More detail on this person: Lt Col Melvin Tate, 82 Tate, shot down in WWII, had long career as aviator ; He recorded more than 6,000 hours in military planes and helicopters. San Antonio Express-News (TX) - Tuesday, December 2, 2003 Retired Army Lt. Col. Melvin Tate, a decorated pilot who risked his life in three wars and survived capture by German forces in World War II, died of heart failure Thursday at his home in San Antonio. He was 82. His family described him as a warrior with a sweet soul and a quiet manner that commanded respect. Flying was his life's passion. "He felt that it was the highest calling you could have to serve your country," said Kaaren Blumberg, the oldest of Tate's two daughters. "He was fearless." Tate joined the Army Air Corps in 1942, starting a career that spanned 26 years and included more than 6,000 hours of flying planes and helicopters in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. In World War II, he flew more than 250 reconnaissance flights. In the waning days of the war, German soldiers shot down his airplane in France, where he was briefly held captive in a farmhouse until Allied forces took control of the area. "He was one of the last great aviators who could fly blindfolded, upside down or without instruments in a cockpit full of smoke," said Tate's son-in-law, Hilmar Blumberg of Seguin. "He had stories about flying over the Alps in pea soup long before they flew with instruments." Tate also ferried generals, chiefs of staff and some of the big-name performers of his era. "He really liked Danny Kaye and even let him take over (the airplane) for a little bit," said Monica Young, Tate's 32-year-old granddaughter. For a short time after World War II, Tate worked as a pharmacist in Oklahoma, but he soon returned to active duty in 1950 to serve as a pilot in the Korean War. In 1964, he went to Vietnam as commanding officer for the 92nd Aviation Company and 51st Transportation Detachment. He flew helicopters that brought in supplies and carried out wounded soldiers. By his retirement in 1968, the Army had pinned to his chest a Silver Star and two Bronze Stars, 12 Air Medals, five Battle Stars for Europe, a Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service and Campaign Medals and the master Army Aviator Badge. Tate refused to accept the Purple Heart awarded to him for injuries he suffered during World War II. He told family members that the honor should be reserved for those who died in combat. In his later life, he spoiled his grandkids, tinkered with electronic gadgets and traveled with his wife of 61 years, Evelyn, in their mobile trailer. Other survivors include his daughter Kathy Tate of Dallas; grandchildren Roland Blake Blumberg and Jordan Tate Blumberg of Seguin; a great-granddaughter, Maren Young; a brother, Leo Tate of Union City, Okla.; and a sister, Clariann Dula of Dallas. A memorial service with military honors is set for 2:30 p.m. today at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
Burial information: Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, TX
This information was last updated 09/08/2020
Please send additions or corrections to: HQ@vhpa.org VHPA Headquarters
Return to the Helicopter Pilot DAT name list
Return to VHPA web site
Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
Copyright © 1998 - 2024 Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association