Newsletter of the Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation
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JAMES E. WEBB Former NASA Administrator - and Marine Aviator! Lt Colonel Joe Bassi, Ph.D., (USAF, Ret.)
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he James Webb Space Telescope, due to be launched in the next few years, is the United States’ ten billion dollar follow-on to the now legendary Hubble Space Telescope. Few people know that the namesake of this next great leap forward in space-based astronomy, James E. Webb (19061992), was a veteran Marine aviator. Unlike Hubble and many others who have had telescopes named after them, Webb was not a famed scientist. Rather, he is unknown to the vast majority of Americans. Who was James Webb, and why is this important work of scientific technology being named in his honor? Among the many other significant positions he held in the US government, Webb was the second administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). In this role, he was instrumental in getting the United States to the moon in 1969. Serving as NASA administrator for eight full
years (1961-1968), Webb oversaw the creation and execution of much of the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo human spaceflight programs. The successful landing of the “Eagle” lunar module carrying Neil Armstrong and Colonel Buzz Aldrin to the surface of the moon on July 20, 1969 was due in no small part to Webb’s efforts as head of NASA and his successful management of the 25 billion dollar program.1 How then did he become administrator of NASA at this crucial and dynamic period in the Cold War and the resulting space race between the United States and the Soviet Union? Few people were thinking of going to the moon when James Edwin Webb was born on October 7, 1906. As well befitting a future Marine aviator, Tally Ho, North Carolina was Webb’s home town. He attended college at the University of North Carolina. While a student, he participated in the university’s ROTC program. Graduating in 1928 with a bachelor’s degree in Continued on page 3
Amicus Curiae The New Normal Inconceivable
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s I look back on the last twenty years, I am amazed by the accomplishments of the Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation under the leadership and guidance of Major General Bob “Thunder” Butcher—our beloved former leader who has stepped down as the Foundation’s
chairman but has graciously accepted the position as Chairman Emeritus. It is with considerable humility that I have accepted the position of Chairman. I assure you of my commitment to carrying on the work to make our museum a prime attraction in San Diego. For those of you I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting, I am a retired San Diego County Superior Court Judge, a U.S. Magistrate Judge, a retired Marine Corps Colonel and a Vietnam and Desert Shield/Desert Storm rear echelon Vet. I have served on the Foundation’s board for the past 20 years and still working with our team to ensure the museum’s future. However, I regret to tell you that our future is tenuous. These are critical times for the museum. In April we received the news from the Air Station Command that because of budget constraints, the Command Museum would no longer receive the Command’s financial support and that it would be closed effective October 2020. This news added to the challenges we have been facing due to COVID which has kept us closed since February—first, to accommodate quarantined Americans evacuated from China. We were briefly opened and then closed again in late February to house quarantined tourists, from docked cruise ships. The museum has remained closed ever since, longer than any other San Diego museum. We are looking for authorization from the Command and the State of California for opening, even if it means to only the aircraft outside. Despite COVID, life must go on and although we were forced to cancel some of our signature events, like Open Cockpit Days and our series of “Picnic with a Pilot” talks. Although we had to cancel our participation in the Marine Corps Aviation Association annual symposium this summer, we did hold special ceremonies to honor our 2020 Irene Ferguson Marine Wife of the Year, reported in this issue. Believe me, we will bounce back as soon as the Nation has licked this pesky critter called CORONA-19! There is, however, a ray of light during these difficult times. Bursting into action to save the Museum, led by volunteer Executive