Unconventional War Pioneer Aderholt Dies

Retired Brig. Gen. Harry C. “Heinie” Aderholt, former commander of the 1st Air Commando Wing, died peacefully in his home in Okaloosa County, Fla., on May 20 at age 90. According to his Destin Log obituary, Aderholt was called “Air Commando One” by friends and those who served with him. Born in Birmingham, Ala., in 1920, Aderholt flew B-17s and C-47s in North Africa and Italy during World War II. During the Korean War, he commanded a special air warfare detachment that conducted night missions behind enemy lines. In the 1960s, he directed air commandos who fought the North Vietnamese from bases in Laos. During his career, he served in various planning positions that advanced the Air Force’s unconventional warfare, special air warfare, and personnel recovery skills. He later helped negotiate the withdrawal of US troops from Vietnam.