Dear Golden Eagles,

I am saddened to report to you that Captain Simpson Evans, Jr., USN (Ret.) made his last take-off on Monday, December 27, 2010 in Fort Smith, AR. Julia, his loving wife of 53 years, daughter Kandace, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren, survive him. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, December 30 at 1 PM at Fentress Chapel, 1805 North A Street, Fort Smith, AR, followed by burial at Fort Smith National Cemetery, 522 Garland Avenue, at 2 PM.

Captain Evans joined the Navy in August 1942, and was designated a naval aviator in October 1943. After a short tour as an Operational Flight Instructor, he was assigned to VF-1 aboard USS Bennington (CV-20) in October ’44. He participated in combat operations, and then was the wingman of the flight leader in the Victory air parade over the USS Missouri (BB-63) during the formal surrender of the Japanese.

Following WWII, Simpson instructed foreign students at NAS Corpus Christi, TX and served with VF-12A in USS Valley Forge (CV-45) before becoming a member of the first Navy Test Pilot Training Class in ’48. After a tour in Tactical Test at Patuxent River, MD, Simpson was assigned as an exchange pilot with the USAF during the Korean War. Flying the F-86 he shot down two MIG-15’s. Captain Evans was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Soldiers Medal, and 12 Air Medals for his dynamic airmanship and heroism during WWII and Korea.

Captain Evans stayed in cockpit assignments from ’51-63, with the exception of time spent at Line School at Monterey, CA in ’53-’55. He was a Type Leader at VX-3 flying the F2H Banshee, made a Mediterranean cruise with VF-82 aboard USS Intrepid (CVA-11), was Flight Director at McDonnell Aircraft as Bureau of Weapons Representative St. Louis, and commanded the Replacement Air Group Instrument Training Squadron, VA-127. He spent a tour with Fleet Work Study Group Pacific from ’64-’68, and was instrumental in the development of the 3M (Material Maintenance Management) system for ships and aircraft.

Simpson spent the last six years of his 32-year career in command, first as Commanding Officer of Naval Air Facility El Centro, CA, and then as CO of the Naval Reserve Center, Tulsa, OK. Captain Simpson retired in July 1974.

Captain Evans enjoyed a well-earned reputation as an outstanding pilot and tactician. He was a proud Golden Eagle and a valued shipmate. We have lost another of our WWII generation of warriors, and one who also served with distinction in the Korean War. He will be missed.

Sadly,

Bill Gureck, Pilot

NOTAM 17-2010 (Bos)

Dear Golden Eagles,

I am saddened to inform you that Captain Roger C. Bos, USN (Ret.) made his last takeoff on Sunday, December 19, 2010 in Redondo Beach, CA. Rhoda, his loving wife of 54 years; sons Steven and Tom; and grandchildren Adam and Lauren survive him. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, December 28 at 11am at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 706 Knob Hill in Redondo Beach. Burial Service will be at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, with full military honors, on Friday, January 21, 2011 at 1pm.

Captain Bos graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1952, and was ordered directly to flight training. He received his wings in December ’53, and after completing jet transition training, reported to VA-192 for his first sea duty tour. Roger was a flight instructor in the Advanced Training Command from ’57-’60, a CIC officer aboard USS Constellation (CVA-64) in ’61-62, and got his MS in Management degree at Navy Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA in ’64.

Captain Bos reported to VA-144 in February 1965, and made two combat deployments to Vietnam as Operations Officer, then Executive officer. Roger flew 200 missions over Vietnam and was an accomplished Alpha Strike Leader. He was awarded the Silver Star, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, Bronze Star, 21 Air Medals, and five Navy Commendation Medals for his heroic actions.

Roger was the pre-commissioning and first Commanding Officer of VA-105 and prepared this east coast A-7 squadron for their first combat tour, while concomitantly winning the Safety Award and Battle “E”. Captain Bos commanded the Replacement Air Group Squadron VA-174 in ’70-’71. He was Executive Officer of USS Coral Sea (CVA-43), then Operations officer on staff of Commander SIXTH Fleet, before serving as Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station Fallon, NV from July ’76 until his retirement in February 1979.

