Foil: 62 Panel: 2 Column: 2 Line: 62

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Nancy Jo Greenawalt

Warren H. Greenawalt, Jr.
Birthdate: June 4, 1925
WWII Navy Veteran ?€“ Pacific Theater

When I was nine years old I saw a Navy airship?€¦I think it was the Akron?€¦ fly over my hometown of Mount Joy, PA. I was fascinated by its size, and it was at this time that my curiosity and interest in flying began. During my teenage years my interest in flying continued. I always enjoyed doing things with my hands and as part of a high school shop class, I had the opportunity to carve scale model military aircraft from wood for the Bureau of Aeronautics of the United States Navy. These planes were used to train servicemen to identify wartime aircraft. I received the honorary rank of Captain Aircraftsman for my efforts. During this same time I also volunteered to man an Aircraft spotter post in my hometown for several hours a week.

In May of 1943 I enlisted in the U. S. Navy. My hope was to follow my passion and become a pilot. Unfortunately, that did not happen because of a failed eye test. I was disappointed; however, when stationed in Oakland, CA at the Naval Training School for Air Transport Service, I was selected to attend the United Air Line Training Center. It was here that I received aviation machinist training which put me on a military service path I could never have imagined. I graduated in September of 1944 and in 1945 I was sent overseas to Fleet Air Wing 18 Camp Unit. I was stationed on Tinian where I served as Rear Admiral Greer?€™s Crew Chief. Basically, it was my job to keep his plane flying, and while that was exciting, the biggest joy I had was that this is where I learned to fly. The Rear Admiral made daily trips to Guam. During these trips, I served as co-pilot and once we were airborne, the controls were handed to me. I was finally flying an airplane! I was honorably discharged in June 1946 and ended my military career as a Petty Officer 2nd Class.

After my military service I still sought opportunities to be associated with flight. From 1948 ?€“ 1956 I served in the Naval Reserve as an Aviation Machinist Mate. In 1950 I earned my private pilot?€™s license. In 1951 I joined the Civil Air Patrol and was an Air Force Auxiliary Pilot Warrant Officer. At the age of 95, I now fly remote controlled airplanes.

As I look back over my life, I am proud of my military service and the role I played in maintaining U. S. aircraft during wartime service.