More detail on this person: Keith Leroy
Anthony, 72, of Sterling Virginia died Friday,
March 28, 2014 at INOVA Loudoun Hospital, VA.
He will be forever remembered for his service to
his country, and as a devoted husband, father,
grandfather and friend. Burial information: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site:
10/23/2024
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Mr. Anthony was born November 20, 1941 in
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, son of the late Leroy
Dent Anthony and Wanda Jane Hooks. He was the
oldest son to a family of four girls and four
boys. The family moved to his grandparentsâÇÖ
farm in Armstrong County western Pennsylvania
where he grew up.
He retired from the US Army in December 1979
after twenty years of active service as a Captain
and Sr. Army Aviator. He served thirty four months
in Vietnam. Initially with the 1st Calvary
Division as a helicopter door gunner. Then with
the 4th Infantry Division as a combat helicopter
pilot. He flew 611 combat missions. Captain
Anthony received thirty-three military awards and
decorations including the Distinguished Flying
Cross, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air
Medal (12 awards), Presidential Unit Citation.
After the military he worked in the Washington DC
/ Virginia area as a Logistics Engineering
Consultant contractor for the US Navy finally
retiring in 2005.
He was married to Mi Tae Kim whom he met while
serving in the military for three years in the
Republic of South Korea. She preceded him in
death in 2007.
Surviving are his daughter Charolette Anthony
Eriksson, her husband Robert Eriksson, grandson
Robert Anthony Eriksson and granddaughter Lauren
Eriksson of Stephens City, VA.
Also surviving are; Sister Peggy Bowser and
husband Gary of Kittanning, PA; Brother Donald
Anthony and wife Wanda of Templeton, PA; Brother
James Anthony and wife Sandra of Templeton, PA;
Brother Kenneth Anthony and wife Arlene of
Altoona. PA; Sister Sally Anthony Ruffner of
Templeton, PA; Sister Debrah DeBardelaben and
husband Randy of Alpine, AL; His sister Carol Ann
Anthony preceded him in death.
The family will receive visitors Tuesday April 1
from 6-8 p.m. and Wednesday from 10-11 a.m. April
2 at Colonial Funeral Home of Leesburg at 201
Edwards Ferry NE, Leesburg. A funerall service
will be held there Wednesday, April 2 at 11 a.m.
with Pastor Kenneth Anthony officiating.
Burial with full military honors will be at
Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be
announced.
Keith flew 612 combat missions. He was awarded
the DFC for heroism, BS, and 25 other military
awards and decorations.
He retired from the army 12/79 as a Captain and
Sr. Army Aviator. As a pilot and instructor he
logged 5,243 flying hours.
Keith was 72 years. He struggled with health
issues during the past few years. Starting with
throat cancer. He beat cancer, but succumbed to
pneumonia and a stroke. Immediate cause of death
was respiratory failure.
Keith was introduced to helicopters in the 11th
Air Assault Division (Test) during 9/64 - 7/65 as
a Avionics, Communication, Navigation technician
at Fort Benning, GA. He was assigned to the 1St
Cavalry Division (Air Mobile) in Vietnam during
8/65 - 4/67 as an Electronics Technician and UH-1
helicopter Door Gunner. In 11/65, Keith
participated in the Battle of Ia Drang Valley.
His Commander was Major Bruce Crandall who led
the first flight of eight HU-1 helicopters. Keith
was a door gunner on âÇoChalk 6âÇ¥, the sixth
helicopter in the flight. He recently said that
he remembered the events like it was yesterday.
The photo below was taken in 12/65 shortly after
the battle. On the back he wrote "Just back from
four days up on the line".
Keith returned to the US and graduated flight
school at Fort Walters, TX and Fort Rucker, Al in
3/69 receiving his wings and an appointment as a
Warrant Officer. He immediately received orders to
return to Vietnam with the 4th Infantry division.
Thanks for listening. His family is proud of him
From: Robert Eriksson, son-in-law