Director Brigadier General Mike Aguilar, our team built a campaign to involve our local Congressional Delegation. This effort has been led principally by Miramar’s Congressman Scott Peters, with backing by delegation members Mike Levin and Susan Davis. We are very fortunate to have enlisted the volunteer help of two of the most qualified political experts from California Strategies, Craig Benedetto and Victor Franco (who also happens to be one of our volunteer docents). The Congressional delegation succeeded in enhancing the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), providing for the support of military museums and emphasizing the importance of granting leases to foundations assisting museums. With this new NDAA, we will be seeking to convince the Secretary of the Navy to grant a lease to the Foundation on the land where the Museum now stands, enabling us to raise funds through admission fees. To add to our momentum, we have been offered a high-end, donated aviation hangar from the San Diego International Airport Authority, capable of housing the Foundation displays and a number of our prized Continued on page 4
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James E. Webb... Former NASA Administrator & Marine aviator Continued from page 1 Education, and he obtained a commission as a second lieutenant in the US Marine Corps, eventually attending flight school and earning his Wings of Gold in 1930. Webb then served as a Marine aviator until he left the service in 1932. He soon launched himself into a career of public service, politics, and business. Probably stimulated by the atmosphere of Franklin Roosevelt’s F4B-4 (VMF-2) “New Deal,” Webb went to Washington DC after he left the Marine Corps and worked as secretary to Democratic Congressman Edward Pou of North Carolina’s 4th Congressional district. This relationship began a close association of Webb with Democratic officials and politics. In 1934, he moved to the DC office of O. Max Gardner, a lawyer, Democratic politician, and former North Carolina governor. While working for Gardner as an assistant, Webb attended law school at George Washington University. He graduated and passed the bar in 1936. Moving from the political to the business world and back into aviation-related activities, Webb began working for Sperry Gyroscope in 1936. Moving through a number of positions of increasing responsibility, he eventually became a vice-president of the company. When the US entered World War II, Webb tried to re-enter active duty in the Marines. Initially, officials in the government considered his work at Sperry to be of national importance and therefore the military denied his request to return to active service. As the war progressed favorably for the US, Webb was eventually recommissioned as a Marine captain in 1944. He commanded Marine Air Warning Group One, 9th Marine Aircraft Wing.2 Soon rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, he was to oversee some of the radars that would have been used in the planned fall, 1945 invasion of Japan. As hostilities with Japan ended in mid August, Webb never deployed to a combat theater.
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FLYING LEATHERNECK HISTORICAL FOUNDATION P.O. Box 45316, MCAS Miramar San Diego, CA 92145-0316 www.flyingleathernecks.org
FOUNDATION FAX: (858) 693-0037 MUSEUM: (858) 577-6125 MUSEUM STORE: (858) 693-1791 Email: store@flyingleathernecks.org
FOUNDATION: (858) 693-1723 • Toll-Free: 1-877-FLY USMC (1-877-359-8762)
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Amicus Curiae... Continued from page 2 aircraft. We have a reprieve from the Command for the immediate closing, and looks like we can stay open until the middle of 2021 while we pursue a lease for the Museum and the donated hangar. We hope to develop an even greater extension, which is absolutely not guaranteed, while we obtain a lease. Thus, we hope to share good news in the coming months about the fulfilment of these efforts. Like the mythical Phoenix, we anticipate that we will rise from the potential ashes. We will attempt to keep everyone updated on our progress for the reopening and future of the museum through postings on our website (www.flyingleathernecks.org) and our various social media sites, including Face Book, Twitter and You Tube. “Like” our sites and “subscribe” to our channel. It is a great way to stay informed, and to interact with the Museum/Foundation team as well as like-minded individuals from across the globe. Finally, it is with great sadness that I pay tribute to one of our most beloved members and Foundation former Board Member who recently passed, Colonel Alfred Allega, Marine Aviator, recipient of two Distinguished Flying Crosses, 2 Single Mission Air Medals and 25 Strike/Flight awards, Legion of Merit, the Alfred Cunningham Marine Aviator of the Year, a Group Commander, commanding officer of HMX-1, White House Command pilot, and such an all-around great guy. I really cannot do justice with these few words to his record of accomplishments, his service and the fine person he was, but you will find his obituary in this issue of the Log Book that best extolls his extraordinary life and several careers. Semper Fidelis, Vic Bianchini
