Saul Sitzer

Last Name: Sitzer
First Name: Saul
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Birthdate: April 20, 1924
Birthplace: Brooklyn, NY

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Post-Secondary Education: Brooklyn College, University of Delaware

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Branch of Armed Services: United States Air Force
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Unit(s): 8th Air Force's celebrated 357th Fighter Group

Rank(s): Lieutenant Colonel

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Awards/Honors: National Defense Service Medal; the Korean Service Medal; the United Nations Service Medal and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal. Saul also received the Air Medal with 27 Oak Leaf Clusters; the Air Force Commendation Medal; a Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Service Stars; the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; a Presidential Unit Citation; the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two Oak Leaf Clusters; and the Air Force Longevity Service Award with four Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters

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Death Date: November 28, 2010
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Spouse Name: Evelyn Redlus
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Name(s) of Children: Jeremy, Mardy, David

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CITATIONS

PROFILE Lieutenant Colonel, USAF (Retired) - A first generation American, Saul Sitzer was born April 20, 1924, in Brooklyn, NY, and passed away November 28, 2010, in Baltimore, MD. Lt. Col. Saul Sitzer, a decorated combat pilot, enlisted in the Army Air Corp while attending Brooklyn College during World War II. A member of the 8th Air Force's celebrated 357th Fighter Group, Sitzer flew the legendary P-51 Mustang alongside pilots such as Chuck Yeager and "Kit" Carson, escorting bombers deep into Germany. Actively engaged in air combat Sitzer is credited with shooting down a German Messerschmitt Bf 109. Sitzer's 22nd mission was cut short when struck by ground fire, his aircraft in flames, he parachuted into enemy capture. Despite several escape attempts, Sitzer was held Prisoner of War in Stalag Luft 1, until liberated by the Russian Army, May 1, 1945. The end of hostilities reunited Saul with his family, then living in Wilmington, DE. While in the Reserves, Saul met his future wife, Evelyn Redlus. Saul returned to college, earning a Bachelor's Degree in History from the University of Delaware. Saul made the Air Force his career, and continued to serve with honor through peacetime, the Korean Conflict, the Cold War, and Vietnam with well over 6,000 hours flying time. Sitzer's decorations include the National Defense Service Medal; the Korean Service Medal; the United Nations Service Medal and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal. Saul also received the Air Medal with 27 Oak Leaf Clusters; the Air Force Commendation Medal; a Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Service Stars; the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; a Presidential Unit Citation; the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two Oak Leaf Clusters; and the Air Force Longevity Service Award with four Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters. Lt. Col. Sitzer retired from duty in 1972 while stationed at Wright Patterson Air Base, Dayton, OH. He continued flying professionally for a while as a corporate charter pilot, as well as piloting his own airplane. He owned and operated a lumber yard in Ohio, later a Pappy's Family Pizza Franchise restaurant in Reading, PA, and finally a Pappy's Family Pizza Franchise in Baltimore, MD. Saul spent his retirement years as a tax preparer for H&R Block in Baltimore. He also distinguished himself as a volunteer for the Red Cross, and the Baltimore County Department of Social Services, where he was recognized with their Outstanding Service Award. Saul traveled extensively, including duty stations in Europe, Asia, and the U.S. Though proudly referring to himself as a New Yorker, and considering Wilmington his home, he settled in Baltimore for the last 30 years. He enjoyed sailing on the Chesapeake Bay, and for over 15 years and together with his wife, Evelyn, hosted family and friends for sailing excursions. Saul Sitzer leaves behind a legacy of honor, integrity and devotion to his family, friends, community and country. He is survived by his wife Evelyn Bitzer of 60 years; son Jeremy, Baltimore; Daughter Mardy, New York; son David (Wanda), Baltimore; grandchildren Jenna, New York; Justin, Florida; Molly and Ben, Baltimore; sister Ruth Balick (nee Bitzer), Wilmington; brother-in-law David Balick; 14 nieces and nephews; lifelong friend Eugene Wiseblatt, and a host of longtime friends and boating comrades. The funeral was held on December 5 followed by a graveside Military Honor Guard at the Jewish Community Cemetery located on Foulk Rd. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome and may be made in honor of Saul Sitzer to the Fund for Social Welfare, Baltimore County Department of Social Services, Volunteer Office at 6401 York Road, Baltimore, MD 21212.