Is there a thread for now deceased aviators?
Discussion
I took a look through this forum but couldn't find a definitive thread for this.
A good friend of the family passed on last month and his funeral was last weekend. I couldn't make it but my Sister and Brother in Law were there.
There was a flypast of V-22s at Quantico.
If anyone is interested, I can post a few stories about this guy.
A good friend of the family passed on last month and his funeral was last weekend. I couldn't make it but my Sister and Brother in Law were there.
There was a flypast of V-22s at Quantico.
If anyone is interested, I can post a few stories about this guy.
Edited by JustALooseScrew on Wednesday 11th March 12:49
El stovey said:
Why not, seems interesting. Not many people get a flyby like that.
Thanks 
Here's a page about the New Orleans sniper Mark Essex:
https://www.nola.com/news/crime_police/article_ffc...
And a video interview when he/they tried to go in to Iran to bring out the American hostages in 1979 when it all went a bit wrong.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLwWPXjwfc0
I'm not looking for Internet bonus points on a 'Who do you know' thread, but I am very sad that he's passed with out me getting to meet him again.
I'm feeling a bit weepy so I'll tell a story that made us all smile.
They were all in a hotel in Green Park one afternoon and I'd arranged to meet them. Knocked on the door, let in and there's the table stocked with beer, Chuck and a few other from Lockheed and my Sis and BiL.
After a while toilet needs were required and I'm directed up stairs to the bathroom. I donned the extraordinarily fluffy white bath robe, wrapped some towels around my head and legs and fashioned a weapon from the free tooth brush and paste which also included extracting the card board rolls from the toilet paper and using the soap bars as grenade launcher.
Stumbling down the stairs I declared something like "I am Mujahideen and you are all my prisoners - we go for kebab... NOW!"
(may be you had to be there)
Chuck was a good friend, he was so softly spoken and always came across as the type of fella who was the Granddad you wished you'd had.
Eric Mc said:
Was he an aviator?
Hi Eric. I think he mainly flew helicopters and perhaps A22s - does that count?The Golden Eagles said:
Lieutenant General Charles H. Pitman, USMC (Ret)
Golden Eagle Emeritus
Gentlemen,
It is my sad duty to report that Golden Eagle Emeritus, Lieutenant General Charles H. “Chuck” Pitman, USMC (Retired), made his Last Take Off on 13 February 2020. Chuck was born in Chicago in 1935, grew up in Evanston, IL, and began flying at the young age of 14 after his family relocated to Wisconsin. After graduating from high school in Milwaukee, he enlisted in the Naval Reserve in 1952 and enrolled in college at Northwestern University. While there, his drill sergeant convinced him to join the Marine Corps in 1953, and while in Electronics school at Treasure Island, CA. In 1954 he received orders to enter Naval Flight Training as a NAVCAD. Subsequently, he received his wings and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in August 1955, at age 19.
In his first Fleet assignment, HMR 363 flying H-19s (HRS- 1s), he deployed to the Pacific Proving Grounds (Bikini Atoll) aboard the USS Badoeng Strait (CVE-116). During the first Hydrogen Bomb detonation, he was selected to fly to ground zero to test the radiation. During his seven months on station in 1956, he observed 13 nuclear blasts and flew over 500 hours in support of the Atomic Energy Commission.
Returning to the States, he transferred to MCAAS Mojave as rescue pilot, airfield operations officer, Provost Marshal and brig officer, flying HRSs, HUPs, HOKs, T-28s, C-45s and C-117s. From there, in 1958, he returned to Pensacola for jet transition, became an instrument flight instructor and later attended Naval Aviation Photo Reconnaissance School. As a result of that, he did 3 tours in Marine reconnaissance squadrons in the US and Far East flying RF-8s and EF-10s. During these tours (1961-64), he flew reconnaissance along the China, North Korean, Russian, Vietnamese, Cuban and Dominican Republic coasts and received his first "classified" Air Medal.
