Simler was born in 1921, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He entered the University of Maryland in 1940 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in August 1942. He returned to the University of Maryland in 1946 as the first professor of Air Science and Tactics at the university. He later enrolled as a student to complete his college work, graduating in 1948. He graduated from the National War College in 1961.[2]
Military assignments
Simler served two combat tours in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. In July 1944, on his second combat tour, he was shot down, evaded capture, and successfully returned to the Allied lines in September 1944.[2]
From Southeast Asia, Simler was assigned to Headquarters U.S. Air Force, where he became director of operations in August 1967. He became vice commander of United States Air Forces in Europe in July 1969. Simler assumed command of Air Training Command in September 1970.[2]
Simler, along with his aide Captain Gil L. Gillespie, was killed in the crash of a T-38 Talon jet trainer on takeoff at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, on September 9, 1972. He was scheduled to be promoted to the grade of General and take command of the Military Airlift Command at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, on September 12, 1972. He was posthumously promoted to the grade of General effective August 16, 1972.[2]
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