Extracted from The News-Star (Monroe, LA)
Thursday, May 28, 2009

ILEY C. GAAR

Newellton, LA -- Graveside services for Iley C. Gaar, 88, Newellton, LA will be Friday, May 29, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at Legion Memorial in Newellton, with Rev. Larry Foster officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, May 28, 2009 at Crothers-Glenwood Funeral in Tallulah, LA from 6:00 until 8:00 PM.

Iley Gaar was born February 1, 1921, in Sikes, LA, and passed away May 27, 2009.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Jeanette Hart Gaar.

Iley is survived by his children Pamela Lyles of Newellton, Russell C. Gaar of Plaquemine and Linda Colvin of West Monroe.

Iley C. Gaar was 21 years old when he volunteered for the U. S. Army Air Corps cadet program in June, 1942. In September, he was called for pre-flight training at Maxwell Field, Montgomery, AL, followed by primary, basic and advance training. In June, 1943, Iley received his gold bars and wings at Spence Field, Moultrie, GA, class of 43-F. His first P-47 flight came shortly afterward in Richmond, VA, when he was assigned to the newly formed 366th Fighter Group, 389th Squadron. From August to December, 1943, the group received operational training at Wilmington, NC, and they arrived in England on New Year's Day, 1944. On March 15, Iley flew the first of what would be 98 combat missions. Among his most memorable missions were the two he flew in support of the Allied Invasion of Normandy on D-Day. Other memorable missions were the St. Lo break-through, the Falaise Gap, the rouen Crossing, the drive into norther[n] France and Germany. His 366th group were the first American planes to land in France after D-Day and remain operational. Iley's last combat mission was September 28, 1944, in the P-47 dubbed ``Jenny Rebel,'' after his wife Jeanette. For his efforts in the war Iley received the Presidential Unit Citation, the Distinguished Flying Cross, with 17 clusters, the ETO with four stars and the Belgian Croix de Guerre.

After Iley left the Army Air Corps, he moved his family to Newellton, LA to start a hardware and sporting goods business. He ran his store for about 60 years. Iley was a member of the First Baptist Church of Newellton. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and had a joy for the outdoors. His family and friends will truly miss him.