Colonel William Donald Sinclair (USAF Retired) was born in Inglewood, California, to Arthur and Lillian Sinclair on December 27, 1924. He was preceded in death by his beloved bride of 51 years, Barbara Jean Sinclair (Hughes), on May 4, 2010 (aged 86), and by his five siblings: Robert, John, Richard, Diane and Hazel. Bill passed away on January 7, 2026.
Bill was a graduate of Inglewood High School and St. Martin’s University in Lacey, Washington. He met his wife Barbara at Los Angeles International Airport where they both worked following WWII. Bill was employed by United Airlines while Barbara worked for TWA.
His 32-year military career was long, illustrious, and distinguished. Bill was drafted into the United States Army during WWII on 26 March 1943. Bill served on active duty from 1943-1945 in the ranks of Corporal, Flight Officer, and 2nd Lieutenant and in the US Army Reserves from 1945-1947 whereupon he transferred to become a pilot in the United States Air Force from 1947-1975. Flight Officer Sinclair heroically led 17 WWII combat missions over war-torn Germany and former Yugoslavia dropping bombs to stop Hitler’s Third Reich. He executed the bombing missions as the lead navigator on board the Consolidated B-24 Liberator while stationed in the Southern boot of Italy from the winter of 1944 to the spring of 1945. In 1951, Lt. Sinclair completed an amazing 109 Korean War air-to-ground combat missions earning the United States Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross. In 1972 to 1973, Colonel Sinclair was called into combat for the third time in his career logging more than 900 combat hours during the Vietnam War onboard a Lockheed EC-130 where he controlled and directed the air battle over Vietnam. Over his 32-year military career, Colonel Sinclair flew 17 combat missions/over 100 combat hours in WWII, 109 combat missions/over 100 combat hours in the Korean War, and in Vietnam more than100 combat missions/900 combat hours accumulating 5700 total career flying hours. He retired in the rank of full-bird Colonel in 1975.
There is a wonderful documentary which details his military exploits in the Library of Congress, “Veterans History Project Collection: Korean War in the Air, William Donald Sinclair Collection.”
In 1975, the Sinclairs moved back to Colorado Springs where Bill remained for the next fifty years. Although he retired from the military, Bill’s passion for service did not cease. Bill served the Colorado Springs community by participating in city and state government, his church, and the Rotary Club of Colorado Springs. Bill’s love of Rotary began in 1978 and continued for an astounding 48 years. During his 48-year stint in Rotary, Bill served as President (1985-1986), was Rotarian of the Year (1987), and was an 8-time Paul Harris Fellow which was awarded to him for significant contributions to the Rotary Foundation and for his dedication to “service above self.”
Following his retirement, he worked for several churches as a church business administrator. As he could rarely sit still, Bill moved onto his next venture. From 1996-2004, Bill served honorably and with distinction as a Republican in the Colorado State House of Representatives as the District 16, Colorado Springs Congressman. He won the general election in 1996 with an amazing 66% of the vote, the 1998 general election with an amazing 68% of the vote, the 2000 general election with 58% of the vote, and the 2002 general election with 66% of the vote. He was known for “reaching across the aisle” to accomplish many things. At 80 years of age, in 2004, he decided not to run for re-election to the Colorado State House of Representatives but was asked by the Colorado Democrat Governor to assist him in Colorado State Military Veterans Affairs, which Bill did for the next four years.
Following his state representative service, he and his wife enjoyed traveling the world and spending time with family. They went on countless cruises, traveled through Europe with friends and visited Hawaii several times. Bill, Barb and the family thoroughly enjoyed their 40+ years memberships at both Garden of the Gods Resort and Club and Colorado Springs Country Club, where the family was active socially and Barb and Scott were avid golfers.
They were content to enjoy each other and their loving family. Bill is survived by his son, Scott, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and daughter, Vicky, of Rockwall, Texas. He is also survived by his wonderful grandchildren: Ashley Allbritton (David) of Bellevue, Washington; Rachael Fujiwara (Garrett) of Richardson, Texas; Wesley Sinclair (Samantha) of Kirkland, Washington; Jordan Sinclair (Megan) of Seattle, Washington; and Kate Sinclair of Tacoma, Washington. Additionally, 8 great grandchildren survive him.
