Albert J. Bostner, age 94, of Lompoc, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2011.

He was born April 11, 1917, in Little Falls, New York, the son of Frank and Mary (Oblak) Bostner.

He served in the Army Air Corps during WW II and trained as a navigator/bombardier on B-17 and B-24 bomber aircraft. He completed 50 combat missions on B-24 aircraft. Some of the most important targets were the Regensburg Prufening Aircraft Factory in Germany and the oil refineries and marshaling yards at Ploesti, Romania. He served during the Berlin Airlift of 1948-49 as a navigator on C-47 aircraft. He completed 58 combat missions as a bombardier on B-29 aircraft during the Korean War. Among the many medals and awards earned were the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with 10 Oak Leaf Clusters. He attained the rank of Major and completed his Air Force career of more than 21 years at Vandenberg AFB, CA as a Supply Officer.

He enjoyed gardening, making home repairs, reading and, while still able, walking everyday.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and two sisters. He is survived by his longtime friend and companion Janet A. Berry of Lompoc; his nephew David J. Stahl of Little Falls, New York; his nephew Donald K. Gregory and wife Julie of Hampton, Virginia; grandnephews Robert and Benjamin Gregory of Hampton, Virginia; and special friend Maryanne Terzi of Little Falls, New York.

He regularly attended services at La Purisima Catholic Church where he will be remembered during Prayers of the Faithful at all masses on July 16th and 17th, 2011.

Graveside services and interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.