More detail on this person: Army Aviation Hall
of Fame 1989 Induction This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site:
03/10/2024
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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.