In 1966, he returned to Vietnam, this time flying CH-46s with HMM-265 in Northern I Corps operating out of Danang, Phu Bai, Khe Sanh, and Dong Ha. While forced down 5 times by enemy fire, all of his aircraft were eventually recovered.
In February 1968, he returned to Washington, DC, to work in OPNAV OP-05W. While there, he was able to return to Vietnam for some specialized testing, participate in classified foreign aircraft exploitation, and learn to fly gliders (civilian). From there, he went to the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, VA. After completing Staff College in 1970, he again returned to Vietnam, this time serving as the Commanding Officer, H&MS 16, flying Helicopter Coordinator Airborne, MedEvac, fire support, and RECON missions in UH-1s, AH-1s, CH-46s and OV-10s. Then in February 1971, while flying a CH-53A, he was shot down for the 7th and last time while participating in Operation Lam Son 719 in Laos. His helicopter was knocked out of the air by a combination of machine gun and mortar fire. He was wounded by a 12.7 round, breaking his leg, and MedEvaced to Quang Tri, then, on to Danang, Okinawa and finally Bethesda. He returned to limited duty in July and was assigned as Commanding Officer, Marine Air Reserve Training Detachment, New Orleans, LA.
He spent two years in New Orleans where he assumed command of Marine Air Reserve Training Detachment that had 2 HMM squadrons (CH-46s), a Maintenance Squadron and a Staff Group. In January 1973, he flew one of his CH-46s in support of New Orleans Police Department, eliminating a sniper who had been killing people from the roof of a downtown motel. He left New Orleans to attend Air War College in June 1973 and in conjunction with this assignment, he completed his B.S. degree in Business Administration at Troy State.
In 1974 Chuck returned to Washington where he spent 2 years in Marine Aviation planning and 2 years in SECNAV's Office of Program Appraisal. From there, in 1978, he went to Command Marine Aircraft Group 36 operating in the Western Pacific, Korea, the Philippines, Thailand and Australia flying 4 types of helicopters, OV-10s and KC-130s.
Returning to Washington for the 3rd time, he was assigned to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff's special staff group. There he acted as special advisor to the Chairman on the Middle East, Africa, the Atlantic Ocean area, the DoD budget, counterterrorism, and the Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force (RDJTF). As a result of this assignment and his extensive helicopter experience, he was assigned to participate in the Iranian Hostage Rescue operation, both during training and its execution in 1979-80, flying UH-1Ns and RH-53Ds
Leaving Washington in June 1981, he took command of the Marine Aviation Training Support Group in Pensacola, FL. There, he was responsible for the Marine instructors, students and staff members in Pensacola and at all of the Training Command bases in Florida, Texas and Mississippi (flying T-28s, T-2s TA-4s and T-39s).
Promoted to Brigadier General in 1982, he was assigned as C-5, US/ROK Combined Forces Command and Commander, Marine Forces Korea in Seoul, Korea. From there, in 1984, he was reassigned as Assistant Wing Commander, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing in El Toro. Chuck was promoted to Major General in 1985, and then assumed command of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Japan, operating in the Indian Ocean, Australia, the Philippines, Korea, Thailand and the entire Western Pacific. While in command he actively continued flying in 4 types of helicopters, and fixed wing aircraft that included KC-130s, A-4s, A-6s, A-7s, F/A-18s, C-39s and C-12s.
Following this operational tour, with over 34 years of flying, Chuck returned to Washington for the 4th time in 1987, where he was promoted to Lieutenant General and became the Marine Corps' Deputy Chief of Staff for Aviation until his retirement on 1 August 1990.
Following his active duty career, he remained actively involved in support of Marine Corps aviation as the National Commander of the Marine Corps Aviation Association (MCAA), and was extremely proud of his membership as a Golden Eagle. In his civilian career, Chuck worked as a consultant for various defense firms, including Bell Helicopter and Elbit Systems of America, advising Bell on the tactical importance of tilt-rotor technology.
