An American Glider Pilot's Story

Dr. Gale R. Ammerman died Tuesday, April 21, 2009, in Aliceville, Alabama. Born in Sullivan County, Indiana on March 6, 1923, he was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving as a glider pilot in World War II. Dr. Ammerman made combat glider landings on D-Day, June 1944, in Holland and across the Rhine River. For his actions he was awarded the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Dutch Orange Lanyard and a Presidential Unit Citation. He was discharged from the Air Force as a First Lieutenant on January 4, 1946. Following his service in World War II he earned a Doctorate of Philosophy degree from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind. and served as professor of Food Science and Technology at Mississippi State University until he retired after 23 years. He retained the rank of Professor Emeritus following his retirement. Following his retirement from MSU, Dr. Ammerman served for many years in economic development in Pickens County, Ala., as advisor to the Pickens County Commission and served on the Board of Directors of the West Alabama Economic Development Authority. He is a past President of the Aliceville Area Chamber of Commerce. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jane Burke Ammerman; one daughter, Kathleen Winston of Starkville, Miss.; sons, John Ammerman of Columbia, South Carolina, Joseph Ammerman of Richland, Mississippi, Mark Ammerman of Aliceville, Ala., and Chris Ammerman of Montgomery, Ala.; 13 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.