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James E. Webb... Continued from page 3
FLYING LEATHERNECK STAFF BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman - Col Victor E. Bianchini, USMC (Ret) V. Chairman - CAPT Ronald G. Ress, USN (Ret) Treasurer/CFO - Patrick Towle Secretary - F.C. Lorey, III Facilities - RADM Lou Smith, USN (Ret)
O3U-6 Corsair of Observation Squadron VO8M-3
Membership - Col John P. Farnam, USMC (Ret) Education - Open
After the war, Webb returned to DC working as Gardner’s assistant again— this time Gardner was Undersecretary of the Treasury. As Webb was a rapidly rising star in the world of Democratic politics, Gardner and others recommended Webb to President Truman as director of The Bureau of the Budget. In 1949, Truman appointed Webb as an Undersecretary of State. In this role, Webb mostly concerned himself with the Department’s organizational and personnel issues. In this period, he also became involved in formulating early policies in the Cold War, including the US response to the North Korean invasion of South Korea in 1950. Webb left government service in 1952 for a position with Kerr-McGee Oil Company. However, he did serve on a number of defense-related boards and participated in government studies during the later part of the 1950s. As one of his responses to the Soviet launch of the first artificial satellite (Sputnik), on October 4, 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower created NASA. Hugh Dryden served as the first, but interim director, of the new agency. After President John F. Kennedy assumed office in 1961, he needed someone to head NASA with a hard-to-find set of characteristics---a very strong, hard charging manager, with lots of insight into the workings of the US government, and a deep interest in technological affairs. Kennedy also needed someone who was a Democratic party stalwart. Former Marine aviator James Webb was the perfect pick for the president.
Marketing - P. Laubach Historian - F.C. Lorey, III Patrick B. Ball LtCol Joseph P. Bassi, USAF (Ret) Col Bart Connolly IV, USMC (Ret) Robert Cramsie Dale B. Mann Bill O'Connor LtCol R. Toettcher, USMC (Ret) David Whisenhunt SgtMaj Mike Zacker, USMC (Ret)
CHAIRMAN EMERITUS MajGen Bob Butcher, USMC (Ret)
BOARD OF ADVISORS Chairman - MajGen Bob Butcher, USMC (Ret)
CORPORATE COUNSEL Jon Epsten
FOUNDATION / MUSEUM STAFF Executive Director - BGen Mike Aguilar, USMC (Ret) Museum Director - Christopher Van Stelle Museum Curator - Steve Smith Asst. Curator - Leon Simon
Webb assumed his duties at NASA on February 14, 1961. He helped the new president create the bold vision for the US of landing humans on the moon within the decade and returning them safely to earth. The NASA administrator, especially after the death of President Kennedy in 1963, was perhaps the person most responsible in turning this vision into a reality. As Webb’s NASA bio states, he “politicked, coaxed, cajoled, and maneuvered
Museum Archivist - Linda Apodaca Restoration Supervisor - Dave Koning Operations Manager - Chuck Meadows Retail Manager - Ginger Raaka Accounting Manager - Nancy Irving Volunteers - David Cekert Copyright 2020 - All Rights Reserved
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James E. Webb... Former NASA Administrator & Marine aviator Continued from page 5 for NASA” in DC. Fortunately for Webb and the Apollo moon program, President Lyndon B. Johnson was totally
able to keep Apollo on track for the eventual 1969 lunar landing. Since President Johnson chose not to run for re-
supportive of this vision as well. So, even the rising costs of the Vietnam conflict and the Great Society did not derail the lunar landing goal as set by Kennedy in 1961.
election in 1968, and perhaps haunted by the Apollo 1 fire, Webb stepped down as NASA head in October 1968. He died in 1992, and is buried, as many Marine vets are, in Arlington National Cemetery.