LtGen Pitman flew actively for 34 years during his 38-year Marine Corps career, accumulating over 12,000 flight hours in rotary and fixed wing prop and jet aircraft, which included 575 carrier arrested landings. He served three combat tours in Vietnam, surviving 7 helicopter shoot downs (five of which were recovered) and was an RH-53 pilot in the Operation Eagle Claw attempted rescue of our Iranian Hostages. A true leader from the cockpit, Chuck served as commander of six aviation commands and ultimately served as the leader for all Marine Corps Aviation. His combat awards include the Silver Star, 4 Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star with Combat ‘V’, 65 Air Medals, the Purple Heart and the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat ‘V.’
LtGen Pitman is survived by his wife Shaunee. He was the loving father of his four children, and a devoted grandfather and great grandfather.
Memorial service information is pending at this time.
He will be missed.
In sadness,
John Mazach
You tell me... but I'd guess that qualifies.Golden Eagle Emeritus
Gentlemen,
It is my sad duty to report that Golden Eagle Emeritus, Lieutenant General Charles H. “Chuck” Pitman, USMC (Retired), made his Last Take Off on 13 February 2020. Chuck was born in Chicago in 1935, grew up in Evanston, IL, and began flying at the young age of 14 after his family relocated to Wisconsin. After graduating from high school in Milwaukee, he enlisted in the Naval Reserve in 1952 and enrolled in college at Northwestern University. While there, his drill sergeant convinced him to join the Marine Corps in 1953, and while in Electronics school at Treasure Island, CA. In 1954 he received orders to enter Naval Flight Training as a NAVCAD. Subsequently, he received his wings and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in August 1955, at age 19.
In his first Fleet assignment, HMR 363 flying H-19s (HRS- 1s), he deployed to the Pacific Proving Grounds (Bikini Atoll) aboard the USS Badoeng Strait (CVE-116). During the first Hydrogen Bomb detonation, he was selected to fly to ground zero to test the radiation. During his seven months on station in 1956, he observed 13 nuclear blasts and flew over 500 hours in support of the Atomic Energy Commission.
Returning to the States, he transferred to MCAAS Mojave as rescue pilot, airfield operations officer, Provost Marshal and brig officer, flying HRSs, HUPs, HOKs, T-28s, C-45s and C-117s. From there, in 1958, he returned to Pensacola for jet transition, became an instrument flight instructor and later attended Naval Aviation Photo Reconnaissance School. As a result of that, he did 3 tours in Marine reconnaissance squadrons in the US and Far East flying RF-8s and EF-10s. During these tours (1961-64), he flew reconnaissance along the China, North Korean, Russian, Vietnamese, Cuban and Dominican Republic coasts and received his first "classified" Air Medal.
In 1966, he returned to Vietnam, this time flying CH-46s with HMM-265 in Northern I Corps operating out of Danang, Phu Bai, Khe Sanh, and Dong Ha. While forced down 5 times by enemy fire, all of his aircraft were eventually recovered.
In February 1968, he returned to Washington, DC, to work in OPNAV OP-05W. While there, he was able to return to Vietnam for some specialized testing, participate in classified foreign aircraft exploitation, and learn to fly gliders (civilian). From there, he went to the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, VA. After completing Staff College in 1970, he again returned to Vietnam, this time serving as the Commanding Officer, H&MS 16, flying Helicopter Coordinator Airborne, MedEvac, fire support, and RECON missions in UH-1s, AH-1s, CH-46s and OV-10s. Then in February 1971, while flying a CH-53A, he was shot down for the 7th and last time while participating in Operation Lam Son 719 in Laos. His helicopter was knocked out of the air by a combination of machine gun and mortar fire. He was wounded by a 12.7 round, breaking his leg, and MedEvaced to Quang Tri, then, on to Danang, Okinawa and finally Bethesda. He returned to limited duty in July and was assigned as Commanding Officer, Marine Air Reserve Training Detachment, New Orleans, LA.
