More detail on this person: Colonel John Burnham Dubbelde, 73 of Seattle Colonel John Burnham Dubbelde Seattle Times and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, The (WA) - Friday, May 9, 2008 Colonel John Burnham DUBBELDE US Army (Ret), age 73, passed away at his home in Seattle, WA. May 3, 2008. Born in Manila, Philippines to Josephine (Burnham) and Col. John J. Dubbelde, he was raised in a military environment and influenced with the events of WWII. His was among the first U.S. families to be stationed in Germany after WWII, and one of the few remaining in Berlin during the Blockade of '48-'49. These experiences motivated him to follow in his father's footsteps. He was fortunate to receive an appointment to the US Military Academy, West Point, graduating in the top quarter of his class in June 1957. Early duty assignments included Infantry Platoon Leader, Army Aviator, Infantry Company Commander, and Aide-de-Camp. During his two years of service in the Vietnam Conflict he served as an Air Calvary Officer in the1/9 Cavalry, Aviation Staff Officer, and Aviation Unit Commander. Stateside, he lead instructors conducting primary helicopter flight training for U.S. and Vietnamese soldiers, and was the Plans Officer for the Army's Primary Helicopter Center at Fort Walters, TX. When someone discovered he could count, he became a Comptroller managing funds for Army Installations and Commands. At his retirement he was Comptroller of the Armaments Research and Development Command with an annual budget of $1.4 billion. In addition to the Bachelor of Science degree from West Point, he was a graduate of the Army's Command and General Staff College, and held a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Washington. Col. Dubbelde's Military awards included the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, three Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart, twenty-one Air Medal awards, the Meritorious Service Metal, and numerous commendations and certificates. Col. Dubbelde retired in Seattle, WA where he enjoyed snow skiing, bicycling, camping and the glory of the mountains. He was a man of modesty, integrity, honor, duty, strength, and had a dry sense of humor. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Eleanor Dubbelde, Seattle WA; son and daughter-in-law John and Lisa Dubbelde, grandchildren John and Meg, Woodbridge, VA; daughter and son-in-law Peggy and Jeff Thoren, granddaughter Emily, Chandler, AZ; and sister Lydia D. Thomas, Warrington, VA; nieces Virginia T. Robins, Vienna, VA and Susan B. Mastalski, Fredericksburg, VA and nephew Gerald C.Thomas III, Oakton, VA. A Memorial Service/interment will be held at Fort Myer Chapel/Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA Wed., August 6 at 1:00p.m., with full military honors. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Army Emergency Relief, Attn: Donations, 200 Stovall St. Rm. 5-N-13, Alexandria, VA 22332-0600.
Burial information: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA
This information was last updated 10/20/2017
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