COLONEL RAYMOND TURCZYNSKI JR.

CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF THE AIR COMMANDO HALL OF FAME TO COLONEL RAYMOND TURCZYNSKI JR.

Colonel Raymond Turczynski’s extraordinary service to our nation and Air Force Special Operations Forces began in 1973 in Thailand. It continues today through his active involvement in the Air Commando Association and Stray Goose International. As a staff officer, U.S. Support Activities Office, Nakom Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base, Col Turczynski participated in the planning and execution of classified special activities, including MC-130 leaflet and high altitude container delivery system airdrops in Cambodia. While commanding the 1st Special Operations Squadron, Col Turczynski led his unit through a significant period of history, the planning and execution of Operation EAGLE CLAW, the attempted rescue of American hostages in Iran. He led the development of never before attempted tactics, including the conduct of airfield seizures and night vision goggle operations. Prior to retiring from active duty in 1989, Col Turczynski served in significant positions of responsibility including the 1st Special Operations Wing’s Assistant Director of Operations, the 2nd Air Division Operations Director, and the 23rd Air Force Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations. Col Turczynski’s operational successes include leading a UH-1N operation known as OP BAT, supporting Bahamian Police efforts to disrupt Caribbean narcotics trafficking. As site manager, SOF ATS Aircrew Training and Mission Rehearsal Complex, Hurlburt Field, he helped transform the fledgling Central Training Flight into a fully modernized, capable, and accredited Air Force training and rehearsal center for SOF aircrews. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Raymond Turczynski reflect great credit upon himself, Air Force Special Operations, and all Air Commandos.

Inducted in 2016 at the Air Commando Association’s Award Banquet in Fort Walton Beach, FL