More detail on this person: Paul Michael Cotter, born on July 11, 1950, passed peacefully in his home on March 2, 2026. He was preceded in death by his late wife, Barbara Rae Cotter and his parents Laurens (Faye - Gambi) Cotter. Paul is survived by his two sons, Mitch (Heeyeon) Cotter and Brian (Bethany) Cotter, and his cherished grandchildren: Aleesa, Lillian, Gracie, and Eli. He is also survived by his siblings, Chris, Tim, Tony, and Mary Cotter, as well as his best dog, Buddy. Early Life & Military Service Growing up, Paul attended St. Antonius grade school and graduated from Elder High School in 1968. He then enrolled in Parks College of Aeronautical Technology (St. Louis University), completing one year before enlisting in the United States Army. Paul served his country with honor and distinction in Vietnam as a combat helicopter pilot. After being selected to attend the Warrant Officer Candidate Flight Training program, he graduated from Ft. Rucker, Alabama, with class 70-31. He flew OH-6 Scouts with 3 BDE 101 ABN in I Corp at Camp Evans, known by the call sign "Thunder 70". Career in Aviation Following his discharge from the Army, Paul's lifelong passion for flying continued. He flew Hueys with the Indiana National Guard and later took to the skies with Asplund Aviation, conducting powerline patrols and spraying powerline right-of-ways. A skilled aviator and natural teacher, Paul also served as a certified helicopter flight instructor, sharing his expertise by training people to fly their new helicopters. Life & Legacy Beyond his dedicated service and career in aviation, Paul was a man who deeply loved his life, his family, and his routines. He enjoyed riding his Indian Scout Motorcycle, visiting Barleycorns, relaxing with an ice-cold Yuengling, and keeping the AC set strictly to 78°. Some of his most treasured memories were made with his boys_whether he was coaching baseball and basketball, going camping, building the street rod, or simply diving into whatever his sons were interested in at the time. Paul was one of the best people you could have ever had the opportunity to meet. He always helped, cared, and provided for anyone around him. He will be deeply missed by his family, his friends, and all who knew him in the skies and on the ground.
This information was last updated 06/26/2026
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: 07/15/2026
Copyright © 1998 - 2026 Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association