Roger was an aggressive warrior, yet was known and admired equally for his quiet and unassuming nature. He was quick to give praise and full credit to others, and particularly cherished the camaraderie and shared pride of being a member of a winning team. Roger was a proud Golden Eagle, devoted to his family and nation. He will be missed.

Sadly,

Bill Gureck, Pilot

Dear Golden Eagles:

I am saddened to report to you that Captain James A. Homyak, USN (Ret.) made his last takeoff on Friday, December 17, 2010 in Pensacola, FL. His wife Mary Jo, children Linda, William, and James D., his brother Donald and sisters Shirley Gierloff and Betty Thayer survive him. A Memorial Service is scheduled for Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at 10am at the NAS Pensacola Base Chapel. Interment at Barrancas National Cemetery will be at 11am. A reception will follow at New World Landing, 600 S. Palafox Street in Pensacola.

CAPT Homyak joined the Navy as an Aviation Cadet in December 1942, and received his wings in August ’43. After further training at NAS Miami, FL, Jim was assigned to VC-85 in January ’44 and flew 70 combat missions in support of operations at Leyte, Luzon, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa while embarked in USS Lunga Point (CVE-92). He shot down a Japanese “Zeke” in April ’45 during Okinawa action, and was awarded four Air Medals for his heroism in WWII.

Jim served aboard USS Sicily (CVE-118) as Assistant Air Operations Officer in the Korean area of hostilities. To close out his combat actions in three wars, Jim served as Commanding Officer of USS Monticello (LSD-35) from’68-’69 during Vietnam actions and was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat ”V”.

Capt Homyak served for 32 years and had many challenging and rewarding tours of duty including: two tours as an instructor in the Training Command, Executive Officer of VA-44, Operations Officer and XO of USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42), Executive Assistant to OP-03 on the Staff of the Chief of Naval Operations, and student at Industrial College of the Armed Services.

Jim commanded VA-56 in ’62-63, and was Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL from ’70-72. Captain Homyak was Commander Fleet Air Lemoore/Commander Light Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet from ’72-74, retiring from that position in July 1974.

Jim was an inspirational leader whose quiet demeanor belied his aggressive cockpit skills and competitive nature. A loyal shipmate, he was a valued friend and true patriot.

We have lost yet another WWII hero, and one who served honorably in three wars. He will be missed.

Sadly,

Bill Gureck, Pilot

Dear Golden Eagles,

It is with sadness that I report to you that Captain Christopher T. Wilson, USN, (Ret.) made his last takeoff on Saturday, December 4, 2010 in Hope, Idaho. His loving wife Teri, son Todd, stepson Tim, and two granddaughters survive him. Planning for a Memorial Service and burial at the National Cemetery at MCAS Miramar, CA on December 29, 2010 is ongoing. Details will be promulgated when known.

Captain Wilson joined the Navy as an Aviation Officer Candidate in October 1965, and received his wings and commission in March 1967. “Boomer” established his reputation as an outstanding pilot during his initial tour with VF-211, and in ’71 was assigned to VF-124 as a member of the F-14A Fleet Introduction Team. In ’73 he became a plankowner of VF-2, and participated in the first operational deployment of the F-14A.

In a career that saw continuous selection to cockpit assignments until finally serving an 18-month tour with Commander in Chief US Pacific Fleet as Air Operations Officer in ’86-‘87, Boomer continued to excel in the fighter community. Following another tour as an instructor with VF-124 in ’78-80, Captain Wilson began a decade wherein he commanded VF-2, then Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN), was Air Wing Commander of Reserve Air Wing THIRTY, and capped off his aviation commands as Senior Air Wing Commander of Air Wing TWO embarked in USS Ranger (CV-61).

Captain Wilson completed his 28-year naval career in Washington, DC, serving first as Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs (OP-80D) on the CNO Staff, and retiring in September 1993 from his billet as Head Aviation Officer Detailing Branch, Navy Military Personnel Command.

