Known as "The Flying Greek," Spiros "Steve" Pisansos was born in Athens Greece and came to American in 1938. In August 1941, not yet a U.S. citizen, Steve joined the RAF and flew with the famed Eagle Squadron, American volunteers flying in Spitfires. Transferring to the U.S. Army Air Forces in September 1942, he was commissioned a lieutenant, and the following May became an American citizen, the first immigrant ever to become a citizen outside the continental United States. In March of 1944 Steve obtained his 10th victory while escorting B-17s. Upon his return from that mission he experienced engine trouble and crash landed in German-held territory. For 6 months Steve was able to evade capture while assisting the French Resistance. Following the war Steve Pisanos served as a test pilot at Wright Field, saw duty with NORAD and saw duty in Vietnam in 1967-1968, before retiring as a colonel in 1973. Pisanos passed away on June 6, 2016.
Inducted in 2008.
Portrait Location: World War II Gallery

Induction Video