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Lt. Colonel Edward Paul Zeidler
Jody Hane2023-11-06T18:42:51-06:00
- Name: Lt. Colonel Edward Paul Zeidler
- Location of Birth: Eveleth, Minnesota
- Date of Birth: November 26, 1921
- Date of Death: November 9, 2010 (88 years old)
- Parents: Walter A. Zeidler and Hattie M. (Ford) Zeidler
- High School and Class:
- College: University of Minnesota, Duluth, Minnesota - degree in Industrial Education
- Highest Rank:
- Branch: Air Force
- Other Branch:
- Date Sworn In:
- Place Sworn In:
- Date of Discharge:
- Place of Discharge:
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- Military Awards:
Distinguished Flying Cross
Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster
Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon with 6 Battle Stars
Air Force Commendation Medal
- Military Highlights:
Colonel Zeidler piloted B-24 Bombers while serving with the 14th Air Force in China flying 46 combat missions and six "Hump" missions receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with cluster and the Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon with six battle stars.
He served with the Strategic Air Command in various assignments in Kansas, Newfoundland, Greenland and California earning the Air Force Commendation medal; and established the first Arctic Survival School on the Greenland Ice Cap.
Colonel Zeidler retired from active duty after 28 years of service to his country.
- Wars Involved:
- MIA / POW:
- Civilian Life:
In his retirement, he taught in the Eveleth High School in Eveleth, Minnesota and substitute taught in the Hibbing, Minnesota, Grand Rapids, Minnesota and Coleraine, Minnesota school districts.
Colonel Zeidler was a life member of the National Rifle Association, the NRA Whittington Center, the Founders Club and Trail Blazers of the NRA Whittington Center, the Itasca Gun Club, the Military Officers Association and the University of Minnesota Alumni Association.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Hattie Zeidler.
Colonel Zeidler is survived by his wife, Cleo; one son, Edward (Shelley); two grandsons; and two great-granddaughters.
Colonel Zeidler died in Grand Rapids, Minnesota and is buried in Maple Hill Cemetery at Hibbing, Minnesota.
- Tribal Affiliation(s):
