Nicholas John Fallier

Nicholas John Fallier Nicholas John Fallier, 88, a decorated World War II veteran, died Tuesday, October 6, 2009, in Tallahassee. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. Culley's Meadow Wood is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions be made to the Holy Mother of God Greek Orthodox Church (1647 Phillips Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32308) or Covenant Hospice (1545 Raymond Diehl Rd # 102 Tallahassee, FL 32308-1530) Born November 20, 1921, in Tallahassee, Nick graduated from Leon High School in 1941, and was sworn into the U.S. Army Air Force the following year. His basic training was at Dale Mabry Field, what is now the Tallahassee Regional Airport. While serving in the South Pacific, Nick was with the 39th Fighter Squadron, 35th Fighter Group, Fifth Air Force. He flew 130 combat missions, covering four battle campaigns, during which he received four air medals. Following the war, Nick worked briefly for the Office of the State Comptroller, then the Florida Game Commission as a pilot. He was appointed as aide to the President of the Florida Senate when his good friend and fellow pilot Senator Mallory Horne was elected to that office. After leaving the Senate President's office, Nick worked 13 years as an underwater archeologist for the Secretary of State. Many of the artifacts at the State Museum of Florida History are from Nick's exploits. In 2004, he contributed to, and helped set up, the WWII Dale Mabry Field museum in the Tallahassee Regional Airport main terminal building. Nick is survived by his sister, Mrs. Ina Carmack, of Apopka, Fla., and a niece, Mrs. Patty Cooke, of Sugar Grove, N.C. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr, and Mrs. John and Irene Fallier.