Breckner, former fighter pilot, dies in car crash (William Breckner)

A former fighter pilot and prisoner of war in Vietnam who retired from the Air Force as a major general has died in a crash on Colorado 105.

State troopers say William “Bud” Breckner, 74, of Monument, was driving home when he lost control on a curve and slid into some trees early Saturday.

In the late 1970s, he was assigned to the Air Force Academy, where he served as deputy commandant and later as vice commandant of cadets.

Breckner loved the Colorado Springs area, and he loved the United States, his son, Rand Breckner, 41, said Sunday.

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