Dr. Bill Winston served for six years as a United States Air Force fighter pilot, including five years flying the F-4 Phantom in combat over Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. In that highly dangerous environment he completed more than 200 combat missions, often under heavy enemy fire, and credits the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen as an early inspiration for excellence, discipline, and courage.
His performance in aerial warfare earned him several distinguished military recognitions. He was awarded the Squadron Top Gun Award twice, honoring exceptional tactical skill, and received two of the U.S. military's notable aviation decorations