Bill passed peacefully in his home on January 7, 2026, at an amazing 101 years of age. We celebrate Bill’s life as a brave, caring, compassionate and loving journey. He will be dearly missed, but for now and evermore is with Jesus Christ our Lord.
The public Viewing is scheduled for Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Shrine of Remembrance, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Additionally, the Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at Shrine of Remembrance. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Rotary Club of Colorado Springs or First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs in honor of William Donald Sinclair.
Continue reading below for Colonel Sinclair’s full biography.
William Donald Sinclair (Bill) was born in Inglewood, CA, to Arthur Livingston Sinclair and Lillian Mae (Holt) Sinclair on 27 December 1924. He had five siblings: Robert L. Sinclair, John E. Sinclair, Richard G. Sinclair, Diane A. Sinclair, and Hazel Sinclair.
Bill graduated from Inglewood High School in 1942 and was a lifelong learner. He earned acceptance into Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) at UCLA (1942-43) where he studied Engineering. His studies continued in Engineering at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania (1943), and Northrup Aeronautical Institute (1946).
He continued his relentless pursuit of an undergraduate degree at San Bernadino Valley College (1956-58) and San Francisco State College (1960). In June 1961, Major Sinclair graduated from the 10-month Air Command and Staff College at the United States Air University Maxwell Air Force Base Alabama. Today, this course is an accredited master’s degree program. In August 1961, he graduated from the United States Air Force Instructor School also at Maxwell AFB. Bill continued his love of learning at University of Alabama (1963) and University of Maryland in Tokyo (1965-67). He finally completed his undergraduate degree in 1975 from St. Martin’s College in Lacey, Washington, during his final Air Force assignment at McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma, Washington.
His military service was long and illustrious.
During the summer of 1942, prior to entering the military and after completing high school, Bill worked as a mail clerk for Kaiser Shipbuilding Corporation, who built WWII ships for the United States Navy, in Portland, Oregon. There, Bill lived with his aunt who was part of the famous Jantzen Woolen Mills family. Following in the footsteps of his brothers, Robert (United States Navy) and Richard (United States Army), on 26 March 1943, Bill was drafted into the United States Army, where he hoped to become a pilot. Because he was only 19 at the time of entry and not pilot eligible due to the age requirement of 20, he earned selection as an infantryman and completed US Army Radio Telegraph school at Fort Hood. Due to his displeasure at Fort Hood with the infantry, his dogged pursuit of being a pilot led him to volunteer for the US Army Air Force with hopes of flying.
Bill’s determination led him to San Marcos Army Airfield in Texas to attend Army Air Forces Training Command in May 1944. He graduated Aerial Navigator training 25 September 1944, whereupon he was assigned the rank of Flight Officer aboard the Consolidated B-24 Liberator operating out of the southern boot of Italy, which was designated specifically to demolish the Nazi Germany war making machine. (Flight Officer was an Army Air Forces rank used from 1942-1945 for airmen who did not meet requirements for an officer commission such as age or education. The rank was equivalent to Warrant Officer Junior Grade. Some enlisted and aviation cadet trainees who successfully passed air qualification training were appointed as Flight Officers and served as rated pilots, navigators, flight engineers, bombardiers, and glider pilots. After the end of World War II, the Army Air Forces discontinued the use of the rank of Flight Officer. All the service’s flight officers had either been promoted to commissioned officer ranks during the war or discharged).