On July 20, 1969, the vision became a reality when the “Eagle” landed on the moon. There were heartbreaks for Webb along the way. Most tragic was the loss of the Apollo 1 crew---Lt Colonel Virgil “Gus” Grissom (USAF), Lt Colonel Ed White (USAF), and Lt Commander Roger Chaffe (USN)—in the January 1967 Apollo command module test accident. This loss weighed heavily on Webb as NASA administrator. But even with this tragedy, he was
So, when you next hear of the Webb Space Telescope, remember that James Webb was a Flying Leatherneck!
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In today’s dollars, these programs would be worth over $400 billion.
The 9th Marine Aircraft Wing was commissioned in April 1944 specifically to train Marine pilots for combat operations in the Pacific Theatre. The air wing was disbanded on March 31, 1946.
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James Webb Space Telescope
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Major General Bobby G. Butcher US Marine Corps, Retired
“Here’s The Rest Of The Story”
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he article in the Spring Log Book regarding Major General Bobby Butcher “Where Do We Find Such Men?” was truly amazing and appreciated. It managed to very adequately cover the high-points of his career and his love, loyalty and commitment to both the
Marine Corps, and the Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation and Museum. The inception of the Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation and Museum at MCAS Miramar is, however, slightly different than reported in the Spring edition of the Log Book. In 1971, as a 35 year old Major, in charge of the Marine Corps Officer Recruiting Office at Philadelphia, Major Butcher loving to fly, wanted extra hours in the A-4 Skyhawk. The only aircraft possibly accessible at that time were located at NAS Willow Grove, and were under the command of Brigadier General Jay Hubbard, the Commanding General of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing at that time. Butcher was informed by the air-group commander that those airplanes “were only for the reserves,” and not available. Not being one to recognize the word NO, Major Butcher wrote General Hubbard a request to fly his planes. General Hubbard approved his request, saying that he admired an aviator who wanted to fly, even when not required. After more than 200 hours of flying time logged, Butcher and General Hubbard continued their Marine Corps careers, but at different duty stations. Five years later, at a cocktail party, Bob reminded General Hubbard of the opportunity that he had provided Bob to fly and simply stated, “I owe you one!” In 1989, General Hubbard (then retired), started the MCAS El Toro Historical (aviation) Foundation. When Hubbard learned that El Toro was closing and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing was moving to Miramar, he remembered that General Butcher lived in San Diego, and had made him a promise. In follow-up conversations, “General Jay reminded General Bob” of his “chit.” He asked General Butcher to lead a steering committee that would assume the 501(c)(3) status from El Toro, and initiate the move of the museum to MCAS Miramar. The changing of the guard occurred on April 1, 1999, with the Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation taking over the 501(c)(3) status from the MCAS El Toro Historical Foundation. General Butcher assumed the position of Chairman of the Board at that time and under his direction, and the help of many other loyal and dedicated volunteers, the Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation and Museum at Miramar was born. The rest, as they say, “is history.”
