Muir S. Fairchild
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| Muir S. Fairchild | |
|---|---|
| 1894-1950 | |
 General Muir Stephen Fairchild |
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| Place of birth | Bellingham, Washington |
| Place of death | Fort Myer, Virginia |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1916-1950 |
| Rank | General |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross |
General Muir Stephen Fairchild was former vice chief of staff of the United States Air Force. He was born September 2, 1894 at Bellingham, Washington, and died March 17, 1950 at Fort Myer, Virginia.
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[edit] Early service
Fairchild entered the service as a sergeant in the Washington National Guard in June 1916. A year later he became a flying cadet at Berkeley, California, and went to Europe to complete his training in France and Italy, getting his wings and commission in the Aviation Section in January 1918. He flew bombers in World War I, including night missions over the Rhine with the French forces.
[edit] Inter-war period
In December 1918 he returned home and served at McCook Field, Ohio; Mitchel Field, New York, and Langley Field, Virginia. In 1926 and 1927, he flew to South America in the Pan American good-will tour and received the Distinguished Flying Cross. He completed the course in the Air Corps Engineer School at Wright Field in June 1929 and went to Santa Monica, California, as Air Corps representative to Douglas Aircraft Corporation. In the 1930s he was graduated from the Air Corps Tactical School, the Army Industrial College, and the Army War College. In 1936, he returned to Maxwell Field, Alabama as an instructor. He rose to director of air tactics and strategy in 1939.
[edit] Second World War
In 1940, Fairchild went to the Plans Division in Washington and in 1941 was named secretary of the newly formed Air Staff. Two months later he was advanced two grades to brigadier general and named assistant chief of Air Corps. In 1942 he became director of military requirements and was promoted to major general in August. In November he became a member of the Joint Strategic Survey Committee of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
[edit] Post war
In January 1946 he was named commandant of Air University at Maxwell Field, with promotion to lieutenant general. On May 27, 1948 he became vice chief of staff of the United States Air Force, with the rank of general. General Fairchild died on March 17, 1950 while still on active duty as vice chief of staff. Fairchild Hall, the main academic building at the United States Air Force Academy is named in his honor.
[edit] Legacy
Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington, was named for General Fairchild after his death. Fairchild Memorial Hall, the Air University Library, was also named for him.
