Elbert Dennis Swinden, Sr. began his aviation career during World War II when he joined the United States Navy to become a fighter pilot. His service with the Navy ran from 7/28/1942 to 2/28/1946 during which time he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, American Campaign Medal, and Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal. During his service in the Navy he piloted numerous planes, Navy N4 (Bi-wing yellow monster), SNJ (Texan), Voltaire, F4F Wildcat, F6F Hellcat, F4U4 Corsair. The Hellcat and the Corsair were flown in combat.
After the war he became a pilot with Eastern Airlines for the next thirty-eight years until his retirement in 1984. As a pilot with Eastern he flew the DC3, Martin 404, Convair 240 and 340, DC4, DC6, DC7, Lockheed Constellation 749 & 1049, 727, Boeing 720, DC8 and the Lockheed 1011. An interesting note is the DC3 he flew for Eastern now hangs in the Smithsonian Museum.
He received numerous letters of thanks from passengers for his professionalism and courteous manner. When a passenger had a pressing situation he was able to offer solutions. He was well respected by flight crews he flew with and ground crews he dealt with on a daily basis. The co-pilots he trained were pleased when they found out he was the pilot on the flight as they knew they would learn a great deal and gain experience under his knowledgeable guidance.
With enormous pride and never ending love we wish to share with the world a great man, our father,
Denny, Beth, Mike and Laurie