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
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: 05/13/2023
Copyright © 1998 - 2023 Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association