Boomer was particularly noted for his aggressive cockpit performance and was respected for his superior abilities as a tactician. He was awarded six Air Medals for his heroism during Vietnam actions. He was a true friend to all who knew him, and a mentor to a generation of west coast fighter pilots. He will be missed.

Sadly,

Bill Gureck, Pilot

NOTAM 14-2010 (Keller)

Dear Golden Eagles:

I am saddened to inform you that Lieutenant General Robert P. Keller, USMC, (Ret.) made his last takeoff on Saturday, November 13, 2010 in Pensacola, FL. His daughters Joan Keller-Martens and Elaine Keller, sons Robert P. Jr., and Ronald Rion survive him, along with three grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Plans for inurnment will be forwarded when available.

General Keller joined the Marine Corps in 1940, and earned his wings in July 1941. After spending a tour as an instructor at NAS Pensacola, Bob joined VMF-212 at Midway Island. He saw his first combat of WWII in the South Pacific beginning in August 1943 as XO, then CO of VMF- 223. He assumed command at the age of 23, and shot down a Japanese Zero and damaged two others over Rabaul, New Guinea. In June 1944 he was ordered back to the States and underwent night fighter training. He commanded VMF(N)-533 flying first F7F-2N’s in the Pacific theater from bases in Okinawa and China as WWII ended.

General Keller had an illustrious career that was highlighted by his eight Aviation Commands, and his assignment to numerous key planning and training development billets. Bob saw combat action in WW II, Korea, and Vietnam. He commanded VMF-214 in 1950, and led the first Marine air strike of the Korean War while attached to USS Sicily (CVE-118). He later moved the squadron ashore and continued air strikes from Wonsan Air Base. During the Vietnam War, Bob had the unique experience of flying two combat missions with his elder son while serving as Assistant Wing Commander, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. General Keller was awarded the Legion of Merit, Silver Star, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, 10 Air Medals, and the Purple Heart for his heroic actions in three wars.

Bob's other aviation commands included Marine Air Group 15 in '64-'65, CG, Air-Ground Task Force KILO in '67; CG, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing '68-'71; and CG, Marine Corps Development and Education Command at Quantico '72-'74. His key planning assignments included Organization Plans Officer, Division of Aviation, Headquarters Marine Corps; Assistant Chief of Staff, Plans, Air Fleet Marine Forces Pacific; and Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, Commander in Chief Pacific.

General Keller served for 34 years, retiring from his assignment as Commanding General, Marine Corps Development and Education Command in August 1974.

A long-time Golden Eagle, Bob served as Pilot in 1990-91. Always a consummate gentlemen, he was noted for his penchant for story telling, and for his devotion to Naval Aviation and the Marine Corps.

We have lost another hero of WWII, and a shipmate who fought with honor in three wars. He will be missed.

Sadly,

Dear Golden Eagles:

It is with sadness that I report that Brigadier General Henry W. Hise, USMC, (Ret.) made his last takeoff in Lubbock, TX on October 15, 2010 at the age of 90. Fran, his loving wife of 61 years; children Lewis, Barbara, Nancy, Martha, Joseph, and Mary; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren survive him. General Hise will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at 11 am on December 1, 2010.

General Hise joined the Marine Corps in July 1941 and completed flight training at Opa Locka, FL on April 24, 1942. He joined VMSB-232, a Marine Dive Bomber Squadron flying the SBD-2, in Hawaii, and embarked in USS Long Island for transit to the Southwest Pacific. In August1942 he landed at Henderson Field, Guadalcanal with the first flight of Marine aircraft. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross just five days later for heroic actions during attacks on a Japanese convoy and warships. He returned to the states in October 1942, and returned to the Pacific for his second combat tour in July 1943. Attached to VMTB-232 flying TBM’s, he flew attacks on Japanese forces in the New Ireland and New Britain areas. After a short respite in the states, Hank returned to the Southwest Pacific for a third combat tour in April 1944. As Commanding Officer of VMTB-132, Hank flew combat missions supporting Okinawa and South China Sea operations until the end of WWII.

