Bio: Sanford, Rosemary (Special Citation - 1962)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Sanford, Bertz

----- Source: Loyal Tribune (Loyal, Clark Co., Wis.) 11/08/1962

----- Sanford, Rosemary (Special Citation - NOV 1962)

Mrs. Joshua D. Sanford of Reedsburg, the former Rosemary Bertz of Loyal (Clark Co., Wis.), received a special citation from President John F. Kennedy this past week honoring her late husband.

Joshua Sanford, 43, was a former Flying Tiger ace while flying for General Claire Chennault in China in World War II. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1944, and the Air Medal for 102 combat flights over China. He was shot down or ditched 12 times, and retired with rank of Captain.

He was civil defense director of Sauk County, and a member of the VFW and American Legion. He died Oct. 21 in a Madison hospital after a short illness.

The citation read: "The United States honors the memory of Joshua D. Sanford. This certificate is awarded by a grateful nation in recognition of devoted and selfless consecration to the service of mankind in the Armed Forces of the United States."

It was signed by John F. Kennedy and mailed from the White House.

Joshua, nicknamed "Chief" because he was full-blooded Winnebago Indian, is survived by two children, Maureen, 13, and Conant William, 10, besides his wife. Mrs. Sanford is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Bertz of Berlin and a sister of Robert Bertz of Loyal.