Gordon H. Link, age 87, of 45 Liberty Street, Warsaw, New York passed away peacefully on June 17 ^th 2019 at the Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw. Gordon was born in Perry, NY April 13 ^th 1932, the son of Clayton and Ethel Link (both deceased). Gordon graduated from Perry High School in 1950 and enlisted in the US Air Force in July of that year.  He fell in love in Colorado and married Mary Martin who passed in 2008.  In 1958, after eight years of enlisted service, Gordon was appointed to Officers Candidate School and commissioned as a 2 ^nd lieutenant upon completion of his studies. While in the USAF, he served on B-52 bombers on alert off the Alaskan coast during the Cuban Missile Crisis.  As a Major, he participated in Bombing Competition representing the 744 ^th Bomber Squadron from Beale AFB in California.  He flew 185 missions as a "Wild Weasel" in F-105G fighters during the Viet Nam conflict.  Gordon was decorated for service and heroism many times.  Among others, his awards included the Republic of Viet Nam Gallantry Cross Medal with Palm, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Medal with 12 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Legion of Merit and the Distinguished Flying Cross.  He served multiple tours on the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon and commanded the European Defense Analysis Center in West Germany.  He served over 30 years in the USAF rising to the rank of Colonel.

He and Mary also had a passion for Newfoundland dogs, raising many dog show champions.  After his first retirement, he went to Geneseo College and earned both his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees which he used to teach children at Letchworth Central School.  After retiring again, he served on the Warsaw Town Planning Board.  He is survived by his two sons, Gordon, Jr. of Colorado and Larry of California, six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. A memorial service with full military honors will be held at the Wyoming County Veterans Inc. 245 West Buffalo Street Warsaw, NY 14569 11am, Saturday August 17th 2019. Burial will take place privately in the Glenwood Cemetery in Perry, NY.