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MUGSHOT
Judge Victor E. Bianchini Chairman Of The Board
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udge Bianchini is a retired San Diego County Superior Court Judge. He is also a retired U.S. Magistrate Judge and a retired Colonel of the United States Marine Corps. He also served as a U.S. Commissioner in the San Diego Federal Court from 1968 to 1969. He was then appointed a U.S. Magistrate Judge by the Southern District of California in 1974 and served until 1982. He vacated that position to accept a California state judgeship. He retired as a Superior Court Judge in 2002. After retiring from the state court bench, he was recalled part-time to the Western District of New York as a U.S. Magistrate Judge while engaged in a private mediation and arbitration practice in San Diego. He served the Western District until 2006, at which time he was appointed to a full-time position serving both the Western and Northern Districts of New York until 2012. After a brief 2-year stint as a judge for the Eastern District of Washington, he was assigned part-time to the Central District of California where he still serves. He continues his mediation and arbitration practice with Judicate West San Diego. After graduating from the University of San Diego School of Law, Judge Bianchini served as the confidential law clerk to Chief Judge James M. Carter of the Southern District of California from 1963 to 1964. He then served on active duty from 1964 to 1967. Leaving active duty, he remained in the Marine Corps Reserve. During his 31 years of service, Judge Bianchini served as a tank platoon commander, a force reconnaissance platoon commander, as a Force Reconnaissance Commanding Officer, the commanding officer of a Reserve Law Unit, a general courts-martial judge and Deputy Inspector General of the U.S. European Command. During Vietnam, from 1965 to 1966, he served as a combat correspondent and photojournalist and combat air crewman. Included in his 24 military decorations are the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star with Combat "V", 3 Air Medals with Combat “V” and the Combat Action Ribbon. He later received the Joint
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Services Commendation Medal following service during Desert Shield/Desert Storm. He retired in 1991 with the rank of Colonel. During his judicial service, he was honored as "Judge of the Year" by the San Diego Trial Lawyers, received the Foothills Bar Association Legal Professional of the Year award, received Family Law Judge of the Year Honors from the El Cajon Superior Court, and was the named a “Distinguished Alumni” of San Diego State University in 2018. He was also awarded the “Witkin Award” by the San Diego County Law Library for Excellence in the Adjudication of the Law in 2019. Immediately prior to his retirement from the Superior Court he served, during a leave of absence from the bench in 2002, as a Senior Fulbright Scholar to the Sub-Saharan African country of Eritrea. Judge Bianchini was the Vice Chair of the Vietnam Veteran's Village of San Diego, a Past President of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Museum Historical Society, is a Life Member of the USMC Combat Correspondents Association, a Life Member of the Force Reconnaissance Association, a Life Member of the U.S. Marine Corps Helicopter Association (“Pop A Smoke”), a Director of the Marine Corps Reserve Association. He is also a Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans. He is on the board of the San Diego County Public Law Library Justice Foundation. He has also served in numerous adjunct professor positions, specializing in the field of evidence and business law and served on the Faculty Council of the National Judicial College. He was the volunteer debate coach for the Mt. Carmel High School Debate Team— from 2007 to 2011, and was named the Mt. Carmel Volunteer of the Year in 2007 by the Poway School District. He was also named by the San Diego County Bar Association as a “Legal Legend.” Judge Bianchini assumed the Chairmanship of the Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation in March 2020, after having served for 20 years on the Board of Directors.
“THE INSIDE LOOP” The Flying Leatherneck’s new online forum where kids of all ages can get their questions answered by experts By Patrick Ball
K ids do say and ask the darndest things! If memory serves me correctly…who’s kidding who here…who relies on memory these days? With a quick Google search, you will discover that the Art Linkletter Show, which ran for over 17 years, was one of the first television shows to feature questions and comments from young people. For a new twist on this timehonored entertainment, you will certainly enjoy The Inside Loop, produced by the Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation and Aviation Museum. This series is now available on YouTube. The Inside Loop is a cheerful, yet serious, examination of learning issues that parents may have trouble explaining to their children; typically from questions received after a visit to a museum or other historical sites. The Inside Loop is intended to assist both parents and educators in dealing with the barrage of questions that come up daily over social media, in online learning sessions, and from friends or neighbors. Let’s face it, kids do ask the best questions! No admonition or holding back. Just wholesome and to the
point questions! For example, here are a couple of recent questions we recently received from young people: “What’s it feel like to fly a fighter jet?” “What does a Marine do?” The Inside Loop dialogue, hosted by Museum volunteer Justin Whitney, is dedicated to helping America’s future leaders turn their museum visit (be it on-site or virtual) from an engaging personal experience to a historical connection between family, friends, and patriotic heroes from a bygone era. Have a question? Want some answers? Then tune in! You will be enlightened, entertained and will leave with a smile. We’re certain you will be convinced this brief “good news” segment is just as calming and educational for adults as it is for its intended audience. Subscribe to our You Tube channel. Hit the “like” button, and post a comment on the videos if you wish. It’s an easy and quick way to stay engaged with the Museum and support our outreach efforts during these challenging times.
