More detail on this person: LTC Gordon Thomas Carey, USA (RET), 3/20/1933 - 2/12/2015, in
Austin, TX. A true patriot and admired leader, he embodied the best of the Greatest Generation. He
will be deeply missed as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and remembered
as a respected Army Officer, businessman, and friend. His great sense of humor and engaging
personality drew people around him wherever he went.
Gordon retired after more than 20 years of service, in 1972. His final assignment was in the US Army
Research and Development, Special Projects Group, in Washington, DC. Trained as a multi-engine and
helicopter pilot, he logged approximately 3400 hours flight time and over 800 hours of combat flight
time. As a veteran of the Korean War and Vietnam ( 3 tours) in the Army Air Cavalry, he received
several commendation awards and medals, including his highest achieved, the Silver Star, for
gallantry in action in Vietnam on 07, May 1970. Gordon served as a Commanding Officer of Company
"A", 2nd Battalion, 66th Armor, 4th Armored Division in Germany, the 71st Assault Helicopter Co in
Vietnam, and the 3rd Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry in Vietnam.
Gordon was born on a farm in Nash County, NC. He graduated from Kenwood High School in Baltimore
County, Maryland. Gordon attended the University of Maryland and graduated from the University of
Nebraska. He served as the Cadet Captain of the Civil Air Patrol, and later joined the Maryland Air
National Guard. He entered the US Army in 1952. Subsequent to service, Gordon spent over 30 years in
real estate management in the Washington, DC metro area, San Fernando Valley, California, and Las
Vegas, NV.
He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Crete Strawhecker Carey, daughters Holly Helms, and Lauren
Langis, son Mark Carey. He is also survived by brother, Anthony Carey, and 2 sisters, Ruth Cary
Swanstrom, and Shirley Burdeaux, of Maryland. Grandchildren include, Luke Helms, Brian Carey and
Shannon Carey.
Internment, service, and Military Honors will be at ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, Washington,
DC on JUNE 19, 2015, at 1PM, at the Old Post Chapel. A formal reception will be held following the
service at the Women's Memorial at the entrance to the Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can
be made to St Luke's on the Lake Episcopal Church, 5600 Ranch Rd 620 North, Austin, TX 78732, in
his honor, for all the support and numerous visits made during the last months of his illness.
It is greatly appreciated from those who remember Gordon Carey to send messages, military service
memories, stories, etc., to place in his memorial book. Please send email to: cretecarey@aol.com
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site: 08/31/2024
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