General Hise next saw combat in Korea in 1952 as XO/CO of VMF-311 flying the F9F-2 from K-3 airfield. He completed his extensive combat experience during a tour as Assistant Wing Commander, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Vietnam flying the A-4.

General Hise commanded six squadrons for short durations during WWII. He also commanded VMF (AW)-531, Marine Air Group 13, was Assistant Wing Commander of both 1st and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wings, and Commanding General, Marine Air Bases, Western Area/ CG, Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro, CA.

Hank had important shore assignments to complement his impressive combat and command tours, including assignments with: Headquarters Marine Corps, Fleet Marine Forces Atlantic, Chief of Naval Air Basic Training, Naval War College, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Fleet Marine Forces Pacific. General Hise retired from his assignment as CG, Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro, CA in October 1971.

A true warrior, Hank was also a gentleman and a devoted family man. A proud Golden Eagle, he was respected by all. We have lost another hero of WWII, and one who fought with gallantry in three wars. He will be missed.

Sadly,

Bill Gureck, Pilot

Dear Golden Eagles:

It is my sad duty to inform you that Captain Dean E. Cramer, USN, (Ret.) made his last takeoff on Friday, October 15, 2010 in Pensacola, FL. His wife Sue; his son David of Denton, TX; daughter CDR Denise Carraway of Jacksonville, FL; daughter Julie Conoscenti of Wilson, NC; grandchildren, and great-grandchildren survive him. Private family services and inurnment will be held in Pennsylvania at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Scholarship Program, Order of Daedalions, PO Box 33310, NAS Pensacola, FL 32508.

Dean joined the Navy in January 1951, and served five years as an Aviation Electrician. He was a petty officer first class when he attended Officer Candidate School and was commissioned an Ensign. Dean entered flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator in July 1958. He joined VA-94 and made two cruises aboard USS Ranger flying A-4B’s.

After a shore tour, and while serving on Commander SECOND Fleet staff, CAPT Cramer requested early rotation for combat assignment, and was assigned to VA-163. He flew 186 combat missions while deployed aboard USS Oriskany and USS Hancock from ’66-’69. Following a year at the Naval Postgraduate School and a year with Commander Light Attack Wing Pacific staff, “Dynamite” was back in combat as XO/CO of VA-155 from ’71-’73, and flew another 211 combat missions from the deck of USS Oriskany. One of our more experienced light attack warriors of the Vietnam era, CAPT Cramer flew a total of 397 missions and was awarded five Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star, 43 Air Medals and two Navy Commendation Medals for his heroic actions.

Dean was Commander Carrier Air Wing 17 from ’76-’77, Commanding Officer USS Kalamazoo (AOR-6) in ’78-’79, and Commander Service Squadron FOUR from ’80-’82. CAPT Cramer retired from his duties as Head Aircraft Requirements Branch (OP-506) in October 1983.

Dynamite was an energetic and aggressive aviator who led from the cockpit. He carried those same qualities to his other commands, and led by example wherever he was assigned. He possessed a sharp wit and was always fun to be around. He will be missed.

Sadly,

Bill Gureck, Pilot

Dear Golden Eagles,

I am saddened to report that we have just learned that Captain John E. Lacouture, USN, (Ret.) made his last takeoff on August 16, 2010 at his home in Williamsburg, Virginia. His four children and their spouses: Joan L. Brink and her husband Joel of Santa Fe, NM; Dr. John E. Lacouture, Jr. and wife Elizabeth of Charlotte, NC; Susan L. Bacle and husband Michael of Virginia Beach, VA; and Richard V. Lacouture of Lusby, MD; survive him, as well as nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren. CAPT Lacouture’s funeral will be at Arlington National Cemetery on December 14, 2010 at 3 pm. The family requests that in lieu of flowers please send any donations to the Nantucket Historical Association, P.O. Box 1016, Nantucket, MA 02554.