He spent two years in New Orleans where he assumed command of Marine Air Reserve Training Detachment that had 2 HMM squadrons (CH-46s), a Maintenance Squadron and a Staff Group. In January 1973, he flew one of his CH-46s in support of New Orleans Police Department, eliminating a sniper who had been killing people from the roof of a downtown motel. He left New Orleans to attend Air War College in June 1973 and in conjunction with this assignment, he completed his B.S. degree in Business Administration at Troy State.
In 1974 Chuck returned to Washington where he spent 2 years in Marine Aviation planning and 2 years in SECNAV's Office of Program Appraisal. From there, in 1978, he went to Command Marine Aircraft Group 36 operating in the Western Pacific, Korea, the Philippines, Thailand and Australia flying 4 types of helicopters, OV-10s and KC-130s.
Returning to Washington for the 3rd time, he was assigned to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff's special staff group. There he acted as special advisor to the Chairman on the Middle East, Africa, the Atlantic Ocean area, the DoD budget, counterterrorism, and the Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force (RDJTF). As a result of this assignment and his extensive helicopter experience, he was assigned to participate in the Iranian Hostage Rescue operation, both during training and its execution in 1979-80, flying UH-1Ns and RH-53Ds
Leaving Washington in June 1981, he took command of the Marine Aviation Training Support Group in Pensacola, FL. There, he was responsible for the Marine instructors, students and staff members in Pensacola and at all of the Training Command bases in Florida, Texas and Mississippi (flying T-28s, T-2s TA-4s and T-39s).
Promoted to Brigadier General in 1982, he was assigned as C-5, US/ROK Combined Forces Command and Commander, Marine Forces Korea in Seoul, Korea. From there, in 1984, he was reassigned as Assistant Wing Commander, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing in El Toro. Chuck was promoted to Major General in 1985, and then assumed command of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Japan, operating in the Indian Ocean, Australia, the Philippines, Korea, Thailand and the entire Western Pacific. While in command he actively continued flying in 4 types of helicopters, and fixed wing aircraft that included KC-130s, A-4s, A-6s, A-7s, F/A-18s, C-39s and C-12s.
Following this operational tour, with over 34 years of flying, Chuck returned to Washington for the 4th time in 1987, where he was promoted to Lieutenant General and became the Marine Corps' Deputy Chief of Staff for Aviation until his retirement on 1 August 1990.
Following his active duty career, he remained actively involved in support of Marine Corps aviation as the National Commander of the Marine Corps Aviation Association (MCAA), and was extremely proud of his membership as a Golden Eagle. In his civilian career, Chuck worked as a consultant for various defense firms, including Bell Helicopter and Elbit Systems of America, advising Bell on the tactical importance of tilt-rotor technology.
LtGen Pitman flew actively for 34 years during his 38-year Marine Corps career, accumulating over 12,000 flight hours in rotary and fixed wing prop and jet aircraft, which included 575 carrier arrested landings. He served three combat tours in Vietnam, surviving 7 helicopter shoot downs (five of which were recovered) and was an RH-53 pilot in the Operation Eagle Claw attempted rescue of our Iranian Hostages. A true leader from the cockpit, Chuck served as commander of six aviation commands and ultimately served as the leader for all Marine Corps Aviation. His combat awards include the Silver Star, 4 Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star with Combat ‘V’, 65 Air Medals, the Purple Heart and the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat ‘V.’
LtGen Pitman is survived by his wife Shaunee. He was the loving father of his four children, and a devoted grandfather and great grandfather.
Memorial service information is pending at this time.
He will be missed.
In sadness,
John Mazach
I'm pretty sure there are hundreds of people just like him, but I have the memories of him bouncing my new born son on his lap in our kitchen when he came for a holiday in Ireland. All a long time ago and I'm only recently beginning to understand some of the trials and tribulations he went through.
Edited by JustALooseScrew on Wednesday 11th March 14:44
ex wife's late great grandfather.
