MOLINELLI ROBERT F

MG Robert F Molinelli was a potential VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 05/04/1987 at the age of 52.9 from Cancer
Palo Alto, CA
Flight Class 57-15
Date of Birth 06/01/1934
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with 114 AHC in 64-65, 2/17 CAV 101 ABN in 69-70
Call sign in Vietnam Cobra Lead
This information was provided by Mike Wise, Tom Jacoby, AAAA 30 JUN 87, update George Young

More detail on this person: Army Aviation Hall of Fame 1989 Induction

I served with Bob Molinelli in 1970 while he was the 2/17th Air Cavalry Squadron Commander, 101 st Airborne Division. I was B Troop Commander and later his Executive Officer. I flew with Bob on missions in light rain and fog with no visible horizon to rescue Ranger Units and or Marine Long Range Recon Units located in the Ashau Valley and vicinity. There was no one braver than Bob Molinelli, He passed all to soon. God bless him forever.

From: David Larcomb

I was Lt. Col. Molinelli's crew chief when he was C/O of the 2/17 Cav.

I am about to go to a veteran's dinner and was wandering what became of him, so I googled him and found your site.

He was C/O 2/17 during 70 and 71. His call sign was Cheyenne Phantom. We called him Dad behind his back. Everyone who flew with him would have gone to hell and back for him if he asked us to. He was one of the finest men I ever knew. He could chew someone out better with a look and shake of the head than his predecessor could with a half hour berating! I loved the guy and was deeply saddened to find out that he died so young.

From: William L. King

While undergoing cancer treatment at Stanfort University. AAAA 1970 Aviator of the Year. May have been the most decorated aviator in VN.

This information was last updated 05/18/2016

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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024


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