Biography of Author Robert "Smoky" Vrilakas

Following 32 years in the U.S. armed forces, Robert Vrilakas retired from the Air Force in mid-1973. Vrilakas later launched a specialized machine shop in Portland, Oregon. In 1980, Vrilakas turned over the machine shop to his two sons and took up fishing and golf as his primary duties.

Robert "Smoky" Vrilakas retired as a command pilot with over 9000 hours flying time and 51 combat missions. Vrilakas has two aerial victories, two damaged in the air, and two destroyed on the ground.

The military Aircraft Vrilakas has flown include:

• Stearman PT-17
• Vultee BT-13
• North American AT-6
• Curtis Wright AT-9
• Lockheed P-38
• North American P-51
• Lockheed T-33
• Douglas C-47
• Douglas C-124
• Douglas 118

Robert Vrilakas' flight & qualifications include:

• Aircraft Commander
• Instructor Pilot
• Flight Examiner

The command positions Smoky Vrilakas held include:

• Detachment Commander
• Aerial Port Group Vice Commander
• Aerial Port Group Commander

Vrilakas also has several decorations:

• Joint Service Commendation Medal
• Air Force Commendation Medal
• Presidential Unit Citation (2)
• Legion of Merit
• Bronze Star Medal (1 oak leaf cluster)
• Air Medal (8 oak leaf clusters)
• Distinguished Flying Cross