Claire Patterson Chennault

Lt. Col. Chennault was born on November 24, 1920 in Gilbert, LA to the union of General Claire Chennault and Nell Thompson Chennault and passed from this life at this residence on Monday, October 3, 2011. Lt. Col. Chennault served with the United States Army Air Force from January 1943 until his retirement in 1966. He served with the 433rd Squadron, 86th Fighter Wing Eighth Air Force, his combat experience includes with over 300 Combat Hours over Europe. His awards include Distinguished Flying Cross; Air Medical with Seven Oak Leaf Clusters; European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; Three Bronze Stars and Credited with destroying 2 enemy aircraft. Survivors include his children Butch Chennault and fiancé' Ronnie; Suzi McGarry and husband Bill; Patti Smith and husband Rusty; Bobby Chennault and wife Sarah; his sister Rosemary Simrall; also survived by grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.