By A1C Frank A. Pagani
    Another proud chapter to the history of the 20th Tactical Fighter Wing is drawing to a close with the impending departure of Col Ernest T. Cragg. Future wing historians will not that the command of Colonel Cragg was marked by the continuation of one successive achievement after another.
     In a sense, Colonel Cragg's 20th is living proof that an Air Force unit can attain far more than its operational requirements. Never satisfied with just getting by, the wing has emerged as a model of combat readiness for other units to admire and attain. For Colonel Cragg, quality and the desire to succeed were the bywords of the day. No one would ever deny that the work was hard, challenging and even trying at times. The record speaks for itself. Since Colonel Cragg became the wing's 27th commander on June 26, 1965, the successful record has been uninterrupted. Laurels from higher headquarters and praises by top command officials have truly borne out the efforts of Colonel Cragg's professional team of dedicated airmen.
     The honors started coming in late last year when U.S. Air Forces in Europe nominated the wing's Base Supply complex to represent the command for the Air Force Daedalian Supply Effectiveness Award. The 20^th Wing won the right to represent USAFE after receiving the command Silver Crest Award which is given for the outstanding tactical Base Supply operation.
     Immediately following the announcement of the Supply Daedalian nomination, Gen. B. K. Holloway, USAFE commander in chief, named the wing's maintenance complex to represent the command in the Air Force Daedalian Maintenance competion. The selection of the 20th was based on the unit's operational, safety, personnel training and maintenance data records.
     Then on Jan. 28, 1966, the wing was presented with its second Air Force Outstanding Unit Award at a special ceremony in the PE Hanger. In the presence of 1,500 wing members, Colonel Cragg assisted Third Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. John S. Hardy in placing the special ribbon on the 20th's colors
     In a letter nominating the unit for the second award, wing personnel were cited for their concerted and coordinated effort to achieve maximum effectiveness in every area of responsibility.
     In late April, the 20th Wing was presented the Air Force Flying Safety Plaque for the second consecutive year. General Holloway presented the plaque to Colonel Cragg at a special awards ceremony in Wiesbaden.
     The wing was honored for establishing an accident-free record while flying more than 25,000 hours last year. Safety officials termed the wing's two year safety mark for the North American F-100 Super Sabre a phenomenal record
     In addition to maintaining operational superiority, the wing's support and administrative sections set an enviable pace during Colonel Cragg's command. The wing's Military Suggestion Program was rated best in Third Air Force during the year and the Cost Reduction Program effort was among the top three in USAFE for the same period.
     For its exceptional services to aircrews, Base Operations earned the Rex Riley Award for the second consecutive year. The semi-annual wing history, for the period July 1 to December 31, 1965, was rated excellent, the highest rating ever given by 3AF. Moreover, the Wingman captured first place in the USAFE Class II Base Newspaper Contest and a Third Place in the Air Force wide Class II competition.
     Colonel Cragg is leaving a rich legacy for his successor, Col Edmund B. Edwards. Though the reins of command change hands, the 20th is geared to add more proud chapters to its enviable heritage.
     We wish success for Colonel Cragg on his new assignment as commander of the 3500th Pilot Training Wing at Reese AFB, Tex. For those of us who were privileged to serve under him, we will long remember being a part of this momentous and historic chapter of the 20th Tactical Fighter Wing