CHIEF OF THE HELLENIC AIR FORCE

CHANIA 2008
An important figure in our country’s history during the turbulent 20th century, who is not as well-known or as appreciated as he deserves, is Air Marshal Emmanouil P. Kelaidis, Chief and Minister of the Hellenic Air Force. He himself wrote “Memories from the Air Force” in 1972, and Paris S. Kelaidis wrote a book titled “Air Marshal Kelaidis” in 1988.
However, I would also like to write a concise study about this hero, the passionate patriot Emmanouil Kelaidis. One reason that motivates me to write something is the fact that I was an eyewitness to one of his actions when he struck the Germans with his airplane at the fortress of Akone, on the peak of Asfendou in Sfakia, and this event is not mentioned anywhere.