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A Tribute To The Docents By Major Glenn Ferguson, USMC (Retired)
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he Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum is proud to have an outstanding group of volunteer docents. In large part, our guest’s experience at the museum is due to the efforts of our docents. Who are the docents of the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum? In short, they guard our memories and inspire our dreams. Because of their dedication and passion, the elders of our nation can view important mementos of the past. They can hear and share stories that bring back memories of their times; days of strife and joy and of friends long past. To younger generations, our docents inspire their dreams about the possibilities of the future. They teach our young people about the legend and lore of the Corps, and perhaps inspire some of them become the Marine warriors of the future. Of course, America will depend on these young people to carry on the ideals and values that have made this nation great. Therefore, our docents are teachers as well as the guardians of our legacy. The docents of the Flying Leathernecks freely share their wisdom and insight so that others might learn. That which is preserved in the museum and presented by the docents is of inestimable value to our country. Many will be inspired by what they see and hear. The ability to overcome the travails of tomorrow will be stronger because of the
history left behind by those who came before. By learning from the past, our youth will come to appreciate the events and actions that were the salvation of our country. The tales of our elders, as conveyed by our docents, will lead some to follow paths of service and create admirable exploits of their own. Indeed, the influence that our docents have can help form the type of character traits that are so admired by most in our society. These then are the Docents. They are the keepers and purveyors of our history, the teachers of our young people and the patriots that inspire pride in our fellow citizens for our unique society. Each docent is to be commended for their selfless service to the Flying Leathernecks, the museum and to our country. As our Chairman Emeritus, Major General Bob Butcher commented, “I truly admire the job each and every one of our volunteers do – especially their attitude.”
** Major Glenn Ferguson’s docent tribute was originally published in the Spring 2011 edition of the Log Book. During these challenging times, it is the commitment, passion and hard work of our volunteers that make the museum work. With gratitude and respect, the Flying Leathernecks thank all our volunteer and docent team members.
The Log Book Is Going Digital! Request for E-mail and Mailing Address Updates
Exciting news! Beginning with the Winter 2020 issue, The Flying Leathernecks will start publishing the Log Book digitally and distributing it electronically. Taking this step will allow us to improve the newsletter by expanding content, and creating a more interactive experience for your enjoyment. It will also allow the Foundation to save significant resources on production and distribution costs. In preparation for the transition to a digital version of the Log Book, we need to update and expand our constituent and member databases. It is important that the Foundation has accurate and current contact information for you. Please provide us with your current and correct mailing and email address. You can contact us at flhf@flyingleathernecks.org or call either Nancy Irving or Chuck Meadows at (858) 693-1723 to update your membership records. Your help in providing this information is greatly appreciated. For those of you that do not have email, you will continue to receive the Log Book by mail as part of your membership benefits.
