MITTELSTADT WILLIAM J

WO1 William "Will" J Mittelstadt was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 10/05/2006 at the age of 57.9 from Auto accident
Montgomery, VT
Flight Classes 69-39 and 69-37
Date of Birth 11/21/1948
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with 240 AHC in 70
Call sign in Vietnam MAD DOG 34
This information was provided by Felix Bates

More detail on this person: MONTGOMERY - William Jay "Willie" Mittelstadt of Montgomery, Vt., died unexpectedly on Oct. 5, 2006. He was a resident of northwestern Vermont since 1973. An avid sportsman, he adored every occasion to hunt and fish in his beloved Green Mountains.

A true Patriot intensely proud of his country, Willie enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1969 for the opportunity to fly helicopters in combat. He served with distinction in Vietnam as a Chief Warrant Officer pilot aircraft commander with the 240th Attack Helicopter Company. Among other citations, Willie earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary heroism in aerial combat. He never received the Purple Heart he earned because of loss of Army records, but the shrapnel he carried in his body for the rest of his life testified to the action he was in. In Vietnam, he had the unusual pleasure of being able to visit with his father, Col. Jack Mittelstadt who was also stationed in the war zone at the same time. During one such visit, their barbecue dinner was interrupted by a Viet Cong mortar attack, which sent both father and son scrambling for shelter in a bunker. In Vietnam, he formed deep friendships with many of his fellow aviators, which he maintained and treasured throughout his life.

Following his return from Vietnam, Willie obtained his civilian Commercial, Instrument, and Multi Engine pilot licenses at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach Florida. He then found employment as a helicopter pilot in various roles, such as performing non-native plant control in Idaho and transporting surveying parties on the Alaskan Pipeline project. Willie also flew as a pilot for Hub Express Airlines in Boston, Mass. and as a charter pilot transporting celebrity entertainers to festival sites. He loved to tell of carrying Mick Jagger to a concert and being invited back stage for the Rolling Stones show. He also served for many years as a pilot for the Vermont Army National Guard in Burlington. He was always completely happy and at home with a rotor over his head.

Born in Eau Claire, Wis. on Nov. 21, 1948, the second son of Jack and Elaine Mittelstadt of Eau Claire Wisconsin. His father's career as a U.S. Army officer lead to assignments in such fascinating locales as Virginia, Georgia, Kansas, Paris France, Frankfurt Germany, and at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point New York during Willie's last three years of high school. Willie then followed his brother to the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas.

He is survived by his beloved son, Jesse William Mittelstadt, 27,of New York, N.Y., of whom he was intensely proud; former wife, Ann Mittelstadt of Bakersfield, Vt.; and brother, Marty Mittelstadt and wife, Robin of Atlanta, Ga.; as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins, and many, many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father Jack; his mother Elaine; and his dear friend Doneta Hollis.

For those who wish, contributions in Willie's memory may be made to the Montgomery Historical Society, P.O. Box 47, Montgomery, Vt. 05470.

Memorial Services will be held at the Grange Hall, Main Street, Montgomery Center, on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2006, at 11 a.m.

Condolences may be sent to the family on-line through: www.spearsfuneralhome.com.

From: Felix Bates

William (Bill) Mittelstadt was killed in a car crash, along with his dear friend, Donetta Hollis, in Montgomery, Vermont. Donetta was Stephen Finke's wife, who was KIA May 5, 1970. Donetta said Steve told her that if he died in Vietnam, that he wanted her to marry William (Bill). They lost touch after Steve's death. After many years of not knowing where each other was, in late 2005, two angels brought them back together again. Donetta and Bill were very happy together, and now they are all three together again, Stephen, Donetta, and Bill. What a reunion that must be.

From: Ladyvet9@aol.com

This information was last updated 05/18/2016

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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024


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