Tribute to Millard "Lefty" Palmer
Branch of Service: US Army Air Corps
Unit: 73rd Bomb Wing
On a bitterly cold morning of 19 February, 1926 during a blizzard, two premature babies each weighing less less than 4 pounds were wrapped in warm blankets and placed in the top drawer of a dresser and later to become known as the Palmer twins were ushered upon the world scene. The storm was so severe that the doctor, even by horse, was unable to arrive in time to perform the births and they were delivered by mid - wife. Two weeks after the blessed event a tragic incident occurred with the death of the Mother Mary at age 22. A maternal grandmother Jennie Coones agreed to raise the twins. Home was a eight-room house in West Fulton, New York that was never painted and devoid of any modern conveniences. There was no electricity with lighting consisting of kerosene lamps. Heat for water and a single wood stove provided the house. The place for the pause that refreshed was a two-holer with the familiar crescent. The house was situated on a minimally working farm so food was not a problem. Produce from the farm was Barter for items not provided by the farm. Money was in very short supply and a simple ice cream cone was a scarce treat. Schooling was in a one room school house with one teacher and 6 grades were taught. Millard graduated from high school at the age of 16. There was no money for college so he obtained work as the manager and sole employee of a country store.
As soon as age would permit Millard enlisted in the Army Air Force Reserve. On call to active duty at age 18 he entered the aviation cadet program. After basic training and before tests were given it was determined there was a surplus of pilots and rated air crew members. After testing Millard was selected for central fire control gunner crew training on the B-29 super fortress. After required technical training Millard was assigned to Captain Rufe Livingston's crew and the 73rd Bomb Wing as a replacement crew. Millard had 13 combat missions and noted 4 significant events. On their second mission bombs in the aft bomb bay would not released and the bombardier, Chuck McCoy teamed with Millard and the bombs were toggled out one at a time enabling the crew to return to Saipan without further incident. Millard participated in the bombing mission on Toyama, Japan, which was 99.5% percent destroyed making it the most destructive bombing raid on Japan. On their 2nd Prisoner of War mission prisoners had painted the notice that Pappy Boyington is here. It was a pleasure to broadcast that an aviator believed dead had survived. Millard participated in the history making surrender by flying cover over the Battleship Missouri.
Upon release from active duty, Millard as a Staff Sergeant stayed in the Reserves and was recalled for the Korean Conflict. His entire duty during the conflict was at Travis Air Force Base. He served as an electronic system repair supervisor and production control specialist. He was given commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force Reserve. Upon release form duty Palmer continued in the reserve and served in progressively responsible positions as an individual mobilization assignee at Tactical Air Command And the Defense Supply agency -- a joint service agency. His last assignment was a Special Assistant to the Comptroller of the Defense Fuel Supply Agency with the rank of Colonel. During his military career Palmer received 15 medals, decorations and ribbons including the Defense Superior Service Medal.
His civilian career consisted of 43 years with the Department of Defense. His last assignment was as Chief of the Command Support Division at the Defense Supply Agency, a G-15 position. Palmer was given the Agency Exceptional Civilian Service Award and the Coveted Silver Letter at his retirement. Palmer also had a 3rd career in Real Estate. He has been a salesman, broker, President and Owner of a Real Estate Company.
His education consisted of Command and Staff College, Air War College, and Industrial College of the Armed Forces via correspondence and the National War College, the PHD of Service Schools, in residence. He has a BS in Economics and Industrial Engineering, and a Masters in Management.
For his avocation, Palmer is very active in the United Methodist Church holding nearly every position with emphasis on trustee duties, was a Fire Chief, involved in Boy Scouts, neighborhood watch and election officer. For the past 5 years he has been Chairman of the Board of Directors of the 73rd Bomb Wing Association with over 800 members and annual reunions.
Millard was married to Doris Denny Palmer in 1948 and they have 3 children, Albert -- now deceased, Elaine and Dennise. Millard and his wife have lived in Fairfax, Virginia since 1965. The other twin Willard also became a combat crew member on a B-29 and was stationed on Tinian.
Submitted by Millard Palmer (himself)
Updated 12/12/08