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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Mrs. D.J. Gilsdorf

Captain Mark T. Gilsdorf was born in West Albany, Minnesota on 2 July 1946. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota, Duluth in 1968.

Captain Gilsdorf entered the Naval Aviation Officer Candidate Program in November 1968 and was commissioned an Ensign in April, 1969. He received his Naval Aviator Wings in April, 1970 and was assigned to Patrol Squadron 1, Naval Air Station (NAS) Barbers Point, Hawaii. Flying the P-3 Orion Captain Gilsdorf deployed to NAS Sangley Point and NAS Cubi Point, Republic of the Philippines; Utapao, Thailand; and Cam Ranh Bay, Republic of Viet Nam.

Upon completion of active duty Captain Gilsdorf affiliated with the Naval Reserve Training Unit 60 at NAS Glenview, Illinois in September 1972. He joined Patrol Squadron 60 at NAS Glenview in January 1973 serving as in the Maintenance Department during their transition from the P-2 to P-3 aircraft. While attached to Patrol Squadron 60, his assignments included duty as Department Head for Maintenance, Operations, Training and Safety. During this period Patrol Squadron 60 was awarded the Noel Davis Battle Efficiency Award twice and the Golden Wrench maintenance award.

Captain Gilsdorf reported to Patrol Squadron 90 in October 1985. He assumed the duties of Executive Officer in December 1985 and Commanding Officer in June 1987. Captain Gilsdorf was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for meritorious achievement during his command.

His awards also include the Air Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Battle "E" (two awards), National Defense Service Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal, Sea Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal and the Viet Nam Campaign Medal.

Captain Gilsdorf is also a Captain at American Airlines based at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport and has flown the Boeing 727, 757,767, and 777 and the MD-80 for this commercial carrier.

Captain Gilsdorf is married to the former Dorothy Russ of Chisholm, Minnesota. They have two sons and a daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Kevin (Jennifer) Gilsdorf and Todd Gilsdorf.