More detail on this person: Earl Warren Fletcher, 78, a retired military officer who was
highly-decorated for service in three wars, passed away Thursday, Aug. 15, 2002, in Arlington.
Funeral: 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Moore Funeral Home Chapel, 1219 N. Davis in Arlington. Burial:
Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C.
Memorials: may be made to Cancer Care Services, 605 W. Magnolia, Fort Worth, Texas 761004.
Earl was born and raised in Moultrie, Ga. He rose to distinguish himself by serving his country in
both war and peace. He graduated from North Georgia Military College and George Washington
Graduate School. Earl provided optimism and strength to his friends and family for whom he cared
deeply. His unique approach to life, his sense of humor, his determination and his fabulous smile
will be greatly missed.
During his long military career Earl served post-World War II in Europe as aide-de-camp to Gen. C.
Magruder and Gen. Maxwell Taylor.
He served in Korea in 1950. He served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1969, where he survived three
helicopter crashes and was one of the most decorated military officers in combat. He was awarded
over 60 combat medals, including: Silver Star, two Legion of Merits, three Bronze Stars,
Distinguished Flying Cross, 27 Air Medals and numerous foreign awards; and a double award which
included a National Order and Gallantry Cross Medals. He was also awarded over seven Gallantry
Crosses for gallantry in action.
Earl was an Army War College graduate. He served at Fort Rucker from 1970 to 1973, as Assistant
Commandant Deputy Commanding General, Army Aviation School.
He was posted to Fort Hood, from 1973 to 1975 as Chief of Staff Army Test Command until his
retirement date, May 31, 1975, as an Army colonel.
After his military career ended, Earl served from 1978 to 1979 in Iran, Division Director of Flight
Training Division of Bell Helicopter International. He was responsible for Army aviation training
that involved 2,100 pilots, ultimately responsible for the safe evacuation of over 5,000 Americans
due to the fall of the Shah of Iran.
Earl loved spending time with his beloved wife Wendy and their constant companion Nutmeg aka
"Scooter."
He enjoyed a passion for the stock market, was an avid tennis player for almost 40 years and loved
the game of golf - at one time achieving a handicap of "1". He continued to educate himself
throughout his retirement, obtaining a real estate agent license as well as a broker license.
Our heartfelt thanks to the staff of Station 32 Arlington Memorial Hospital, the Infusion Center
personnel, Arlington Cancer Center. Our deepest appreciation to Dr. Karel Dicke and Sylvia Hanks,
NP, for their steadfast care and support.
Survivors: Devoted wife, Wendy; sons, Mark, Michael and wife, Anastasia, David and Scotty; daughter,
Nancy Fletcher Madren and husband, Clyde; grandchildren, Annie Madren, Melanie Thornhill, William
Fletcher, Collin Fletcher and Jessica Fletcher; son-in-law, Frank D. Thornhill; sister, Wyley Maye
Gibbs and brother, Jack Fletcher and wife, Sally.
Published in the Star-Telegram on 8/18/2002.
Burial information: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site: 08/31/2024
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