1st LT Martin “Marty” Ritchey Sidener

AIR FORCE

Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal w/8 Oak Leaf Clusters

Sponsored by: Revolver Brewery

Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal w/8 Oak Leaf Clusters

Martin “Marty” Ritchey Sidener, enlisted in the Air Force during WWII at age 17-- becoming a pilot at age18.  He was assigned to the 17th Bomb Group, 34th Squadron where he flew 28 missions over Europe without getting shot down before he turned 20 years old .  He flew 48 missions all total without being shot down—a major feat in WWII.   Sidener is the youngest B26 Bomber pilot in WWII. He attributed his survival to his B26 which he said was “one tough bird.” He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with 8 Oak Leaf Clusters. After the war and returning to school for his degree, he went to work as an aircraft sales representative in Dallas, where he sold Aerospace parts.  He retired in Granbury where he built his dream house with an airplane hangar on the side. He was very active in Pecan Plantation organizations and activities.  He is buried in DFW National Cemetery

B  02-01-1925    D. 02-07-2015