degree (Master of the Royal Secret) and Knight Commander (Court of Honour). He is a member Shrine and the Royal Order of Jesters, and the recipient of 50 Year Citation in the Scottish Rite. He has written numerous accounts in local historical publications of his military missions, the history, capabilities and specifications of the B-17 aircraft, and the history of the 117th Tactical Reconnaissance Group, Hutchinson, KS (precursor of the 190th Air Refueling Group, Topeka, KS). He has remained loyal to his wife, the love of his life, Beverly, for over sixty years. He is survived by his daughter Tammy Young (Gregg) of Burrton, son Travis (Karla) of Kersey Colorado, daughter Jeannie of Cabot, Arkansas, and granddaughter Jenna Fry of Gig Harbor, Washington. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Sunday, October 17, 2021, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am, Monday, October 18, 2021, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Graveside Service will follow at Fairlawn Burial Park, Hutchinson, KS. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wounded Warriors. The family wishes to thank the Catholic Care Center and Good Shepherd Hospice for the care and help given.