F-15s fly over area in honor of war hero

Quiet summer skies were interrupted on Monday, July 11 when two low flying F-15’s flew overhead at 2 p.m.

“Some people thought we were under attack,” said Cecil Foster, Jr.

Actually, the planes were flying in honor of Cecil Foster, his father, who passed away on July 5 of natural causes, at the age of 90. He was a decorated air force pilot who fought in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. Foster, Jr.’s uncle, General Coy Pettyjohn helped to arrange for the planes to fly over the area. They came from the Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho and dropped down to 1,000 feet, crossing Superior and St. Regis on their flight.

Cecil Foster enlisted in the Army Air Corps after graduating from high school. He later attended Knox College in Illinois and served a distinguished military career spanning 31 years and retired as a lieutenant colonel.

Foster also received many awards and commendations including the Congressional Gold Medal, Purple Heart and two Silver Stars. He was also the 23rd Jet Ace in the Korean War. One of only 42 Jet Aces in the entire world, said his son.

Services for Foster were held on July 11, at Community Bible Church in St. Regis.