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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Mr. George Macko Jr.

Charles (Willie) Macko was born 15 Jan. 1931 in Endicott, NY. He started his career with the USAF on 15 Jan. 1953. Upon earning his navigator wings, he served throughout the States, Japan and Southeast Asia on various aircraft and missions. On 22 Feb. 1969, while serving with the 8th TAC Bomb Squadron at Phan Rang Air Base, Vietnam, his B-57B Canberra was lost on a night mission over Laos. On 21 June 1978, his status was changed from MIA to KIA. On 10 Oct. 1978, a Military Memorial Service was held at Arlington National Cemetery. In 1994 and 1996, remains were recovered by a joint US/Laos team. Through DNA testing in 1998, one bone fragment was identified as Col. Macko, and the rest as either or both of the two-man crew. On 19 Sept. 2000, a burial service was held for Col. Macko and on 13 Oct. 2000, the unidentified group remains were also interred at Arlington National Cemetery.