More detail on this person: Colonel Robert S. Michelsen USAF (Ret.) Colonel Robert S. Michelsen "Bob" died on March 10th, 2012 at home in the arms of his wife after a short battle with cancer. Following graduation from high school, Bob completed one year at the University of Washington, then transferred to Central Washington University where he received a B.S. degree in Biology. Commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force thru the R.O.T.C. program, he began pilot training in the Air Force and received his pilot's wings at Laredo AFB, Texas in 1959. He then completed the advanced helicopter pilot training school. He became a career officer and Command Pilot in the Air Force, flying large fixed wing Search and Rescue aircraft and single-seat jet aircraft, but his love was flying Rescue helicopters. During his Air Force career, he and his very supportive wife Pat and their four children, moved 15 times to various air bases across the United States and to four overseas bases. Bob served in Vietnam and flew 162 combat hours in rescue helicopters. He was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and Air Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters, Officer Order of the Republic of Tunisia, two Air Force Commendations and the Presidential Unit Citation. He was a graduate of Squadron Officers School and the Air Force Command and Staff College. He received a Master Degree in Management from Webster University in St. Louis. His last assignment was Commander of the Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service at Scott AFB in Illinois. Following retirement from the Air Force, Bob and Pat returned home to Washington where he managed a Property Management Business while enjoying golf, skiing, fishing, and traveling. His love of family, community and country were central in his life. He is survived by his loving wife Pat, his children Phillip Michelsen, Catherine Dressel, and Karen Porter. Grandchildren: Stacy, Zachary, Kyle, Katie, Mariah, Graham, Megan, and Ashlyn. Sons-In-Law: Kent and Mark, Daughters-In-Law Joan and Christine. His son Christopher and brother Gary preceded him in death. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Zion Lutheran Church or to your favorite charity.
Burial information: Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, WA
This information was last updated 07/24/2019
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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