Edward Sanford
Edward "Ed" Sanford III of Park Street Attleboro a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed on Friday March 18, 2011 at the age of 92. He was the beloved husband of Alice D. (McNamara) Sanford. Born in Attleboro on February 3, 1919 he was the son of the late Raymond and Bertha (Boswell) Sanford. Ed was a graduate of Attleboro High School. He attended Wentworth Institute of Technology and Northeastern University.
Ed was a WWII Aviator serving with the 757th Squadron, 459th Heavy Bombardment Group of the 15th US Army Air Force in Italy. He rose to the rank of Technical Sergeant as a B-24 Lead Radio Operator receiving credit for 52 missions over Southern Germany and Occupied Europe. He won special commendation for courageous service in aerial combat by "Shooting" a difficult radio direction bearing when his aircraft became lost in heavy cloud and fog. Ed was shot down 3-times surviving with his crew. He is a "Caterpillar Club" member.
Ed was a tool maker and worked many years for the Raytheon Company on the MIM-23 Hawk and AIM-7 Sparrow missile programs. At mid career he shifted to engineering, working as both a Methods and Industrial Engineer at Raytheon and other Aerospace Corporations. Ed was a member of the Masons and Shriners. He also belonged to the VFW and American Legion. For many years he enjoyed taking his family on day trips to Horse Neck Beach and staying at East Dennis. He especially enjoyed camping at Curlew Pond. He was an avid chess player, enjoyed wilderness hiking, salt water fishing and taking his grandchildren on flying lessons. In retirement Ed and Alice enjoyed traveling cross country in their RV visiting several National Parks including Big Bend.
Ed's "Final Flyby" began at 3:00 AM from Epoch Senior Healthcare of Norton. Though no longer powered by 4-1200 HP Pratt & Whitney's, he is winging his way on course to his final destination. His wit, humor and character will all be missed.
In addition to his wife Alice, Ed is survived by a son; Edward Sanford IV and his wife Nancy of Bainbridge Island, Washington, two daughters; Mary A. Moore and her husband James of Attleboro and Suzanne L. Lofgren and her husband Peter of Norton, eight grandchildren; Heather Kelley, Jason Burtwell, Kimberly Lofgren, Patrick Lofgren, Kevin Lofgren, Jennifer Lofgren Robbins, Janna Sanford and Evan Sanford and four great grandchildren; Connor and Charles Lofgren, Shaelyn and Braeden Kelley.
MACR: 7139
T/Sgt. Edward Sanford was assigned to the 459th BG 757th Squadron.
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS): Radio Operator.
The following information on Edward Sanford is gathered and extracted from military records. We have many documents and copies of documents, including military award documents. It is from these documents that we have found this information on T/Sgt. Sanford. These serviceman's records are nowhere near complete and we are always looking for more material. If you can help add to Edward Sanford's military record please contact us.
| |
Rank |
General Order |
Date |
Notes |
Award |
Ribbon & Device |
Edward Sanford |
S/Sgt |
2411 |
08/08/1944 |
|
AM |
|
Edward Sanford |
T/Sgt |
4038 |
10/19/1944 |
|
AM/OLC |
|
Edward Sanford |
T/Sgt |
4406 |
11/09/1944 |
|
AM/2OLC |
|
Edward Sanford |
T/Sgt |
1173 |
03/06/1945 |
|
AM/3OLC |
|
EDWARD SANFORD |
TSGT |
1173 |
03/06/1945 |
|
AM/3OLC |
|
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