Edward Frederick Lankenau III
Edward Frederick Lankenau III
Years of Service:
8
Highest Rank:
O-3
Medals & Awards:
Career Highlights:
MAJOR EDWARD FREDERICK LANKENAU III
Cadet Squadron: CS-03
Highest Rank: Major (O-4) / Captain (O-3, Active Duty)
Years of Active Service: 1959–1966 (Continued in USAFR)
Edward Frederick Lankenau III, a proud native of New York, entered the United States Air Force Academy as a member of the historic first graduating class. Joining Cadet Squadron 3, he navigated the rigorous demands of the newly established academy, dedicating himself to the foundations of the USAFA legacy. Upon graduating with the Class of 1959, he was commissioned into the United States Air Force, eager to fulfill his dream of military aviation.
Following graduation, Ed entered undergraduate pilot training from 1959 to 1960, splitting his time between Spence Air Base and Vance Air Force Base. Demonstrating a natural aptitude for flight and instruction, he remained at Vance Air Force Base from 1960 to 1963, serving as an Instructor Pilot with the 3576th Pilot Training Squadron. There, he played an integral role in shaping the next wave of military aviators, completing Squadron Officer School (SOS) during this period to further his leadership credentials.
In 1963, Captain Lankenau was assigned to Headquarters, Air Force Reserve Region (AFRR) at Stewart Air Force Base, New York, where he served with distinction as an Aide-de-Camp until 1965.
After completing his active-duty service obligation, Ed transitioned to civilian aviation in 1966, joining Trans World Airlines (TWA) out of JFK International Airport in Jamaica, New York, where he flew as an International Captain on the Boeing 767. He seamlessly paired his commercial career with continued military service as a traditional drilling reservist in the U.S. Air Force Reserve (USAFR), eventually achieving the field grade rank of Major. His dual career allowed him to safely transport thousands of passengers worldwide while remaining a steadfast asset to national defense.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
B.S., United States Air Force Academy 1959
Undergraduate Pilot Training (Spence AB / Vance AFB) 1960
Squadron Officer School (SOS) Regular Course
SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS
Pilot Training Spence AB / Vance AFB 1959 – 1960
Instructor Pilot 3576th Pilot Training Squadron, Vance AFB 1960 – 1963
Aide-de-Camp Headquarters AFRR, Stewart AFB 1963 – 1966
International Captain (B-767) / Reservist TWA (JFK International Airport) / USAFR 1966 – Career
MEDALS AND AWARDS
Air Force Longevity Service Award
National Defense Service Medal
Air Force Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon
Air Force Training Ribbon
