Foil: 14 Panel: Retired United Pilots Association Column: 3 Line: 19

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Ms. Virginia L. Crandall

NOV. 24, 1925 - Jan. 24, 2000
Born in Monrovia, Ca. Upon High School graduation Bill was accepted into Navy Aviation Cadet program (1943-45), after which he was assigned to Navy Air Group #153/15 until 1950 . Bill was then assigned to Moffet Field, where he was trained to fly blimps. Shortly thereafter, Bill joined the Navy Reserves and was then recalled to serve in Korea where he flew over 60 combat missions, while serving with Fighter Squadron VF92. During his service in WWII and Korea, Bill served aboard the Aircraft Carriers Antietam, Boxer and Valley Forge.
On completion of Navy service in 1954, Bill attended helicopter school in Rhode Island. On 2/13/56, Bill was accepted as a pilot for United Airlines, serving until retirement (11-24-85) as DC-10 Captain. Bill had the distinction of being one of the very few who was licensed to fly not only passenger aircraft, but also, both blimps and helicopters.
Bill is survived by his wife, Virginia (Ginny) of Las Vegas, son, Stig of Tucson Az., step-daughters Linda Hencin and Debra Golla of Illinois and sisters Leola Braithwaite and Cynthia Wechler of California. 5 step-grandsons and 1 step-great-granddaughter.
He will be greatly missed by the entire family and many friends.