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. This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site:
03/10/2024
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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