Major General Lewis E. Lyle of the United States Air Force, now deceased. General Lyle, originally from Pine Bluff, was a distinguished B-17 pilot in the European theater during World War II. He began his military service as an infantry lieutenant in 1938 and entered active duty in 1940 in an anti-tank company. In 1941, he was selected for aviation and received his pilot wings in December of that year. Over his career, he logged more than 6,500 hours of flight time and earned numerous decorations including the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star with two clusters, two Legions of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross with three clusters, Bronze Star, Air Medal with nine clusters, British Distinguished Flying Cross, and French Croix de Guerre. He retired in 1967 as a Major General after over 26 years of active service.

On July 22, 1944, Lieutenant Colonel Lewis Elton Lyle of the United States Air Forces was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism during military operations against an armed enemy. Serving as a B-17 heavy bomber pilot in the 360th Bombardment Squadron, 303rd Bombardment Group (Heavy), 8th Air Force, he participated in bombing missions from November 17, 1942, to June 15, 1944. During this period, he flew 46 combat missions over continental Europe, including many dangerous missions beyond his normal tour of duty. He led bombing formations against heavily defended targets in France, Germany, and Poland. On one occasion, despite severe damage to his aircraft, he continued to lead a group on a deep and hazardous mission into Germany. His leadership and flying skill enabled him to complete the assigned mission despite adverse weather and intense enemy resistance.