Brigadier General John William “Bill” Rutledge III
Brigadier General Rutledge graduated from Todd County Central High School in 1965. Graduated with honors in ROTC program from the 
University of Kentucky where he played freshman basketball. Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force and logged a career 2,800 hours flight time in fighter aircraft. Received Master of Science degree from University of Southern California, graduated Air War College, served in a variety of operational and staff assignments in Europe, the Pacific and United States. Commanded an F-15 squadron, a tactical group, a provisional composite wing, a combined force air component and the United States’ only high-altitude reconnaissance wing. Served on the staffs of Headquarters North American Aerospace Defense Command, Headquarters U.S. AF, Headquarters U.S. European Command and the National Imagery and Mapping Agency. Was Commanding Officer of Incirlik AB US/NATO Turkey and Beale AFB, CA. He received Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, AF Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Aerial Achievement Medal and numerous other awards.