United States European Command, Stuttgart, Germany. North then moved to Hancock Field, New York, as commander of the 21st North American Aerospace Defense Command Region and the 21st Air Division. He assumed command of the 24th North American Aerospace Defense Command Region at Griffiss Air Force Base, New York, and the 24th Air Division in September 1983. Retirement and death He retired on October 1, 1985. He died on September 21, 2010, of complications from Alzheimer's disease. Awards North was a command pilot with more than 3,000 flying hours in tactical fighter aircraft. His military decorations and awards include the Silver Star, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal with "V" device and two oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster and several unit citations. References External links POW Network page Official USAF biography 1930 births 2010 deaths United States Air Force personnel of the Vietnam War University of Connecticut alumni Naval War College alumni United States Air Force generals People from Rockville, Connecticut People from Wellfleet, Massachusetts Recipients of the Air Medal Recipients of the Silver Star Recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross (United States) Recipients of the Legion of Merit Recipients of the Defense Superior Service Medal Neurological disease deaths in Massachusetts Deaths from Alzheimer's disease Military personnel from Massachusetts