José M. Portela
Brigadier General José M. Portela (Ret.), (born June 16, 1949), is a retired officer of the United States Air Force who recently retired from the position of Assistant Adjutant General for Air, which he held while also serving as commander of the Puerto Rico Air National Guard. In 1972, Portela became the youngest C-141 Starlifter aircraft commander and captain at age 22. Portela is also the only reservist ever to serve as director of mobility forces for Bosnia. He is also the first native of Puerto Rico to hold the rank of Brigadier General in the United States Air Force Reserve.
José M. Portela | |
|---|---|
Brigadier General José M. Portela Youngest C-141 Starlifter aircraft commander and captain. Also the only reservist ever to serve as director of mobility forces for Bosnia. | |
| Born | June 16, 1949 San Juan, Puerto Rico |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ | Air Force Reserve United States Air Force Puerto Rico Air National Guard (2005–2006 and 2009–2012) |
| Years of service | 1969–2012 |
| Rank | Brigadier General |
| Commands held | Puerto Rico Air National Guard |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War Operation Just Cause Operation Desert Shield Operation Desert Storm |
| Awards | Air Force Distinguished Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters |
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