We have enjoyed sharing history regarding the many great county residents that have served in the San Bernardino County Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector’s office since 1853. We are excited to broaden this history column by now including history from the San Bernardino County Museum.
Captain Joseph McConnell was a national war hero and one of the most famous people to ever call Apple Valley their home. After enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1940, he entered the U.S. Army Air Force Aviation Cadet Program in 1943. He became a navigator and flew 60 missions in Europe during World War II. In 1948, McConnell received his U.S. Air Force wings and finally fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a fighter pilot.
In 1952, McConnell was transferred to George Air Force Base in Victorville and assigned to the 445th Fighter Squadron. A year later, he was sent to Korea to join the 51st Fighter-Interceptor Wing and aid in U.S. efforts during the Korean War. In only four months, McConnell downed 16 Soviet-made MiG fighter jets. He became the first American triple jet ace (a military aviator credited with shooting down at least 15 enemy aircraft) and the top American ace of the Korean War. This earned him rapid fame as all the local desert newspapers as well as media outlets across the country proudly shared his story.
McConnell was awarded over a dozen military decorations during his service, including the Distinguished Service Cross (the second highest award given for extreme courage and risk of life), the Silver Star (the third highest personal decoration for valor in combat), and the Distinguished Flying Cross for his aerial combat missions. In 1954, McConnell was temporarily reassigned to Edwards Air Force Base in Kern County to test the final iteration of the F-86H Sabre jet. Sadly, during a routine test flight, both McConnell and his plane perished due to a control malfunction. McConnell was laid to rest at Victor Valley Memorial Park, but his legacy and memory lives on in the history and culture of the High Desert. Learn more about Captain Joseph McConnell by visiting Victor Valley Museum’s Military in the Mojave exhibit in Apple Valley.
Additional County Update News – July 3, 2024
- Extreme heat is upon us – stay healthy and safe!
- County Fire warns residents of fireworks dangers
- County launches program to support community cats
- Free pet adoptions all month long
- County bids farewell to a pair of landmark buildings
- County Library eliminates late fees on overdue items
- San Bernardino County Museum offers free admission to all historic sites
- San Bernardino County destinations
- San Bernardino County history
- Southwest Gas Foundation supports Big Bear Alpine Zoo with generous donation and volunteer efforts
- Operation Consequences: June 22-28
- Arrowhead Regional Medical Center’s Health Scene Magazine
- A guide to enrollment for Preschool Services Head Start and Early Head Start
- Things to do in San Bernardino County
- Pet of the Week