MCMEEN WALTER C

Walter C. McMeen was a potential VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 12/28/1984 at the age of 58.4 from A/C accident
Phoenix, AZ
Date of Birth 07/22/1926
Served in the U.S. Air Force
This information was provided by Randall McMeen (son), Tom Garcia

More detail on this person: Walter C McMeen is my Father. I have his DD-214, but it does not tell me all that you want to know. As a kid I remember him Being in Vietnam around 1964-1965. I saw on your web-site that Tom Garcia has supplied to you his name, I have been in touch with him years ago but I have lost touch with him . He knew my Dad around 1960 or so. Tom could tell you some stories I am sure. Richard Coles from Colorado also knew him well. My Father was killed on December 28,1984 in San Diego California. He was landing on a Tuna Boat that was loading Salt with a crane. The crane turned into the rotor blades while he and the pilot where hovering, getting ready to touch down. The pilot lived but Dad was killed. He is buried at the Arizona National Cemetery. If you speak to Tom Garcia let him know my e-mail...he told me years ago he was writing a book, I am sure Dad would be mentioned in it. Let me know if I can help you with anything. I will try my best to find out what-ever it is. You guys could probably find out alot more than me and if you do please let me know. I loved the way that Chopper sound! I remember back in 1960 in Phoenix I could hear that noise and I would run outside to see Dad flying over our house and getting on the loud speaker to tell Mom he would be home in a few. Life was great back then, I Miss my Dad more than words could tell, but all I can say is thanks for writing me, I think of this Man Everyday of My Life.

From: Randall C McMeen

I was looking for Walter McMeen on the Internet. I was very saddened to learn that he was killed long ago. I gave him his first ride in a helicopter at Nellis AFB. I don't remember the year, but it must have been 1952 or 1953. The aircraft was a YH-5E. We received the H-19 in December 1953. I finished Helicopter School in November, 1950 at Connally AFB., Waco TX. I went to Nellis in January, 1951, and stayed there until May, 1955. I was the Base Safety Officer at Osan AB, Korea for one year. There was one H-19 there when I arrived. I was able to persuade 5TH Air Force to give us another. Better yet, I got to go to Japan to ferry it to Osan. I took five days for the return trip. The last R.O.N. was at Pusan, Korea. There was still a Swedish Hospital there, left over from the Korean War. Still Swedish Nurses and lots of cheap Scotch Whiskey. I have only flown a helicopter once since 1956.

Can you forward to Randall C. McMeen that I really liked Walter and was happy that he was able to set the World Altitude Record. We were good friends at Nellis, not in a social setting, but as pilots.

From: Charles L. Monroe

This information was last updated 08/17/2020

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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024