Governor Orders U.S. & State Flags to be Lowered

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9/23/2011?
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin today issued a proclamation ordering all U.S. and State flags displayed at State facilities be lowered to half-staff from dawn to dusk on Monday, September 26, 2011, the day family and friends of Colonel Ralph Dayton Albertazzie will gather in Morgantown, W.Va. in his memory.

Albertazzie graduated from Morgantown High School and attended West Virginia University before enlisting in the Army Air Corps, which later became the United States Air Force. Albertazzie served for 30 years and through his distinguished service achieved the rank of Colonel. He served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, flying 17 combat missions and 75 combat support missions in Vietnam.

In 1968, Albertazzie was named Commander of Air Force One, serving under President Richard M. Nixon and serving until the resignation of President Nixon in 1974. During his service he piloted for former Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower, Harry S. Truman, Gerald Ford, John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. In 1972 he flew President Nixon to the People's Republic of China for the purpose of opening relations between the People's Republic of China and the United States, making Colonel Albertazzie the first American pilot to fly into Communist China.

After leaving the military in 1974, Albertazzie served as West Virginia Commissioner of Commerce under Gov. Arch Moore and in 1976 was a candidate for Governor of West Virginia. He later authored, "The Flying White House: The Story of Air Force One" and "Hostage One," inspired by his years of piloting Air Force One. In addition, he owned several businesses in Martinsburg including the Panhandle '76 truck stop and a television station.

"Today we remember the life of Colonel Ralph Dayton Albertazzie," said Gov. Tomblin. "He not only served our state with honor, but our Nation as well, leaving behind a distinguished record of service. It is a privilege to recognize his life and legacy. I am certain his spirit will endure long into the future through his writings and historic reflections."

Albertazzie is survived by two daughters, Lynette Crosby and Sally Albertazzie; two grandchildren; his sister, Lorraine; nieces and nephews; and an extended family. He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Carol; his father, Medard; his mother, Angelina; his brother, Ed; and his sister, LaVeda.

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