I never met him, he died a few weeks after she and I got together, so was not really someone who would be invited to the funeral, but it was a full military affair as to be expected of a VC
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Cyril_Jackson
I never met him, he died a few weeks after she and I got together, so was not really someone who would be invited to the funeral, but it was a full military affair as to be expected of a VC
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Cyril_Jackson
“ LtGen Pitman flew actively for 34 years during his 38-year Marine Corps career, accumulating over 12,000 flight hours in rotary and fixed wing prop and jet aircraft, which included 575 carrier arrested landings. He served three combat tours in Vietnam, surviving 7 helicopter shoot downs (five of which were recovered) and was an RH-53 pilot in the Operation Eagle Claw attempted rescue of our Iranian Hostages. A true leader from the cockpit, Chuck served as commander of six aviation commands and ultimately served as the leader for all Marine Corps Aviation. His combat awards include the Silver Star, 4 Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star with Combat ‘V’, 65 Air Medals, the Purple Heart and the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat ‘V.’”
Wow
Wow
Trevatanus said:
ex wife's late great grandfather.
I never met him, he died a few weeks after she and I got together, so was not really someone who would be invited to the funeral, but it was a full military affair as to be expected of a VC
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Cyril_Jackson
That really is some story;I never met him, he died a few weeks after she and I got together, so was not really someone who would be invited to the funeral, but it was a full military affair as to be expected of a VC
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Cyril_Jackson
[b] He fell 20,000 feet (6,100 m), but his smouldering and holed parachute worked well enough to save his life....
He made two escape attempts, the second of which was successful.[/b].
It's too easy to forget we are surrounded by people that have gone through that type of experience. I can't imagine ever being in these situations.
The Golden Eagles said:
Lieutenant General Charles H. Pitman, USMC (Ret)
Golden Eagle Emeritus
Gentlemen,
It is my sad duty to report that Golden Eagle Emeritus, Lieutenant General Charles H. “Chuck” Pitman, USMC (Retired), made his Last Take Off on 13 February 2020. Chuck was born in Chicago in 1935, grew up in Evanston, IL, and began flying at the young age of 14 after his family relocated to Wisconsin. After graduating from high school in Milwaukee, he enlisted in the Naval Reserve in 1952 and enrolled in college at Northwestern University. While there, his drill sergeant convinced him to join the Marine Corps in 1953, and while in Electronics school at Treasure Island, CA. In 1954 he received orders to enter Naval Flight Training as a NAVCAD. Subsequently, he received his wings and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in August 1955, at age 19.
In his first Fleet assignment, HMR 363 flying H-19s (HRS- 1s), he deployed to the Pacific Proving Grounds (Bikini Atoll) aboard the USS Badoeng Strait (CVE-116). During the first Hydrogen Bomb detonation, he was selected to fly to ground zero to test the radiation. During his seven months on station in 1956, he observed 13 nuclear blasts and flew over 500 hours in support of the Atomic Energy Commission.
Returning to the States, he transferred to MCAAS Mojave as rescue pilot, airfield operations officer, Provost Marshal and brig officer, flying HRSs, HUPs, HOKs, T-28s, C-45s and C-117s. From there, in 1958, he returned to Pensacola for jet transition, became an instrument flight instructor and later attended Naval Aviation Photo Reconnaissance School. As a result of that, he did 3 tours in Marine reconnaissance squadrons in the US and Far East flying RF-8s and EF-10s. During these tours (1961-64), he flew reconnaissance along the China, North Korean, Russian, Vietnamese, Cuban and Dominican Republic coasts and received his first "classified" Air Medal.
In 1966, he returned to Vietnam, this time flying CH-46s with HMM-265 in Northern I Corps operating out of Danang, Phu Bai, Khe Sanh, and Dong Ha. While forced down 5 times by enemy fire, all of his aircraft were eventually recovered.
