SALEM HAROLD D

LTC Harold "Hal" D Salem was a potential VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 08/06/2015 at the age of 83.6 from Prostate cancer
Mesa, AZ
Date of Birth 01/09/1932
Served in the U.S. Air Force
Served in Vietnam with 38 ARRS DET 6
This information was provided by Sammie Williams, Jeff Potter

More detail on this person: After a long courageous battle with prostate cancer, Harold "Hal" Salem passed away peacefully at home on August 6, 2015,surrounded by his wife of 61 years, Edna and their five children and spouses: Toby and Eddie Tarango, Cheryl and Phil Weiss, Julie and Vance Varholdt, Debbie and Greg McKenna and Dave and Cindee Salem. He also leaves behind twelve grandchildren, and ten great grand children.

He was born in 1932 in Douglas Arizona. He was one of three sons of the late John and Ethel Salem. He was commissioned in the Air Force in 1956 after graduating from Arizona State University. He was a decorated Vietnam War Veteran serving as a rescue helicopter pilot. He flew over 340 missions, survived being shot down by enemy fire twice and received many military medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross with valor. He was in Detachment Six, 38th Rescue Squadron in Bien Hao Air Force Base Vietnam. He was a qualified fixed wing and rotorcraft pilot. During his time in the military he also earned his Masters Degree in Business Management.

After his retirement from the Air Force in 1976, he had a successful career as a professional in the area of Environmental and Safety Engineering. Hal was passionate about his work and was a mentor to many throughout his career. He is known for treating everyone with equal respect, one of the many mottos he lived by.

He was an active volunteer for several organizations throughout the valley, such as the Veterans Hospital and the Civilian Police Academy. He was past president of the Tempe Diplomats and the Air Force Military Affairs.

Hal and Edna traveled the world during and after their military career. They also treasured the time spent at their cabin with family with friends. He will be remembered for his humor, great dance moves, hugs, hair stretches and face wakeups. He was a wonderful husband, father, Papa and G- Papa. He was our hero and he will be truly missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Hospice of the Valley and the VFW.

Services will be held Tuesday August 11th at Mariposa Gardens Funeral Home, 6747 E Broadway Road, Mesa Arizona. Viewing at 2:00 PM, memorial service at 3:00 PM followed by internment at Mountain View Cemetery at 7900 E. Main in Mesa. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Hospice of the Valley.

This information was last updated 05/18/2016

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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024


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