From 20 February 1945 to 15 April 1945, Flight Officer Sinclair heroically led 17 WWII combat missions over war torn Germany and the former Yugoslavia, dropping bombs to stop Hitler’s Third Reich. He was such a talented 20-year-old that he was called upon to lead a formation of up to nine B-24s over mission-critical targets, despite adverse weather conditions, airborne enemy aircraft, and enemy flak from the ground. He executed the bombing missions as the lead navigator for up to nine B-24s flying in a box formation, striking targets into the heart of Germany’s war-time production. As the lead navigator, Bill was responsible for planning and the execution of the formation of three to nine B-24s to and from the target sites and coordinating with the prestigious Tuskegee Airmen, in their North American F-51 Mustangs, who escorted the B-24s into and out of enemy territory. It would take up to 36 F-51s to escort three to nine B-24s over the bomb sites. Targets included the former Yugoslavia, Austria, Germany, and Italy. Flight Officer Sinclair’s superb wartime combat leadership enabled 17 highly successful bombing missions (129 combat hours) to be accomplished in just 55 days of action and directly led to Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces on Tuesday, 8 May 1945 — which marked the official end of WWII in Europe on the Eastern Front and is recognized as Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
While in Europe, Bill was selected for a Top-Secret assignment. This program took only the best and brightest and hence, Bill was summoned back to the United States to enter highly classified training. Once Bill arrived in the United States, the US Army Air Force plans for now Second Lieutenant Sinclair changed. The Army Air Force sent Bill, now 20 years old and pilot eligible, to immediately begin pilot training at Maxwell Field in Alabama in August of 1945. It was not until September 1945 that the Army realized they no longer needed new pilots, and Bill was separated from the Army into inactive status until 1947.
On 18 September 1947, the United States National Security Act of 1947 established the newest military service: the Department of the Air Force. Bill Sinclair would not be deterred from his lifelong passion to become a military pilot. Subsequently, on 26 September 1947, United States Army Air Force Reserve Officer Second Lieutenant Sinclair transferred to the Department of the Air Force and was on his way to pilot training.
From June 1948-February 1949, now 1st Lieutenant Sinclair graduated the initial phase of United States Air Force Basic Pilot Training at Randolph Field in San Antonio, Texas, flying aboard the North American T-6 Texan. He then proceeded to Williams Air Force Base in Phoenix, AZ, during the summer of 1949, where he qualified in the North American F-51 Mustang (the same plane that the Tuskegee Airmen flew next to his B-24s protecting him during his WWII combat flights).
In July 1949, the Air Force then sent this incredibly talented pilot to Hamilton Air Force Base in Northern California to qualify in one of the Air Force’s newest jets, the Republic F-84 Thunderjet, with dual qualification in the North American F-51 Mustang. It was here in Northern California that Lt. Sinclair honed his fighter and leadership skills, whereupon he was handpicked by his squadron commander to be an elite Squadron Flight Commander. With his superb skills, it did not take long to figure out that Lieutenant Sinclair was needed in combat. He was shipped off to the Korean Conflict, Taegu Field in Southeast Korea 21 January 1951 where Bill would excel in air combat operations in the Lockheed F-80C Shooting Star, while assigned to the 8th Fighter Bomber Squadron of the 49th Fighter Bomber Group in 8th Air Force. In just two months, he earned the illustrious Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC):
By direction of the President of the United States of America, First Lieutenant William D. Sinclair, United States Air Force, has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
First Lieutenant William D. Sinclair distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight over enemy held territory as deputy flight leader of a unit of four F-80 aircraft in an attack on enemy trains near Conju, Korea, on 21 March 1951. Despite heavy defensive small arms fire, prior to and during the attacks, Lieutenant Sinclair made repeated passes on the trains. During the first of these attacks his aircraft suffered serious mechanical difficulty in that all pressure in his Airleron Boost System was lost. This made control extremely difficult and called for exceptional skill and judgment in maneuvering and handling the aircraft on high-speed low-level runs. Lieutenant Sinclair elected to remain on the target and was credited with personally destroying one (1) locomotive, four (4) ammunition cars, and damaging five (5) other box cars, leaving only when optimum results had been achieved and minimum fuel remained for his return to homebase. As a result of this mission, the supply and movement of the enemy had been seriously crippled. By his high personal courage and devotion to duty Lieutenant Sinclair has reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air forces, and the United States Air Force.
