Antonio Pappas

Pappas, Colonel Antonio Silver Star Veteran Dies-It is fitting that Colonel Antonio Pappas, 91, should pass on November 12, 2014, the day after Veterans Day. Tony certainly dedicated his life to his country, with 32 years of Air Force service -- volunteering fresh out of high school in World War II, a fierce young fighter pilot honored for his valor over the skies of Europe, then on to the Korean War. His last war-time missions were two volunteer tours as an FAC (Forward Air Control), flying a small reconnaissance plane low through the jungles of Viet Nam to mark the targets shooting at him for the American air forces waiting to attack from above. Tony was honored twice for valor with the Silver Star, the nation's third-highest medal, the French Croix de Guerre (French War Cross) with Palm (multiple), and with numerous other commendations. His bravery as a test pilot for several newly developed jet aircraft, following the former prop-driven planes, brought us into a new age. He will be honored with a burial at Arlington National Cemetery and join his wife, Dolores Stook Pappas, formerly from Plains, Pennsylvania. Tony is survived by two sons, a daughter, and two granddaughters, who will remember him proudly. A viewing at Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home in Winter Garden will take place on Monday, November 17, from 7pm to 9pm