Foil: 14 Panel: Retired United Pilots Association Column: 1 Line: 59

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
R. S. Grammer

Captain Robert S. Grammer
Born June 18, 1942, Houston, Texas.
I joined US Navy at the age of 19 and went through Navy Boot Camp at San Diego, California. There I was selected to apply for the Naval Aviation Cadet Program because of test results of a "Basic Battery of Test" given to all recruits while in Boot Camp. After San Diego basic training, more test and interviews, I was transferred to Pensacola, Florida to begin the Naval Aviation Cadet program. I became a Naval Aviator, (received wings), and commissioned an ensign on October 18, 1963 at Beeville, Texas.
I was assigned to fly the F8U Crusader and flew all models of this aircraft up to and including the E model. After completing training in the replacement air group squadron, VF-174. I served in VF-13 also at Cecil Field, Florida. We deployed aboard the USS Shangri-La for a tour of duty in the Mediterranean. While stationed at Cecil Field I was assigned temporary duty to attend Naval Justice School in Newport, Rhode Island. After VF-13,1 was assigned to VF-111 at Miramar Field, San Diego. While in VF-111,1 did a tour of duty aboard the USS Oriskany. We flew missions over both South and especially North Vietnam during the conflict. I was onboard the Oriskany during its fire of October 1966.
I joined United Airlines in 1967 as a flight engineer. During the next 34 years, I was a flight engineer on the Douglas DC-6 & 7, DC-10 and Boeing B-727. A co-pilot on the B-727, B-767,B-757 and DC-10. Then Captain on the B-737,B767,B757, DC-10 and B747-400.
I retired during July 2002 as a Boeing 747-400 Captain.
Submitted by:
Capt. R. S. Grammer
44 Laurel Ave. Larkspur, CA 94939