Immediately after earning his DFC and while remaining in war-torn Korea, he was assigned ground duty with the United States Army 101st Airborne Division for two months, from 26 March 1951 to 24 May 1951, as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) fighting on the ground in Korea. (A FAC, was an officer, in a forward position, who directed combat aircraft which provided close air support to ground forces.)After 58 consecutive days in ground combat consisting of fire fights with enemy troops, the Air Force replaced Lt. Sinclair with another officer two days earlier than his expected departure date. Sadly, two days after his departure, the enemy overran his entire unit and Bill’s replacement was killed. He returned as a Flight Commander back to the 8th Fighter/Bomber Squadron at Taegu from 25 May to 19 July 1951, finishing up an amazing 109 combat missions (207 combat hours) over two tours.
After completion of his two (2) tours in Korea, 5th Air Force wanted him immediately in Japan to teach what he had just learned from air and ground combat operations in Korea. Because of his prowess as a combat aviator, from July to September of 1951, he was selected as a Flight Commander in the 40th Fighter Interceptor Squadron of the 35th Fighter Group of the 5th Air Force, to train incoming North American F-51 Mustang pilots for Korean War combat duty. In late September 1951, Bill left Japan.
There is a wonderful documentary which details his military exploits in the Library of Congress, “Veterans History Project Collection: Korean War in the Air, William Donald Sinclair Collection.”
After a spot promotion to Captain in the combat zone, Bill, who was very respected as an air and ground combat warrior, was sent to the United States Air Force Air University headquarters, to attend the Air Command and Staff College Squadron Officer’s Course from October to December of 1951.
Upon completion of the Squadron Officer’s Course, Bill was assigned back to Southern California flying F-51s, F-80s, F-84s and F-86s for the 188th Fighter Interceptor Squadron of the United States Air Force Air Defense Command protecting the skies of the Southern border of the United States and readying numerous Air National Guard units for combat operations in Korea.
He was not long in the 188th when he was reassigned to the 354th Fighter Interceptor Squadron of the 533rd Air Defense Group in Oxnard Air Force Base, California where he jumped back into the North American F-51 Mustang and the Lockheed F-94C Star Fire, an all-weather jet interceptor. In addition to his superb airmanship, Bill was a remarkable administrator, hence his selection as the prestigious Squadron Executive Officer position, which came as no surprise to members of his unit. Naturally, his commanders considered him to be “exceptionally well-qualified for promotion and should be advanced ahead of his contemporaries.” Captain Sinclair authored numerous staff studies related to Oxnard Air Force Base problems, which according to his superiors (the Colonels in his chain of command) proved to be unusually accurate and well-founded.
Without a doubt the absolute best decision Captain William Donald Sinclair ever made in his lifetime was to wed Barbara Jean Hughes on the glorious day of 9 August 1952. He met his wife Barbara at Los Angeles International Airport following World War II in 1946. Bill was employed by United Airlines while Barbara was employed by the glamorous TWA, where they worked as passenger agents.
In 1954, the NOW married Captain Bill Sinclair was the top selection by the United States Air Force to report for an exchange tour for United States Navy Carrier Flight Operations onboard the USS Hancock CVA-19 flying the Grumman F9F-6 Cougar where he completed air to air gunnery training and qualified as a carrier pilot. On board the USS Hancock, he made a total of four (4) touch and go landings and sixteen (16) normal arrested landings. Shortly after reporting, Capt. Sinclair was assigned as Training Officer with weapons training within the Operations Department. During the annual Administrative and Material Inspection conducted by Commander United States Air Force Pacific Fleet at Miramar, California, the unit earned a mark of 94% (Outstanding) due in large part to Capt. Sinclair. The Inspecting Officer commended him personally for “the superb job” he had accomplished.
In June 1955, Capt. Sinclair, now the Squadron Flight Safety Officer, deployed for 6 months aboard the United States Navy’s aircraft carrier USS Boxer CVA-21 to East Asia. While deployed, Capt. Sinclair logged 103.8 hours and 143 arrested carrier landings in the Grumman F9F-6 Cougar. His total flight time as an exchange pilot with the Navy accounted for more than 325 flight hours and 61 carrier arrested landings from the span of August 1954 to December 1955. It was during this assignment that Capt. Sinclair was endorsed by the Department of Navy for promotion to the grade of Major, well ahead of his contemporaries.
