Santa Clara Magazine

Colonel John M. Regan ‘42, USAF (retired), passed away peacefully in his sleep December 21, 2010 at the age of 90. He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Christille (ne, de Bony de Lavergne) and his 6 brothers, including William V. Regan Jr. '33 and Timothy Regan '37, and sisters. Col. Regan, the son of William V. Regan of Boise, Idaho and Molly Merle of San Francisco, California, was born March 15, 1920 in Boise, Idaho, where he enjoyed an idyllic childhood and popular reign as High School class president and captain of the football team. He attended Boise Junior College, Santa Clara University, the War College of the Pentagon, and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of San Francisco. In 1941 he pursued his dream of becoming a pilot by joining the U.S. Army Air Corps, eventually flying B17's in the 306th Bombardment Group of the original 8th Air Force. The 306th was a pioneer unit involved in the early Air War in the European Theatre and led the first American raids over Germany, striking targets deep into the heart of the Third Reich. He became commander of the 368th Bombardment Squadron, called the Eager Beavers, and flew over 258 combat hours. He continued an illustrious career in the Air Force, also participating in the Korean and Vietnam wars where he went on to fly B-26's and B-29's. He became a Lieutenant Colonel at the age of 23 and full Colonel at age 31. Col. Regan was base commander in France, Thailand, and the Philippine Islands, and was also stationed in Germany and Korea. He received many distinguished combat decorations and awards, including the Silver Star, two distinguished Flying Crosses, five Air medals and two Purple Hearts. He received three Legions of Merit, The meritorious Service medal, the Joint Service Commendation medal, two Air Force Commendation medals, as well as foreign and U.S. campaign and service medals. It was in Belgrade, Yugoslavia in 1952 that he met Christille de Bony de Lavergne and fell in love. She was working for the French Embassy and John was with the American Embassy. They were married in Versailles, France in 1954. The family grew to accommodate 6 children in almost as many years and moved almost every year and a half. After retiring in 1970 from a 30 year military career Col. Regan stayed active as president of the San Mateo Toastmasters and the San Mateo Park Association. He was generously active in civic organizations and volunteer work with the elderly and the handicapped. He was an avid public speaker and writer and was published over 360 times in different newspapers and magazines. He was a devout Catholic, a loving husband and father, and a humanitarian whose warm smile and kindness will be missed by all those who knew him. He is survived by his 6 children; Guillemette, Georgine, Patrick, Antoinette (Nouna), Kevin and Sean and 8 grandchildren.