| William M. (Bill) Gornik, Chief Master Sergeant USAF (Retired) is a WWII veteran who flew 46 missions as a U.S. Army Air Corps B-25 Engineer/Gunner in China and one F-105 dive-bombing mission in Laos during the Viet Nam War. Chief Gornik's 21 decorations and medals include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service medal, the Air Medal, the USAF Commendation Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal with 3 Bronze stars, the China Service Medal and the Viet Nam Service Medal. He is a Life Member of the 14th AF Flying Tigers Association, the VFW, the BPO Elks and the NRA. He is a Charter Member of the Blackbird (SR-71) Association, a member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels and a member of the Air Force Sergeants Association. He had the unique experience of solo flying an airplane before he ever drove a car.
(Above excerpt from biography "U OUGHTA" by William Gornik)
Note from the Artist:
Chief Gornik had a major impact on my life in addition to so many others he has influenced. In 1966 I worked as a "fixer" (aircraft maintenance) on the SR-71, in the 9th OMS, directly under the Chief. He assigned me temporary duty as squadron artist, and that temporary assignment led to a life time of work as an artist. The same dedication and discipline that guided his work and life was required of those who worked around and for him, and had a profound influence on myself as well.
Thanks, Chief
Joe Satterwhite
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