In January 1956, immediately following his exchange tour with the United States Navy, Bill and Barbara moved to Norton Air Force Base California where Capt. Sinclair would serve his first United States Staff Officer assignment in the 27th Air Division of the United States Air Defense Command. It was in this assignment that his commanders reported “Capt. William D. Sinclair is an alert, dynamic officer, extremely well-read and possessing an intelligent and creative mind. His leadership skills are outstanding.” His staff duties, while at Air Defense Command, comprised coordination, training, and interoperability with seven (7) United States Navy flying squadrons, eight (8) United States Marine Corps flying squadrons, and three (3) Air National Guard flying squadrons. Although Capt. Sinclair’s primary duties did not involve flying, Bill would not be grounded and flew numerous sorties in the Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star, North American F-86 Saber, and Douglas F4D Skyray. He consistently exceeded his annual minimum flying air requirements by at least 50% during his staff tour at Norton Air Force Base.
23 May 1957, Bill and Barbara welcomed the birth of their first child, Paul Scott Sinclair, while stationed at Norton Air Force Base in Riverside, California.
In October 1958, now stationed at Hamilton Air Force Base California, just north of San Francisco, and assigned to the United States HEADQUARTERS WESTERN AIR DEFENSE FORCE, Major Sinclair was called upon to check out in one of the Air Force’s newest jets, the Lockheed F-104 Star Fighter. Not only did he check out in the jet, but the Air Force appointed him as the F-104A Project Officer. In this role, he served as the US Air Force Air Defense Command’s Project Officer for the establishment of the Time to Climb and the Time to Intercept world records conducted with the F-104. Additionally, he was thoroughly trained in fighter interceptor operations and employment of the F-104 into allied airfields.
Throughout his two years at Hamilton Air Force Base, Bill flew the F-104 Star Fighter accumulating more than 110 hours in the Air Force’s newest jet as well as hundreds of hours in the T-33. Bill and Barbara loved their time in and around the San Francisco Bay area. Coat and tie and cocktail dress dinners were the norm for their dinner dates into downtown San Francisco…of which there were many.
The Air Force’s rising star, combat proven aviator, and tremendous Staff Officer, Major Sinclair was on the move again in July of 1960. This time, he and Barbara moved to Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama where Bill attended the United States Air University Command and Staff College in-residence, intended only for the very brightest and small percentage of upwardly mobile officers destined to serve our country as high-ranking Air Force senior leaders.
In the Fall of 1961, while Bill and Scott remained in Alabama, Barbara returned to California to spend time with family before welcoming the birth of their second child to the Sinclair clan. On 4 November 1961, Victoria Sharon Sinclair (Vicky) was added to the family.
His follow-on assignment was to stay at Maxwell Air Force Base as an instructor for the prestigious United States Air Force Squadron Officer School. Major Sinclair rapidly ascended from instructor to the Chief of Squadron Officer School Operations. He was quickly promoted to the rank of Lt Colonel for his superior performance. At Maxwell AFB, Barbara served as well by mentoring young officers’ wives, hosting school functions, and comported herself admirably. During Bill’s 1962 annual Officer Effectiveness Report, his commanding general officer said, “Colonel Sinclair and his wife have acted as an effective team in support of school sponsored activities. Both are poised and adept socially. I would fight to get this officer assigned to my division. His strengths include loyalty, enthusiasm, bearing, and ability to motivate.” In addition to his superb performance at Air University, Bill also excelled by exceeding Air Force minimum flight requirements as pilot in-command of hundreds and hundreds of Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star hours.
From the Spring of 1964 to the Spring of 1967, the highly acclaimed Sinclair couple were on the move again, this time to the United States Embassy in Tokyo, Japan. Bill would occupy a position in the Joint United States Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG) where he advised and assisted the Japanese Air Self-Defense forces on operational matters, including air defense, tactical and support operations. He assisted United States industry representatives and officials at the Japan Defense Agency and the United States Embassy on military assistance matters. All the while, the excellent aviator, Lt Colonel Sinclair, maintained expert proficiency in the Lockheed F-104 Star Fighter and served as the Chief of the Flight Safety program for MAAG and US Embassy air crews.