CAPT Lacouture graduated from the U. S. Naval Academy in 1940. He served aboard USS Blue (DD-387) from Jul’41- Aug’42, surviving both the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the sinking of USS Blue off Guadalcanal. John entered flight training in Sep’42 and received his wings in May 1943. After operational training, he deployed to the Pacific aboard USS Franklin as XO of VF-5. He was Commanding Officer, VF-4 (Red Rippers) from 4/45-6/47.

John received an MSE degree in Advanced Flight Testing from Princeton in 1950, and after a tour as Commanding Officer of VA-15, served at Tactical Test Patuxent River, MD as Assistant Director. John was an aggressive and colorful aviator who held eight aviation commands: three squadrons (VF-4, VA-15, VA-43), three air wings (Air Group SIX, Replacement Air Group FOUR, Light Attack Wing Pacific), and two aircraft carriers (USS Saratoga (CV-60) and USS Independence (CV-62). He laid claim to this being a record, although admitting the second carrier command lasted just four days! His call sign throughout his flying career was “Tiger One”, and his stellar performance during his 34-year career was testimony to how well that call sign described his drive, skill, leadership, and tenacity. CAPT Lacouture retired in July 1970 following his tour as Commander Light Attack Wing Pacific at NAS Lemoore, CA.

John was an active Golden Eagle who maintained a keen interest in naval aviation long after retirement. He wrote and published essays on naval aviation and the military in Space, as well as articles on the history of Nantucket. CAPT Lacouture was a veteran of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. He will be missed.

Sadly,

Bill Gureck, Pilot

Dear Golden Eagles,

It is with sadness that I report that Vice Admiral James R. Sanderson, USN, (Ret.) made his last takeoff on August 10, 2010 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Betty, his loving wife of 62 years, survives him. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at 1 PM at the H. D. Oliver Funeral Home located on Laskin Road at Hilltop in Virginia Beach. Admiral Sanderson will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery on a date to be determined. Details will be provided as soon as available.

Sandy joined the Navy Aviation V-5 program in 1943, and after serving a tour aboard a destroyer, entered flight training in 1949 and was awarded his wings in May 1950. He joined VA-195 and flew 101 missions during the Korean War flying the AD-4. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and five Air Medals for his heroism during torpedo and bomb strikes against North Korean targets.

Admiral Sanderson served with distinction for 39 years. His career was concentrated around operational flying tours and operational planning tours with Fleet staffs, as well as with OP-06 and the JCS staff. Sandy served as an instructor in the Basic Training Command, as well as in VA-43 at NAS Oceana, VA. He commanded VA-76 in ’62-’63, and was Commander Air Wing THREE in ’64-’65.

Sandy was Commanding Officer of USS Rainier (AE-7) servicing Battle Groups in SE Asia. He later was Commanding Officer of USS Saratoga (CV-60) conducting air strikes against North Vietnam in ’72-’73. His Flag assignments included tours as Deputy Commander Naval Striking Forces, Southern Europe; Assistant DCNO for Plans, Policy and Operations; Commander Carrier Group TWO, Commander Task Force SIXTY ’79-’80; and Deputy Commander-in-Chief Atlantic Command and Chief of Staff US Atlantic Fleet from ’80-’83. Sandy retired in April 1983.

Admiral Sanderson remained an active supporter of Naval Aviation after his retirement, and was quick to volunteer his welcomed support to a number of Commanders Naval Air Forces Atlantic. Sandy was an astute operational planner, a strong leader, and always a consummate gentleman. He will be missed.

Sadly,

Bill Gureck, Pilot

Dear Golden Eagles,

It is my sad duty to inform you that Captain William C. Hartung, USN, (Ret.) made his last takeoff on August 5, 2010 in The Woodlands, Texas. Bill is survived by his wife Frances, son Bill Jr. and wife Sylvia, daughter Susan Scott, and three grandchildren. Funeral Service and burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery, VA. at 1 PM on October 27, 2010.

