BRIGADIER GENERAL ROBERT V. IGNICO

U N I T E D S T A T E S A I R F O R C E

Robert Victor Ignico was born in Boston, Mass., in 1895. He attended Washington and Lee University for three years, and in May 1917, enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, with which he served until September 1917. A month later he enlisted in the Aviation Section of the Signal Reserve. In January 1918, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Aviation Section of the Signal Corps Reserve. He received his regular commission as a second lieutenant of Air Service July 1, 1920, and was promoted immediately to first lieutenant.

After serving with the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe, General Ignico entered the Airship School at Langley Field, Va. Upon graduation in 1921, he became chief of supply of the Field Service Section at Patterson Field, Ohio. He graduated from the Air Service Advanced Flying School in 1923 and was assigned to the Philippine Islands.

In 1924 General Ignite was appointed supply officer for the Second Wing at Langley Field and in 1929 became assistant executive officer there. In June 1932, he graduated from the Army Industrial College and was named supply officer for the San Antonio, Texas depot. In October 1936 he entered the Air Corps Tactical School, and upon graduation in June 1937, became supply and maintenance officer at Mitchel Field, N.Y.

General Ignico was assigned to Borinquen Field, Puerto Rico in February l940, as materiel officer and chief of staff of the 15th Composite Wing. He assumed command of the 13th Composite Wing at Borinquen Field in May 1941. The following October he was assigned to the Air Service Command at Wright Field, Ohio, and in February 1942, became chief of staff of the command.

In July 1942, General Ignico assumed command of the 11th Air Force Service Command operating in the Aleutians, and during the same period was deputy commander of the 11th Air Force. In August 1944, he became commander of the Spokane Wash., Air Service Command. In December 1945, he assumed command of the Warner Robins Air Materiel Area at Warner Robins Air Force Base, Ga.

General Ignico became a patient at the station hospital at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio on April 23, 1952.

General Ignico has been awarded the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Air Medal, and Army Commendation Ribbon. He is rated a balloon pilot, combat observer, balloon observer and aircraft observer.

(Up to date as of April 28, 1952)