So, in essence, let me paint the picture…Bill had his very own United States fighter jet to fly all around Japan to conduct United States Embassy business, while Barbara was the consummate socialite and hostess with natural charm and graces which served the couple… and the US Embassy well. Bill and Barbara loved their time in Japan and all things Japanese…so much so that if you were fortunate enough to visit the house on Chelton Drive, Japanese art, from paintings to sculpture, decorated the walls and surfaces throughout the home.
In the spring of 1967, Bill and Barbara returned to the United States where Lt Colonel Sinclair entered fighter training for the McDonnell Douglas F4 Phantom 2 at George Air Force Base California. Unfortunately, after a prolonged illness and hospitalization for a ruptured appendix, and after nearly completing the course with an amazing 450 hours, Bill was temporarily medically prohibited from flying ejection seat aircraft. His love of flying jets never waned. Instead of jet fighter training, the United States Air Force pivoted and propelled him into the Mobility Airlift Command (MAC) where he checked out in the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter with assignment back to southern California Norton Air Force Base.
As the 63rd Aerial Port Squadron Deputy Commander, Lt Colonel Sinclair exercised command control in an organization consisting of nearly 500 airmen, 170 civilian employees, and 23 officers. He was responsible for all passenger, cargo, and mail service for all aircraft arriving and departing at Norton Air Force Base. He oversaw the preparation of cargo for C-141 airdrops and the training of DoD forces of aerial delivery of personnel and equipment for airdrop operations worldwide. According to the Norton Air Force Base Wing Commander, “Lt Colonel Sinclair performed in an absolutely superior manner during his first year in the 63rd Aerial Port Squadron and as a C-141 Command Pilot.” He propelled his unit to earn the “Best C-141 Cargo Utilization Program throughout Mobility Airlift Command” and was personally lauded by the Vice Commander (3-Star General) of the USAF Mobility Airlift Command.
It came as no surprise when the Air Force vaulted the battle-tested, expert leader and aviator Lt Colonel Sinclair into C-141 Squadron Commander position at Norton Air Force Base in the summer of 1969 until January 1971. He was personally responsible for the welfare, morale, and performance of over 500 officers and enlisted personnel and the operation of 18 C-141 aircraft valued at over $100 million as Commander of the 15th Military Airlift Squadron. While commanding his unit, he earned selection to the status of full-bird Colonel on 1 December 1970. In this unit of 500 officers, enlisted members, and their families, Bill and Barbara resumed their duties as hosts with the most. They entertained government officials and visitors, provided mentorship for officers and their wives, hosted holidays and events around base, and excelled as THE Squadron Commander Couple.
After his superior performance completing 2 years as Squadron Commander, Bill was on the move once again, this time to the beautiful city of Colorado Springs, Colorado, for duty at UNITED STATES AIR FORCE HEADQUARTERS AIR DEFENSE COMMAND at Ent Air Force Base Colorado. As the Chief of all weapons systems in all of AIR DEFENSE COMMAND, he established maintenance policies and procedures to ensure effective maintenance management of all command aircraft and associated ground equipment. He monitored all such programs to achieve maximum effectiveness. As Major General Oris B. Johnson stated, “Col. Sinclair was an enthusiastic, aggressive, and intelligent officer who produced top-notch results two years in a row.”