Captain Hartung was stationed at the Naval Base Pearl Harbor as an enlisted man when the Japanese attacked on December 7, 1941. He entered flight training in 1943 and was designated a Naval Aviator on December 31, 1943. Bill joined VF-25 in the Pacific in 5/44 and, one month later, VF-51, flying F6F’s aboard USS San Jacinto. He remained in VF-51 until 12/44 participating in Guam, Saipan, Palau, Philippines, and Okinawa operations. He shot down a Japanese Zero in a one-on-one dogfight in 9/44. CAPT Hartung was awarded two Air Medals for his heroic actions during 64 combat missions.

Following WWII, Bill followed a unique operational pattern, with flying tours in Patrol, Fighter, and Transport squadrons. He flew PBM’s with VP-2 in 1948. After completing five terms at the University of California, he returned to carrier aviation and served as Air Group ONE LSO waving paddles for both jets and props on straight deck carriers from ’50-’52. Bill transitioned to jets at NAS Olathe, KS.in1957 and became XO of VF-114. He graduated from Test Pilot School with Class 22, and served two subsequent tours at Naval Air Test Center Patuxent River, MD. CAPT Hartung formed and was the first Commanding Officer of VF-161 flying F3H-2 Demons in ’60-’61. After a number of other significant sea and shore assignments, including OP-506 (Operations Requirements), Operations Officer Carrier Division SIX, and Chief of Staff for Commander Naval Forces Philippines, Bill ended his career as Commanding Officer of VR-24 in Naples, Italy, retiring in May 1974.

Bill was an aggressive aviator, naturally warm and gregarious, and an accomplished leader. His innate ability to inject good humor into any situation was legendary, and made him a valued shipmate. We have lost another hero of WWII. He will be missed.

Sadly,

W. A. Gureck, Pilot

Golden Eagles,

It is my sad duty to inform you that Captain Vernon L. Micheel, USN, (Ret.) made his last takeoff in Atlantic Beach, FL. on July 29, 2010. He is survived by his son Bruce and daughter-in-law Kathleen, his daughter Karen M. Gabriel, and five grandchildren. His remains will be buried at-sea. A reception to celebrate his life will be held from 10:30 AM until noon on Saturday, August 21, 2010 in the Coleman Center at Fleet Landing, Atlantic Beach. In lieu of flowers the family requests that those choosing to do so make contributions in his memory to The Salvation Army or to The National World War II Museum in New Orleans, LA.

A graduate of Iowa State University, CAPT Micheel joined the Navy in December 1940 and earned his wings in September 1941. He was assigned to Scouting Squadron SIX aboard USS Enterprise in April 1942. On June 4, as a member of VB-6, he participated in the bombing of two Japanese carriers, both of which later sank, during the pivotal Battle of Midway. Mike was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions.

After a year back in the states where he helped train newly-formed dive bombing squadrons, CAPT Micheel returned to the Pacific and served with VB-2 aboard USS Hornet during actions at New Guinea, Truk, Guam, Saipan, Iwo Jima, Philippine Sea, and the Philippines. Mike was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses and six Air Medals for actions during this second combat tour.

Following WWII CAPT Micheel spent three years in the Advanced Training Command and commanded Advanced Training Unit THREE from 10/46-10/47. Mike later commanded VF-43 embarked in USS Tarawa. After other significant sea/shore tours including with the Bureau of Aeronautics, Naval War College, Commander Fleet Air Hawaii, and as Operations Officer of Commander Carrier Division THREE during the Vietnam War, CAPT Micheel was Commanding Officer of NAS Mayport, FL. from 8/67-8/69. He retired in July 1972 from his assignment as Chief of Staff for Commander Fleet Air Jacksonvill.

Mike was an affable gentleman and an active Golden Eagle when his health permitted. A true warrior, he also was compassionate and gave freely of his time and talents for many years to help those in need in his community. We have lost another WWII hero and Battle of Midway veteran. He will be missed.

