George Doersch

Born in Seymour, Wisconsin, in 1921, and raised on a local farm, George Doersch became familiar with farm machinery and learned to shoot and hunt. He graduated from Seymour High School, attended Appleton’s Lawrence College, and joined the National Guard’s 120th Field Artillery Band. After the start of World War II, he volunteered for pilot training in the Army Air Corps and was assigned to P-47 Thunderbolts with the 370th Fighter Squadron, 359th Fighter Group escorting bomber missions over Europe.

Soon, the longer-range P-51 Mustang was introduced in which George destroyed 12 German fighters, making him the second highest ranking pilot in the 359th . He was promoted to Major and took command of the squadron. Major Doersch ended World War II with 158 combat missions, 567 combat hours, and was honored with the Silver Star, four Distinguished Flying Crosses, 14 Air Medals, and the Croix de Gerre.

Fifteen months after returning home, he was called back to active duty serving several posts including Special Services Officer, Air National Guard Instructor, Base Operations Officer, Deputy Base Commander, and Base Commander in locations across the United States. During this time he flew the B-47 Stratojet, eventually retiring as a full Colonel in 1967 and working for the Hughes Aircraft Company.

George “Pop” Doersch passed in 1994 while serving as the president of the 359th Fighter Group Association. He is Wisconsin’s second leading “Ace” and buried in Arlington National Cemetery.