As the war in Vietnam lingered on, Col. Sinclair was now called into combat for the third time in his illustrious military career. From May 1972 to May 1973, Bill was the Squadron Orbit Commander in Korat, Thailand, of the United States Pacific Air Forces (PACAF). While stationed in Thailand, Col. Sinclair was responsible for command, planning, and operations of an airborne command and control center, on board a United States Air Force C-130 which controlled and directed the entire Vietnam War air battle as an extension of the 7th Air Force Tactical Air Control Center. He functioned as the Senior Airborne Battlefield Commander logging 900 combat hours on combat missions by executing, directing, and controlling Forward Air Controllers strike and reconnaissance aircraft against assigned and/or lucrative targets over Vietnam. While in the 7th Air Force, his commanding officer at the time gave a glowing review of Bill’s efforts,
“Col. Sinclair is a dynamic officer whose performance is marked by his exceptionally high order of intelligence and outstanding leadership ability. He participated in some of the major combat air operations of the war in Southeast Asia, most notably in the air interdiction efforts during the invasion by the North Vietnamese of South Vietnam in the fall and winter of 1972. As Director of the Airborne Battle Staff, he exercised on the scene operational control of the air battle, including a major portion of the United State Air Force, United States Navy, and United States Marine Corps strike/support aircraft operation from Southeast Asia bases. In this capacity he was frequently the primary coordinating agent to affect the rescue of downed aircrews in enemy held areas. In these endeavors, it was his responsibility to make strike, tanker, and rescue resources into a well-coordinated team. Particularly noteworthy was his work in providing air strikes into Southern Laos in association with friendly Forward Air Control and certain covert forces during highly fluid ground operations from November 1972 to February 1973. These duties required not only expert knowledge of all tactical air resources, but the ability to work under great intense pressure to achieve military objectives of the highest order of importance. His work during combat operations was twice commended to me twice in messages from the Deputy Commanding General of Operations in the 7th Air Force. His services were in constant demand by my superiors. An authority on the Rules of Engagement, his expertise was brought to bear on tactical decisions affecting difficult military targets, often involving sensitive political implications. He has often been requested to participate in planning sessions and briefings at Headquarters 7th Air Force. Additionally, he served temporarily as the Commander, 388th Combat Support Group, at the request of the Commander, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing.”
He was considered a top officer with “unlimited potential” who could be depended on to “produce top-notch results” by his superiors. During this tour in Southeast Asia, he flew nearly 100 combat missions for nearly 900 combat hours.
At the end of his tour in Vietnam, the Sinclairs were sent to McChord Air Force Base Washington for one last assignment. At McChord from May 1973 to July 1975, Col. Sinclair acted as the Director of Logistics for the 25th Air Division where he advised the Commander on all matters pertaining to logistics and developed and implemented policies, which secured support of aircraft, weapon and support systems, and tactical and early warning units. His command included coordinating logistics and operational/budget controls over the entire base all with a severely limited staff, which his Vice Commander indicated was almost an impossible task. He was responsible for eight (8) long range radar squadrons, two (2) air defense groups, and four (4) fighter interception squadrons, which needed much direction to bring them up to acceptable standards. Because of his efforts and his self-appointed duties as Chief of Maintenance, the 25th Air Division Maintenance Complex went from failing to successfully passing the NORAD Operational Readiness Inspection with a grade of “outstanding.” Not only was he the Director of Logistics, but he also conducted sensitive investigations on base. His vast knowledge and experience with operations and logistics allowed him to excel in this assignment.
Finally, after 32 years of exceptional service in the United States military, (four years Army and 28 years with the Air Force), his final evaluation given at McChord Air Force Base spoke volumes about the military career of Col. Sinclair: “He was intensely Air Force.” He retired on 1 August 1975 and the Sinclairs made their final move back to Chelton Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
During Bill’s distinguished career the consummate pilot flew the following aircraft:
Lockheed F80C Shoot Star 235.7 hours
Republic F84 Thunderjet 269.3 hours
North American F86 F/H Sabre 20.7 hours
Lockheed F 104 Starfighter 109.7 hours
McDonnell Douglas F4 486.5 hours
Lockheed F HC/SC King 130 1.8 hours
Lockheed T 33 1666 hours
Northrop T 38 Talon 3.3 hours
North American T 39 Sabreliner 1.9 hours
Beech C 45 34.9 hours
Douglas C 47 Skytrain 128 hours
Douglas C 117D Skytrain 9.9 hours
Lockheed C 141 Starlifter 612.8 hours
Lockheed C 130 Hercules 900 hours
Aero Design/Engineering U 4 13.4 hours
North American T-6 Texan 296 hours
Other 930.9 hours
Total Flying time in US Aircraft: 5394.9 hours
Total Career Flying Hours: 5690.0
Although he retired from the military, Bill and Barb’s passion for service did not cease. Bill served their Colorado Springs community by participating in city and state government, their church, and the Rotary Club of Colorado Springs. Bill’s love of Rotary began in 1978 and continued for an astounding 48 years. During his 48-year stint in Rotary, Bill served as President (1985-1986), was Rotarian of the Year (1987), and was an 8-time Paul Harris Fellow which was awarded to him for significant contributions to the Rotary Foundation and for his dedication to “service above self.” In addition to Rotary, Bill worked for several churches as a church business administrator.
