Lester Hicks

United States airforce 1950-1954

korean war

airman first class

national defense service medal

good conduct medal

Lester enlisted in the U.S, Air Force on December 8, 1950. On December 13, Private Hicks was assigned to the 3707th Basic Military Squadron and sent to Lackland Air Force Base for training. Pvt Hicks was reassigned on December 17th to the 3741st Basic Military Training Squadron at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Tx. He became a motor vehicle mechanic on January 31, 1951. From February 2, 1951, to August 18, 1951, he was assigned to Larson Air Force in Washington, where he was part of the 81st Motor Vehicle Squadron attached to the 81st Tactical Fighter Wing. He worked as a motor vehicle maintenance helper. In May 1951, he was promoted to Private First Class.

On August 29, 1951, he was sent overseas to South Hampton, England to Bentwaters Royal Air Force [RAF] Base. On April 17, 1952, he was promoted to the rank of Airman Second Class. On April 20,1954, he returned to the United States to the 63rd Motor Vehicle Squadron at Donaldson Air force Base in South Carolina. On December 7, 1954, Airman Second Class Hicks received an honorable discharge. He was awarded a Good Conduct Metal and a National Defense Service Metal for the exceptional performance of his duties.

His older brother, Clarence, a U.S. Navy Seaman serving in the Philippines during WWII was declared dead from the bombing of the USS Indianapolis.

Lester was a 1948 graduate of EHS. His employment with the U.S. Post office was over 54 years. He married Bernice Kennedy and raised a family of eight children. Lester passed on August 29, 2018, one month shy of celebrating his 68th wedding anniversary. Less than three months later, Bernice passed away.