More detail on this person: Neil McGillicuddy
said: Joe Starker was responsible for pulling
together about 1600 aviator and related personnel
to fill the requirements of the 11th Aviation
Batallion. This information was last updated 05/18/2016
Please send additions or corrections to: HQ@vhpa.org VHPA Headquarters
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Date posted on this site:
03/10/2024
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From 12/66 Tomahawk history: Christmas 1966
finally arrived and operations almost ceased. Only
two aircraft were committed and LTC Joe Starker,
the Commander of the 11th Aviation Battalion flew
one. This meant that the maximum number of
Warriors were in the TEEPEE to enjoy Christmas
and the truce.
STARKER Joseph B. "Joe" (July, 1975) LT COL
Commander 11th Av BN AC May-66 May-67
Ben Powell wrote 12/30/2003: "Uncle" Joe Starker
was killed in a car wreck in San Antonio in either
June or July of 1975. I am sure that Ret MG Ben
Harrison can give you the exact date.
I am Joe Starker's youngest daughter Sallie
Starker Melton. He was killed July 19, 1975 in an
automobile accident. Ironically, after flying two
tours in Viet Nam and his first tour in Korea
(1957-1958), a drunk driver "shot him down". His
name is in fact, Joseph Benedeck Starker (not John
B. "Joe" Starker) as was mentioned in the text.
My dad was my hero. Thank you for sharing his
memory with others.
From: Sallie Starker Melton