* Charles F. Willis Jr.; Aviation Industry Innovator

Charles F. Willis Jr., 74, a decorated World War II pilot and aviation industry innovator who helped persuade Dwight D. Eisenhower to run for President. Willis enlisted in the Navy in 1940 and flew 250 combat missions in the Pacific and 35 in Europe during World War II. He patrolled in the Battle of Midway, provided information to help plan the attack on Okinawa, was shot down over Guadalcanal and spent three days drifting on a raft. He received 23 major decorations, including three Distinguished Flying Crosses, three Air Medals, eight battle stars and a presidential unit citation. Willis was the co-founder and manager of Citizens for Eisenhower. The organization popularized the “I Like Ike” slogan and helped gather support that pushed Eisenhower into the presidential race. He became a special assistant to Eisenhower in charge of appointments, patronage and aviation. He also was chairman of the U.S. Committee for the United Nations. In Washington on March 16 of lung cancer.