FARLOW, Allan W., 86, died on October 31, 2007 in Richmond, Virginia.

He was born and grew up in Mount Vernon, Illinois, and began college at the University of Illinois, but left to join the Army Air Corps after Pearl Harbor was bombed by the Japanese in 1941. Flying the P-47 Thunderbolt as a member of the 366th FS, he completed over 100 combat missions in support of the allied invasion of Europe and was credited with destroying three German aircraft.

After the war, he obtained a law degree from the University of Texas, but was recalled to active duty with the Air Force in 1953. He served as an instructor in the USAF Instrument Pilot Instructors School, flew the B-66 Destroyer as a command pilot in a peace-time deployment to Japan, and in a combat assignment during the Vietnam War. At home, he served as Chief, USAF Personnel Legislative Section, and Deputy Assistant for Legislative Affairs to the Secretary of Defense. He retired a full colonel in 1972. His decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Bronze Star. Following his military service, he worked as a specialist in national defense and foreign affairs for the Congressional Research Service of the Library of Congress, completing a comprehensive revision of the law governing personnel management for military officers in all branches of the armed forces. He then practiced law until he suffered a debilitating stroke. He courageously recovered with the help of his wife, Catherine, who predeceased him in March.

He is survived by his five children, Carol LERCHE of Belmont, California, Marilyn SMALL and Janet MERRITT, both of Richmond, Virginia, Diane BOLLER of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Stephen FARLOW of Henderson, Nevada; and eight grandchildren.

A funeral service with full military honors will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, January 15, 2008, at Arlington National Cemetery.

Source: The Richmond Times-Gazette, Richmond, Virginia
Date: November 9, 2007
Submitted by: Debbie Vietzke