GRIMINGER CHARLES O

LTC Charles "Chuck" O. Griminger was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 03/29/2015 at the age of 80.5
Hampton, VA
Flight Class 59-11
Date of Birth 09/14/1934
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with 3 RRU in 65-66, 138 AVN in 66, 23 ARTY GRP in 69-70
Call signs in Vietnam BOXER, REDWING
This information was provided by Sammie Williams

More detail on this person: Lt. Col. Charles (Chuck) O. Griminger, US Army (ret.), 80, passed away March 29, 2015. While serving in the military, Mr. Griminger was trained as a pilot, and served two tours in Vietnam where he flew a variety of missions in both fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft. Chuck's military decorations include: Bronze Star Medal w/2 OLC's, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal w/"V" Device, Air Medal w/36 OLC's, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Vietnam Civil Actions Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Master Army Aviator Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge and Ranger Tab. After retiring from the Army, Chuck opened his Antique Clock business; which he continued, with some help in the last few years, until his death. He is a past president of Chapter 34 of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC) and was still an avid supporter. In civilian life, his love of flying continued at the Langley Air Force Base (LAFB) Aero Club, where he was often accompanied by friends and family. Chuck joined the Commemorative Air force (CAF) in 1997, where he helped restore vintage World War II aircraft and flew them at airshows across the country. He continued to maintain membership in several aviation-oriented organizations such as the Daedalians, the Silver Wing Fraternity, the International Liaison Pilot & Aircraft Association (ILPA), the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association (VHPA), and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). He continued to fly right up until a decline in health in his last few years. Chuck wrote a series of award-winning articles for The Army Aviation Digest, entitled the "The Armed Helicopter Story". Chuck is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Ethel Griminger and sister Joan Rallya. Chuck is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Charles and Roxanne Griminger II, his brother and sister-in-law, Harold and Nora Griminger, and sisters Vicki Griminger and Gayle Jones, along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Family will receive friends 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home with a celebration of life service to follow at 11:00 AM in the funeral home. Interment will be held at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery. Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family. Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA 23666.

Burial information: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA

This information was last updated 05/18/2016

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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024


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