In 1982, Bill, Barbara, and Vicky decided to host a United States Air Force Academy cadet, Daniel Robert Miller, during his four-year attendance at USAFA. They provided him with a home away from home because he was far from his hometown of Portland, Oregon. Not only did they sponsor Cadet Miller, but for the next four years, they hosted his parents —United States Air Force, Oregon Air National Guard, Master Sergeant Richard (Red) Warren Miller and his wife, Patricia — many times on their frequent visits to Colorado Springs. On 28 May 1986 Col. (retired) William Donald Sinclair commissioned United States Air Force 2nd Lieutenant Daniel Robert Miller to active duty. Bill would go on to mentor Daniel for the next 28 years while on active duty. And in 2007, Bill presented Colonel Miller with the same sterling silver eagles that Bill wore on his United States Air Force uniform when he retired in 1975. Colonel Miller will tell you he is eternally indebted to the mentorship and fellowship provided by Bill and Barb during and after his career.
As he could rarely sit still, Bill moved onto his next venture. From 1996-2004, Bill served honorably and with distinction as a Republican in the Colorado State House of Representatives as the District 16, Colorado Springs Congressman. He won the general election in 1996 with an amazing 66% of the vote, the 1998 general election with an amazing 68% of the vote, the 2000 general election with 58% of the vote, and the 2002 general election with 66% of the vote. He was known for “reaching across the aisle” to accomplish many things. Now 80, in 2004, he decided not to run for re-election to the Colorado State House of Representatives but was asked by the Colorado Democrat Governor to assist him in Colorado State Military Veterans Affairs, which Bill did for the next four years.
Following his Colorado State House of Representatives service and serving as the assistant to the Governor, he and his wife decided to enjoy travelling the world and to spend time with family. They went on countless cruises, travelled through Europe with friends, and visited Hawaii several times. They were content to enjoy each other and their loving family.
Sadly, Barbara passed away on 4 May 2010. [Barbara Jean Sinclair, a resident of Colorado Springs since 1971, passed away on Tuesday, 4 May. A wonderful homemaker, mother, grandmother, political activist, and military wife, she accompanied her husband Bill in his assignments as an Air Force officer throughout the world. Barbara Jean Hughes was born on 16 May 1923, in Peoria, Illinois to Charles E. and Jessie Hughes. At her death Barbara was twelve days short of her 87th birthday. She was a 1941 graduate of Woodruff High School in Peoria and the Contometry Institute, where she was trained in the science of information management. She was employed for many years by Pan Am and Trans World Airlines. Barbara married William D. Sinclair on 9 August 1952 at March Air Force Base in Riverside, California. She was instrumental in training young officers’ wives in social graces and in supporting their husbands’ military careers. During their tour in Japan, Barbara was President of the Embassy Wives Club in Tokyo, working with Mrs. Edwin O. Reischauer, the United States Ambassador’s wife. Later, she served as President of the local Retired Officers Wives Club. Barbara was a member of the Republican Party and was active in the El Paso County Republican Women’s Club. She loved to golf with her close friends at the Colorado Springs Country Club and the Kissing Camels Golf Club. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs, the Petroleum Club, Garden of the Gods Club, the Red Hat Society, and The Tower Club of Dallas, Texas. Barbara will be remembered for her charming and deft social graces, her tireless dedication to political campaigning, and devotion to her family. A Memorial Service was held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 at First Presbyterian Church.]
In addition to his two children, Scott and Vicky, Bill had five wonderful grandchildren: Ashley Allbritton (David) of Bellevue; Rachael Fujiwara (Garrett) of Richardson, TX; Wesley Sinclair (Samantha) of Kirkland; Jordan Sinclair (Megan) of Seattle; and Kate Sinclair of Tacoma. He also had 8 great grandchildren which he adored. He remained in Colorado Springs, where he passed peacefully in his home on 7 January 2026 at an amazing 101 years of age.