In February 1968, he returned to Washington, DC, to work in OPNAV OP-05W. While there, he was able to return to Vietnam for some specialized testing, participate in classified foreign aircraft exploitation, and learn to fly gliders (civilian). From there, he went to the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, VA. After completing Staff College in 1970, he again returned to Vietnam, this time serving as the Commanding Officer, H&MS 16, flying Helicopter Coordinator Airborne, MedEvac, fire support, and RECON missions in UH-1s, AH-1s, CH-46s and OV-10s. Then in February 1971, while flying a CH-53A, he was shot down for the 7th and last time while participating in Operation Lam Son 719 in Laos. His helicopter was knocked out of the air by a combination of machine gun and mortar fire. He was wounded by a 12.7 round, breaking his leg, and MedEvaced to Quang Tri, then, on to Danang, Okinawa and finally Bethesda. He returned to limited duty in July and was assigned as Commanding Officer, Marine Air Reserve Training Detachment, New Orleans, LA.
He spent two years in New Orleans where he assumed command of Marine Air Reserve Training Detachment that had 2 HMM squadrons (CH-46s), a Maintenance Squadron and a Staff Group. In January 1973, he flew one of his CH-46s in support of New Orleans Police Department, eliminating a sniper who had been killing people from the roof of a downtown motel. He left New Orleans to attend Air War College in June 1973 and in conjunction with this assignment, he completed his B.S. degree in Business Administration at Troy State.
In 1974 Chuck returned to Washington where he spent 2 years in Marine Aviation planning and 2 years in SECNAV's Office of Program Appraisal. From there, in 1978, he went to Command Marine Aircraft Group 36 operating in the Western Pacific, Korea, the Philippines, Thailand and Australia flying 4 types of helicopters, OV-10s and KC-130s.
Returning to Washington for the 3rd time, he was assigned to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff's special staff group. There he acted as special advisor to the Chairman on the Middle East, Africa, the Atlantic Ocean area, the DoD budget, counterterrorism, and the Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force (RDJTF). As a result of this assignment and his extensive helicopter experience, he was assigned to participate in the Iranian Hostage Rescue operation, both during training and its execution in 1979-80, flying UH-1Ns and RH-53Ds
Leaving Washington in June 1981, he took command of the Marine Aviation Training Support Group in Pensacola, FL. There, he was responsible for the Marine instructors, students and staff members in Pensacola and at all of the Training Command bases in Florida, Texas and Mississippi (flying T-28s, T-2s TA-4s and T-39s).
Promoted to Brigadier General in 1982, he was assigned as C-5, US/ROK Combined Forces Command and Commander, Marine Forces Korea in Seoul, Korea. From there, in 1984, he was reassigned as Assistant Wing Commander, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing in El Toro. Chuck was promoted to Major General in 1985, and then assumed command of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Japan, operating in the Indian Ocean, Australia, the Philippines, Korea, Thailand and the entire Western Pacific. While in command he actively continued flying in 4 types of helicopters, and fixed wing aircraft that included KC-130s, A-4s, A-6s, A-7s, F/A-18s, C-39s and C-12s.
Following this operational tour, with over 34 years of flying, Chuck returned to Washington for the 4th time in 1987, where he was promoted to Lieutenant General and became the Marine Corps' Deputy Chief of Staff for Aviation until his retirement on 1 August 1990.
Following his active duty career, he remained actively involved in support of Marine Corps aviation as the National Commander of the Marine Corps Aviation Association (MCAA), and was extremely proud of his membership as a Golden Eagle. In his civilian career, Chuck worked as a consultant for various defense firms, including Bell Helicopter and Elbit Systems of America, advising Bell on the tactical importance of tilt-rotor technology.
LtGen Pitman flew actively for 34 years during his 38-year Marine Corps career, accumulating over 12,000 flight hours in rotary and fixed wing prop and jet aircraft, which included 575 carrier arrested landings. He served three combat tours in Vietnam, surviving 7 helicopter shoot downs (five of which were recovered) and was an RH-53 pilot in the Operation Eagle Claw attempted rescue of our Iranian Hostages. A true leader from the cockpit, Chuck served as commander of six aviation commands and ultimately served as the leader for all Marine Corps Aviation. His combat awards include the Silver Star, 4 Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star with Combat ‘V’, 65 Air Medals, the Purple Heart and the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat ‘V.’
