Scope and Contents

Less than one linear foot of a 3.5' floppy disks, a DD-214 form, photocopied photographs, and the manuscript of George J. Combs' ' Tigers Live Here' documents Combs' experiences as a pilot in the United States Army before, during and after the Vietnam War. The floppy disks are digital copies of the document collection. The documents date from the post-war period. The material is in good condition.

Biographical / Historical

George J. Combs was born 9 November 1935 in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He volunteered for the United States Army in 1955 and served until 1976 earning the rank of CW-4. George J. Combs had 3 different assignments during his 21 year service, the 119th AVN Company, the 1st Cavalry, and the ASA. He was invovled in the Tet offensive of 1968, the relief of Khe Sanh, the A Shau Valley, and the Easter Offensive. For his services he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, The Bronze Star, The Purple Heart, and the Air Medal. From 1976 to 1986 he was employed as a commercial pilot serving as a Helicopter Instructor Pilot for the Royal Iranian Army, and an aviation support pilot for the petroleum industry. While working in the petroleum industry he was responsible for site management of aviation personnel and equipment, coordinating activities with local aviation authorities, oversight for the aquisition or construction of facilities to support operations, coordination with local authorities to obtain work permits for expatriate personnel and import/export permits for equipment and parts, and recruit and train local personnel to support operations. He was then employed by the United States Government from 1986 to 1996 as an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector and Accident Prevention Program Manager. Form 1997 to 2003 he was self employed as a free lance pilot, an aviation accident investigator and a writer. George J. Combs earned a BA degree in environmental geography with a minor in geology in 2005. He is currently working as a volunteer service officer with the Disabled American Veterans in Seguin, Texas.

Series

• Sub-Series - Original Manuscript written by George J. Combs titled "Tigers Live Here"