As part of our Jewish American Heritage Month celebration, we are spotlighting Norton “Norty” Schwartz. Norty grew-up in Toms River, New Jersey. After graduating from the Air Force Academy in 1973, he first saw action as part of the airlift to evacuate Saigon as the Vietnam War ended. An outstanding pilot with more than 4,400 flight hours, Schwartz was known not only for his aerial skill, but for his intelligence and compassion. In 2000, he assumed command of the 11th Air Force and Alaskan Command. Norty’s leadership was put to the test on 9/11 when a Korean Airlines jumbo-jet entered Alaskan airspace transmitting a “hijack” transponder code. General Schwartz responded immediately, working with Canadian forces to safely escort the plane to a safe landing, ultimately saving more than 250 lives. Later, as head of U.S. Transportation Command, he coordinated the movement of wounded personnel from the battlefield. In 2008, General Schwartz was sworn-in as the 19th Air Force Chief of Staff — the first Jewish-American to hold that position. After 39 years of service, General Schwartz retired and now serves as President of the Institute for Defense Analysis. His legacy is one of sharp decision-making, steady leadership, and deep compassion. #JWV #JAHM #MyJAHM #OurSharedHeritage #JewishAmericanHeritageMonth (fb)

Continuing our celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month, we highlight Air Force Sergeant John Levitow, the lowest ranking enlisted member to receive the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War. Born in 1945 in Hartford, CT, Levitow enlisted in the Air Force in 1966 and served as a crew chief and loadmaster with the 3rd Special Operations Squadron, flying missions aboard C-130s and AC-47 gunships. In 1969, during a low-level night mission, his aircraft was hit by a mortar round, injuring all onboard. Despite more than 40 shrapnel wounds, then Airman 1st Class Levitow threw himself onto a burning magnesium flare rolling loose on the deck. He dragged it to the cargo door and hurled it clear of the aircraft seconds before it ignited, saving the entire crew of seven. After recovering from his wounds, Levitow went on to fly another 20 combat missions. For his heroism, Levitow was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Richard M. Nixon. After his service, Levitow joined Post 45 of the Jewish War Veterans and proudly identified as Jewish. Levitow passed away in 2000, but his legacy lives on through the John Levitow Award, the highest honor for graduates of U.S. Air Force Enlisted Leadership School. The Jewish War Veterans is proud to honor John Levitow. His courage, humility, and dedication continue to inspire. #JWV #JAHM #MyJAHM #OurSharedHeritage #JewishAmericanHeritageMonth (fb)