SWANK WILLARD L

CW2 Willard "Will" L. Swank was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 06/17/2016 at the age of 72.8 from Cancer
Daniel Island, SC
Flight Classes 71-27 and 71-21
Date of Birth 08/30/1943
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with 147 ASHC in 71-72
Call sign in Vietnam HILLCLIMBER 33
This information was provided by Sammie Williams

More detail on this person: SWANK, WILL 72, formerly of Mechanicsburg, Ohio, passed away from his 6 year battle with cancer, Friday, June 17, 2016 in his residence surrounded by his loving family, in Charleston , South Carolina. Will was born August 30, 1943 in Mechanicsburg, the son of Paul Aaron Swank and Kathryn (Broderick) Swank. He attended Mechanicsburg High School and received his Bachelors Degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Will proudly served in the US Army for 28 years and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer. He served in Vietnam being highly decorated including the Air Medal for Heroism and two Bronze Stars (one for valor). He was also the recipient of a Purple Heart. Following retirement, he enjoyed flying helicopter tours in Hawaii,piloted a DC-4 Carvair for Hawaii Pacific Air and lastly flying inter-island routes with Mahalo Air. Eventually, he joined the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in Hawaii. He then finished his career at FAA Headquarters in Washington, DC. He was instrumental in developing guidance for runway safety among other projects that keep the flying public out of harm's way. He is preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Diana Houchin; and his siblings, Diane Swank and Darwyn Swank.

Burial information: Arlington National Cemetery

This information was last updated 08/24/2018

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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024


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