Maj. Gen. John R. Dolny, 86th FG, 12th AF

[DavidIsby]

From Facebook page of:
133rd Airlift Wing
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Today, Maj. Gen. (Ret) John R. Dolny was laid to rest at the Fort Snelling Cemetery. Before the ceremony, a C-130 Hercules from the 133rd Airlift Wing and a P-51 conducted a flyover to honor the General. Dolny served admirably as the second Wing Commander of the 133rd Airlift Wing for 25 years, from 1952 - 1977.
Dolny enlisted into the U.S. Army Air Corps in March of 1942 and received his commissioning as a second lieutenant in 1943. During World War II, he logged 134 combat missions and 211 combat hours in the A-36, P-40, and P-47 fighter aircraft. While serving with the 525th Squadron of the 86th Fighter Group in Italy, he was shot down while attacking a convoy of military vehicles. Dolny crossed into friendly territory near the Anzio Beachhead and was picked up by U.S. Infantry troops. After his tour of duty, he returned to the United States in September 1946 and was released from active duty in 1947. He joined the Minnesota Air National Guard in March 1947.
In December of 1952, Dolny became the second Wing Commander of the 133rd Airlift Wing, then named the 133rd Fighter-Interceptor Wing. During his 25 years as Wing Commander, he was instrumental in transitioning the Wing through three significant mission changes, including taking the Wing from a fighter to a transportation wing.
Thank you for your service, General.

[Teresa Maria]

Rest in peace.