LtGen Pitman is survived by his wife Shaunee. He was the loving father of his four children, and a devoted grandfather and great grandfather.
Memorial service information is pending at this time.
He will be missed.
In sadness,
John Mazach
Wow, what a life!!Golden Eagle Emeritus
Gentlemen,
It is my sad duty to report that Golden Eagle Emeritus, Lieutenant General Charles H. “Chuck” Pitman, USMC (Retired), made his Last Take Off on 13 February 2020. Chuck was born in Chicago in 1935, grew up in Evanston, IL, and began flying at the young age of 14 after his family relocated to Wisconsin. After graduating from high school in Milwaukee, he enlisted in the Naval Reserve in 1952 and enrolled in college at Northwestern University. While there, his drill sergeant convinced him to join the Marine Corps in 1953, and while in Electronics school at Treasure Island, CA. In 1954 he received orders to enter Naval Flight Training as a NAVCAD. Subsequently, he received his wings and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in August 1955, at age 19.
In his first Fleet assignment, HMR 363 flying H-19s (HRS- 1s), he deployed to the Pacific Proving Grounds (Bikini Atoll) aboard the USS Badoeng Strait (CVE-116). During the first Hydrogen Bomb detonation, he was selected to fly to ground zero to test the radiation. During his seven months on station in 1956, he observed 13 nuclear blasts and flew over 500 hours in support of the Atomic Energy Commission.
Returning to the States, he transferred to MCAAS Mojave as rescue pilot, airfield operations officer, Provost Marshal and brig officer, flying HRSs, HUPs, HOKs, T-28s, C-45s and C-117s. From there, in 1958, he returned to Pensacola for jet transition, became an instrument flight instructor and later attended Naval Aviation Photo Reconnaissance School. As a result of that, he did 3 tours in Marine reconnaissance squadrons in the US and Far East flying RF-8s and EF-10s. During these tours (1961-64), he flew reconnaissance along the China, North Korean, Russian, Vietnamese, Cuban and Dominican Republic coasts and received his first "classified" Air Medal.
In 1966, he returned to Vietnam, this time flying CH-46s with HMM-265 in Northern I Corps operating out of Danang, Phu Bai, Khe Sanh, and Dong Ha. While forced down 5 times by enemy fire, all of his aircraft were eventually recovered.
In February 1968, he returned to Washington, DC, to work in OPNAV OP-05W. While there, he was able to return to Vietnam for some specialized testing, participate in classified foreign aircraft exploitation, and learn to fly gliders (civilian). From there, he went to the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, VA. After completing Staff College in 1970, he again returned to Vietnam, this time serving as the Commanding Officer, H&MS 16, flying Helicopter Coordinator Airborne, MedEvac, fire support, and RECON missions in UH-1s, AH-1s, CH-46s and OV-10s. Then in February 1971, while flying a CH-53A, he was shot down for the 7th and last time while participating in Operation Lam Son 719 in Laos. His helicopter was knocked out of the air by a combination of machine gun and mortar fire. He was wounded by a 12.7 round, breaking his leg, and MedEvaced to Quang Tri, then, on to Danang, Okinawa and finally Bethesda. He returned to limited duty in July and was assigned as Commanding Officer, Marine Air Reserve Training Detachment, New Orleans, LA.
He spent two years in New Orleans where he assumed command of Marine Air Reserve Training Detachment that had 2 HMM squadrons (CH-46s), a Maintenance Squadron and a Staff Group. In January 1973, he flew one of his CH-46s in support of New Orleans Police Department, eliminating a sniper who had been killing people from the roof of a downtown motel. He left New Orleans to attend Air War College in June 1973 and in conjunction with this assignment, he completed his B.S. degree in Business Administration at Troy State.
