More detail on this person: Major Herbert Grant Gates, USAF (Ret), 82, born in Kansas City, MO
and raised in Nevada, MO passed peacefully at 4pm, on Sunday, the 24th of November 2013, in
Springfield, MO, with all his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren gathered, in love and
honor, at his side.
Herbert's US Air Force career began at Misawa AFB in Honshu, Japan. There, as a young helicopter
pilot of the 38th Air Rescue Squadron., a 24 year old 1st Lieutenant saved the lives of 14 Japanese
sailors, the entire crew of a sinking vessel during a typhoon and tsunami. Lowering his copilot to
the ship to help the sailors onto the hoist, Herbert made 15 turns from the ship to shore until
every man was safe. He was honored with four medals from the government of Japan. This initial act
of daring and courage marked the beginning of a lifetime dedicated to rescue, safety, and
protection, nurtured in military service and practiced his entire life as the champion and hero of
his family and friends.
During his flight training, Herbert and his class were asked for volunteers to train in a new type
of aircraft. Every single man raised his hand. The aircraft was the helicopter. He was decorated
numerous times throughout his service. His Vietnam decorations included the Bronze Star, the
Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with multiple oak leaf clusters. What he preferred to
talk about was the pleasure it gave him to organize charity from home for the Tuey Hua locals. As a
member of the 1st Helicopter Squadron at Joint Base Andrews, in our nation's capital, it was his
extreme honor to provide airlift for the Executive Department, high-ranking dignitaries, and
distinguished visitors. His final assignment, as Commander of the 353rd at Whiteman AFB, was
patrolling above our Nation's weapons in the heart of America.
Herb delighted in and cared for his one true love, Jacqueline Joan Oliphant, until she passed in May
of 2008. He was her everything 'til the very end and he missed her every day since, until he now
joins her.
He was also preceded in death by his father Herbert Graham Gates, his mother Neta Lucille Neff
(Gates, Cornelius), and his step father "Doc" Cornelius, the latter two of whom he and his wife
Jackie personally cared for until their deaths. Also predeceased were his niece Kelly Herbert and
his cousin Neta Suzanne Neff.
He is survived by his three children, Cynthia May (husband Robert Mancuso), Douglas William, and
Sally Ellen (husband Clay Frisbie); his five grandchildren Joann Elise Sutton, Janie Lynn (husband
Jacob Schlueter), Cally Rae (husband Thomas Lampe), Cassi Ellen Rose (husband Tyler Moore) and
Grant Clayton; his six great-grandchildren Andrew Michael, Michael David, Seaana Jacqueline, Madalyn
May, Sophia Ellen and Roman Thomas. Also surviving are sister-in-law Roberta Lee Oliphant (Herbert,
Schnell), his niece Debbie and nephews Billy and Brad.
Herbert said all he wanted to do since he was a child was fly, and he would have done it for nothing
if the Air Force had wanted him to. He loved golfing, building and flying model airplanes, puzzles,
wood working, Jeopardy!, traveling, and sight-seeing. He shared all these with his wife, children,
and grandchildren.
Herbert Grant Gates: A Veteran of the United States Air Force and a Veteran of a Life Well Lived.
Mission Accomplished, Sir!
A graveside memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Tuesday, December 3, 2013, at the Missouri
Veterans Cemetery.
Herbert was profoundly affected by the fact that not everyone had as fortunate a life as he was
blessed with. He donated regularly to several charitable organizations. He and his family would be
deeply honored if, instead of flowers, you would make a donation to your own trusted charity.
Published in the News-Leader on Dec. 1, 2013
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: 06/15/2024
Copyright © 1998 - 2024 Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association