Jerry B. Killian

Lieutenant Colonel Jerry B. Killian (????–1984) was a commanding officer in the Texas Air National Guard in the early 1970s.

During this period, one of his subordinates was Lieutenant George W. Bush, who would later go on to become President of the United States. During the presidential campaigns of 2000 and especially 2004 there was extensive media coverage of Bush's service record, much of it focused on whether Bush had adequately discharged his responsibilities during the Vietnam War (see: George W. Bush military service controversy).

In September, 2004, weeks prior to the election, CBS publicized several memos given to them by Bill Burkett. They were allegedly typewritten by Killian and appeared to support allegations that Bush had refused to obey a direct order, and subsequent relief from flight status (see Killian documents). The memos were disputed and are considered forgeries by many document examiners. It is difficult or impossible to authenticate the documents since they are photocopies of documents that allegedly no longer exist. Bill Burkett claims he burned the originals and no one besides Burkett claims to have seen them. [http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/president/2004-09-21-cover-guard_x.htm CBS Backs Off Guard Story] (see Killian documents authenticity issues).