In 1974 Chuck returned to Washington where he spent 2 years in Marine Aviation planning and 2 years in SECNAV's Office of Program Appraisal. From there, in 1978, he went to Command Marine Aircraft Group 36 operating in the Western Pacific, Korea, the Philippines, Thailand and Australia flying 4 types of helicopters, OV-10s and KC-130s.
Returning to Washington for the 3rd time, he was assigned to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff's special staff group. There he acted as special advisor to the Chairman on the Middle East, Africa, the Atlantic Ocean area, the DoD budget, counterterrorism, and the Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force (RDJTF). As a result of this assignment and his extensive helicopter experience, he was assigned to participate in the Iranian Hostage Rescue operation, both during training and its execution in 1979-80, flying UH-1Ns and RH-53Ds
Leaving Washington in June 1981, he took command of the Marine Aviation Training Support Group in Pensacola, FL. There, he was responsible for the Marine instructors, students and staff members in Pensacola and at all of the Training Command bases in Florida, Texas and Mississippi (flying T-28s, T-2s TA-4s and T-39s).
Promoted to Brigadier General in 1982, he was assigned as C-5, US/ROK Combined Forces Command and Commander, Marine Forces Korea in Seoul, Korea. From there, in 1984, he was reassigned as Assistant Wing Commander, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing in El Toro. Chuck was promoted to Major General in 1985, and then assumed command of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Japan, operating in the Indian Ocean, Australia, the Philippines, Korea, Thailand and the entire Western Pacific. While in command he actively continued flying in 4 types of helicopters, and fixed wing aircraft that included KC-130s, A-4s, A-6s, A-7s, F/A-18s, C-39s and C-12s.
Following this operational tour, with over 34 years of flying, Chuck returned to Washington for the 4th time in 1987, where he was promoted to Lieutenant General and became the Marine Corps' Deputy Chief of Staff for Aviation until his retirement on 1 August 1990.
Following his active duty career, he remained actively involved in support of Marine Corps aviation as the National Commander of the Marine Corps Aviation Association (MCAA), and was extremely proud of his membership as a Golden Eagle. In his civilian career, Chuck worked as a consultant for various defense firms, including Bell Helicopter and Elbit Systems of America, advising Bell on the tactical importance of tilt-rotor technology.
LtGen Pitman flew actively for 34 years during his 38-year Marine Corps career, accumulating over 12,000 flight hours in rotary and fixed wing prop and jet aircraft, which included 575 carrier arrested landings. He served three combat tours in Vietnam, surviving 7 helicopter shoot downs (five of which were recovered) and was an RH-53 pilot in the Operation Eagle Claw attempted rescue of our Iranian Hostages. A true leader from the cockpit, Chuck served as commander of six aviation commands and ultimately served as the leader for all Marine Corps Aviation. His combat awards include the Silver Star, 4 Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star with Combat ‘V’, 65 Air Medals, the Purple Heart and the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat ‘V.’
LtGen Pitman is survived by his wife Shaunee. He was the loving father of his four children, and a devoted grandfather and great grandfather.
Memorial service information is pending at this time.
He will be missed.
In sadness,
John Mazach
Trevatanus said:
ex wife's late great grandfather.
I never met him, he died a few weeks after she and I got together, so was not really someone who would be invited to the funeral, but it was a full military affair as to be expected of a VC
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Cyril_Jackson
Holy S**t!!!!I never met him, he died a few weeks after she and I got together, so was not really someone who would be invited to the funeral, but it was a full military affair as to be expected of a VC
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Cyril_Jackson
That chap had absolute balls of steel! Amazing story.
AshVX220 said:
Trevatanus said:
ex wife's late great grandfather.
I never met him, he died a few weeks after she and I got together, so was not really someone who would be invited to the funeral, but it was a full military affair as to be expected of a VC
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Cyril_Jackson
Holy S**t!!!!I never met him, he died a few weeks after she and I got together, so was not really someone who would be invited to the funeral, but it was a full military affair as to be expected of a VC
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Cyril_Jackson
That chap had absolute balls of steel! Amazing story.
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