Sadly,

W. A. Gureck, Pilot

Dear Golden Eagles,

We have recently learned, and it is with sadness that I report that Captain Michael S. Alexatos, USN (Ret.) made his last takeoff on June 18, 2010 in Sanford, FL. His nephew Gary Kaiser of Longwood, FL., who was raised by Mike and his wife, survives him. A private family service was held at the assisted living facility where Mike lived, and his remains were committed to the Atlantic Ocean in accordance with his wishes.

CAPT Alexatos joined the Navy in July 1942, and received his wings in December just six months later. He was assigned to VF-1, and flew combat missions from the island of Tarawa and from the deck of USS Yorktown (CV-10). He participated in strikes against the Marshall Islands, the Marianas, Bonin Islands, Caroline Islands, and the First Battle of the Philippine Sea. He was awarded four Distinguished Flying Crosses and seven Air Medals for his heroism during these WWII actions.

Mike was a pioneer in the development of aerial photography systems and night photographic techniques. He served in the Photographic Division in the Bureau of Aeronautics in 1945, and had subsequent related tours as Officer-in-Charge of a photo Detachment aboard USS Leyte (CV-32) in the Mediterranean and Korea in ’48-’51, Executive Officer of VC-61 where he introduced the use of night photography from jets using photoflash cartridges in ’54-‘55, and as Director of the Aeronautical Photographic Experimental Laboratory at Johnsville, PA in ’56-’58.

Mike commanded VF-151 aboard USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) in’60 and then became Executive Officer aboard the same carrier. CAPT Alexatos commanded USS Vesuvius (AE-15) in the Vietnam area of operations in ’65. Following tours with CINCLANT/ CINCLANTFLT and Defense Communications Planning Group staffs, Mike retired in August 1970.

CAPT Alexatos was an amiable gentleman, and as many from his generation, considered his outstanding career and combat achievements to be part of “just doing the job”. We have lost another of our WWII heroes, and one who served with honor during WWII, Korea, and Vietnam combat operations. He will be missed.

Sadly,

Bill Gureck, Pilot

Dear Golden Eagles,

It is my sad duty to inform you that Major General Victor A. Armstrong, USMC, (Ret.) made his last takeoff on May 20, 2010 in Morehead City, N.C. He is survived by his loving wife June and their two daughters Karen and Ann. Visitation will be at Brooks Funeral Home in Morehead City from 6-8 PM on Saturday, May 22nd. A Memorial Service will be held at All Saints Anglican Church on McCabe Road in Morehead City at 2 PM Sunday. Funeral and burial will be at Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA, at 10 AM Tuesday, May 25th.

General Armstrong joined the Marine Corps in July 1942, and earned his wings in March 1943. He was assigned to VMF-312 and flew in the South Pacific and Okinawa from Feb 1944-Jun 1945. He downed two Japanese aircraft during WWII action.

Following WWII, Vic became involved in the early testing and development of helicopters for Marine use. During the Korean conflict he served as XO of VMO-6 and Officer-In-Charge of helicopters. This was the first deployment of helos in combat for the Marine Corps, and Vic was instrumental in developing tactics for MedEvac, rescue of downed pilots in enemy territory, and command and control of helos. He directed and participated in earliest combat operations.

In 1960, in recognition of his unique expertise and piloting skills, he was assigned as the Senior Presidential helo pilot and served in this capacity for both Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy.

General Armstrong had eight aviation commands during his illustrious career, including: CO, Marine Air Group 36 in Chu Lai, Vietnam; Commanding General, First Marine Brigade, MCAS Kaneohe, HI; Deputy Commanding General/ Chief of Staff, Fleet Marine Forces Pacific; and Commanding General, MCAS Cherry Point, N.C. He retired from Cherry Point in July 1978. A warrior and true pioneer, he was awarded two Silver Stars, four Distinguished Flying Crosses, five Legions of Merit with Combat “V”, and 12 Air Medals for heroism in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.

Vic considered being a Golden Eagle one of the highlights of his life, as reaffirmed by his family. He was a strong leader, compassionate family man, and a respected comrade. We have lost another hero of WWII, and one who fought in three wars with gallantry. He will be missed.

