One of the most intrigued pilot careers of Greek Americans is the one of Terry Pappas. We can definitely say that he is the fastest Greek heritage pilot in history, as he was privileged to fly the marvelous SR-71 Blackbird. During our communication with him wrote to us about his family history.

“My grandfather, Nikos Papapostolou Pappas was from Petrona, a small community above Agrinio in the region of Aetolokarnania. From Athens, you take the highway towards Patras and turn onto the new bridge call Rio Antirio towards Agrinio and.......

For more click the link below.

https://www.greeks-in-foreign-cockpits.com/pilots-crews/fighter-pilots/terry-pappas/

Andrew Anzanos story is a great one. A fearless gunner, serving in the 8th AF Bomber Command, flying over Europe in his B-17 and defending it from the enemy attacks from his upper turret twin 0,50''s. After the war, he became an aeronautical engineer, he obtained his pilot license and later worked for McDonnell Douglas in various aircraft and space programs. Our team was lucky to be in touch with him many years ago. Unfortunately that time we were just researching as we didn't have the resources to have either a website or writing books. Now its time to honor him. We are very proud that we had a chance to exchange emails and learn more about him. Andrew was able to publish a book with his memoirs, entitled as 'My Combat Diary with 'Liberty Bell-E' - Eight Air Force B-17, 390th Bomb Group'. His biography was copied by his book (which were happy to get a signed copy by himself), while we added some further info, especially for his Greek heritage as he wrote it in a letter to George Chalkiadopoulos. Andrew Anzanos was born of Greek immigrant parents on Feb.22, 1924 in Gary, Indiana.........

For more click the link below.

https://www.greeks-in-foreign-cockpits.com/pilots-crews/gunners/andy-anzanos/

Can you imagine a 19 years old man, navigating a B-17 Flying Fortress, heavy bomber? How did this young Greek - American airman felt when he lost his leg during his fourth mission from German anti-aircraft fire? War is cruel but from the war ashes, great men born. Men righteously called as being members of the GREATEST GENERATION. One such man is also George Nicolau, 93 years old today. His story will be the opening story for the Bombardiers - Navigators subpage. More to follow.

https://www.greeks-in-foreign-cockpits.com/pilots-crews/bombardiers-and-navigators/george_nikolau/

Today we are very honored to present to our site, one of our best friends in the net. Achilles Kozakis, was an Emerson turret nose gunner, flying with 451st BG B-24 Liberators of the 15th AF. He is a proud man, born American, with Greek blood, a truly a remarkable personality. If you didn't make him a friends request, so far, do it know. You will be surprised by his spirit and his will to pass his experiences to the new generations. As Achi usually says, we wish all of you "Sto Kalo” (Farewell in Greek). Thank you for your service sir.

https://www.greeks-in-foreign-cockpits.com/pilots-crews/gunners/achilles_kozakis/

As promised we are starting to add more airmen of Greek parentage, not only pilots, who flew during WW2 and other conflicts. Today we present you a short story of a Greek American ball turret gunner who flew 26 missions with 390th BG, B-17s and acted as a co-pilot when their bomber severely damaged and half of the crew bailed out under captains orders. He chooses to stay and helped him to split-s their bomber in order to put out the engine fire through the dive. They were lucky to live and fight again over Europe. You can read more about his story at the following link:

https://www.greeks-in-foreign-cockpits.com/pilots-crews/gunners/george_agiasottelis/