Sadly,

W. A. Gureck, Pilot

NOTAM 5-2010 (Thayer)

Golden Eagles,

It is my sad duty to inform you that Lieutenant Commander William Paul Thayer, USNR, (Ret.), made his last takeoff during the early hours of May 6, 2010 at his home in Dallas, Texas. He departed peacefully with his beloved wife Margery and daughter Brynn at his side. A Memorial Service is scheduled at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, 9800 Preston Road, Dallas, TX. at 2 PM on Wednesday, May 12th.

Paul Thayer joined the Navy in June 1941, entered flight training, and was designated a Naval Aviator in March 1942. During WWII, he served first in the European Theater covering the North Africa invasion, then in the Pacific from January '43 to August '43, and again from February '44 to December '44. While in the Pacific Theater he participated in operations at Guadalcanal, Russell Islands, New Guinea, Halamahara, and the Philippines. He was a Fighter Ace, downing six Japanese Zeros. He was awarded three Distinguished Flying Crosses and 10 Air Medals for heroism during WWII.

His achievements during WWII notwithstanding, Paul is more noted for his extensive contributions to Naval Aviation as an experimental test pilot with Chance Vought Aircraft, and for his rapid rise to senior leadership in the Aerospace Industry. He served as an experimental test pilot from 1948-1958. He was a Vice President of Chance Vought Aircraft from 1955--1961, taking over as President in 1961. Paul became the President of the consolidated Ling-Temco-Vought Corporation in 1965, and served as The LTV Corporation Chairman and CEO from 1970 until 1983. He capped his "active duty" with a tour in Washington, D.C. as the Deputy Secretary of Defense.

Paul remained an avid aviator throughout his life. He accumulated over 12,000 hours, and in addition to the many "firsts" he achieved during his test pilot days, he established a new around the world speed record for Learjet category aircraft with three other pilots when he was 76 years young. He also lays claim to being first pilot to barrel-roll a Boeing 737!

Paul was honored by many organizations, but particularly cared for his association with his fellow Eagles. He was aggressive, passionate, and fun-loving by nature, and a loyal friend.

We have lost another WWII hero. He will be missed.

With Sad Regards,

W. A. Gureck, Pilot

NOTAM 4-2010 (Mackey)

Golden Eagles,

It is my sad duty to inform you that Captain William A. Mackey, USN,(Ret.), made his last takeoff on May 4, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He is survived by his wife Elon, and by his three children Bill Jr., Bob, and Sue. A graveside service is planned for 2 PM on May 7th at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life will be held at the North River Yacht Club on May 8th.

Bill "Wam" Mackey joined the Navy and entered flight training in August 1942. He earned his wings in June 1943, and was assigned to VC-69 where he remained until 1945 flying from CVE's in the Atlantic Theater. After a tour with VF-74/VF-1B aboard USS Midway from 1945-48, he again saw combat with VF-51 embarked in USS Essex during the Korean War from 1950-52. It was in VF-51, under the command of CDR Ernie Beauchamp, that Wam served as one of five future Golden Eagles.

After a shore tour, CAPT Mackey commanded VF-114, served as a Bureau of Weapons Representative at McDonnell Aircraft where he became the first Navy pilot to reach 100 hours in the F-4H, and deployed as CAG-9 aboard USS Ranger. He later commanded USS Skagit (AKA-105) and USS Okinawa (LPH-3). Wam completed his naval career with tours as Chief of Staff, Carrier Division FOUR, and Commander Fleet Air Caribbean, retiring in July 1973.

Wam was very proud of his family's long legacy of uninterrupted military service dating back to his great grandfather in the Civil War, and continuing through a grandson who saw action in Iraq as a Marine officer. All three of his siblings served in the Navy.

Captain Mackey was proud of being a Golden Eagle and was an active participant at our reunions. A warm and congenial gentleman with a broad smile for everyone, his close friends agree that he is best described as the consummate Southern Gentleman.

We have lost a shipmate who was awarded aviation combat awards in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. He will be missed.

Sadly,

W. A. Gureck, Pilot