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KAILEE NORRIS Irene Ferguson Marine Wife Recognition Award 2020
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AILEE NORRIS is the 2020 recipient of the Irene Ferguson Marine Wife Recognition Award. She is being honored for her commitment to her family, the community and the Marine Corps. Kailee has distinguished herself as a mother, an educator, a team leader with VMM-163’s (Evil Eyes) Family Readiness Program, and as a volunteer with St. Michael’s Catholic Church and the Delta Gamma Sorority Alumni Association. As a Command Team Advisor for the Evil Eyes, Kailee interacts with Marines, Sailors and family members to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment within the squadron. She consistently displays personal initiative and a “can do” attitude to better the readiness of the squadron, to provide for the active duty personnel and to assist her fellow spouses. While supporting her husband’s Marine Corps career, Kailee works as a substitute teacher and as a Sunday School teacher at her church. Additionally, she is actively involved in her children’s educational and extracurricular activities. In all cases, Kailee demonstrates genuine interest and compassion for others. Her success-oriented advocacy, coupled with her kindness and empathy, are a testament to her character. The Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation salutes Kailee as an exceptional Marine wife, mother, community volunteer and leader. She is an inspiration to all that know her. Her commitment to our country, the community and her family is in keeping with the highest ideals of the United States Marine Corps. Kailee is married to Lt. Colonel Andrew J. Norris, the Commanding Officer of VMM-163 (Evil Eyes), based at MCAS Miramar. They have three children. ** Major Glenn Ferguson (USMC, Retired) established the Irene Ferguson Marine Wife Recognition Award in 2011 in memory of his wife, Irene. Major Ferguson’s vision for this award is to raise awareness of the sacrifices made by military spouses on a daily basis. Lt Colonel Andrew and Kailee Norris at the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum
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The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
NAVY CROSS to
CAPTAIN JEB F. SEAGLE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE for service as set forth in the following CITATION: The Navy Cross is awarded (Posthumously) to Captain Jeb F. Seagle for extraordinary heroism while serving as an AH-IT (TOW) Cobra Attack Helicopter Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-ONE (HMM-261), Twenty-Second Marine Amphibious Unit, conducting combat operations on the Island of Grenada in support of Operation URGENT FURY, on 25 October 1983. While conducting an armed reconnaissance mission in support of ground forces, Captain Seagle's aircraft was hit by multiple anti-aircraft artillery projectiles and forced down behind enemy lines. Having been knocked out by the blast, Captain Seagle regained consciousness after his fellow pilot had flown the aircraft to impact and found that his aircraft was on fire and burning out of control. As Captain Seagle exited the front cockpit of the Cobra, he saw that the other pilot had been critically wounded and remained helplessly trapped in the aircraft. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Seagle courageously returned to the aircraft, which was now engulfed in flames and pulled him out. As unexpended ordnance began to cook off all around them, Captain Seagle carried the severely wounded pilot well clear of the danger. Now exposed to heavy enemy small arms and machinegun fire and faced with certain death or capture, Captain Seagle ignored the danger and remained to attend the wounds of the injured pilot by wrapping a tourniquet around his severely bleeding arm. Realizing that enemy soldiers were approaching, Captain Seagle fearlessly distracted them away from the helpless pilot and ultimately sacrificed his own life in an effort to buy time for the rescue helicopter to arrive. By his extraordinary courage, uncommon valor, and loyal devotion to duty in the face of danger, Captain Seagle ensured his brother-in-arms was rescued; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
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Colonel Alfred J. “Fred” Allega
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olonel Alfred “Fred” J. Allega (USMC, Retired), age 83, passed away in Coronado, CA on July 15, 2020 with his loving wife of 51 years, Bunni, by his side. He is also survived by his two sons: Lance (wife Anna, grandsons Noah and Adam) and Philip (wife Ann, grandson Austin), as well as his brother Anthony.
With more than 30 years as a Marine Corps aviator, Colonel Allega served with honor and distinction. Through two combat tours as a helicopter pilot in the Republic of Vietnam (1963-64, 1967-68), he was highly decorated: Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross (one star), Meritorious Service Medal (one star), 25 Air Medals, Air Medal (gold and bronze stars), Presidential Unit Citation, NUC (two stars), MUC (one star), National Defense Service and Armed Forces Expeditionary medals, VSN (four stars) and a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (two stars). As a Marine, he served in the following squadrons: HMM-361, HMM-265, HMM-262, HMM-165, HMM163 and HMX-1, in which he commanded aircrafts for Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. In 1981, then LtCol Allega was selected as Marine Corps Aviator of the Year, receiving the prestigious Alfred A. Cunningham Award. Simultaneously, his squadron HMM-163 was awarded the MCAA Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron of the year. Colonel Allega retired in 1990 with 4,290 flight hours in 15 different types of aircraft. Following retirement from the Marine Corps, Fred joined Mercury Air Group where he managed operations for six airports in California and Nevada. After retiring to Coronado in 2007, he served on the Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation’s Board of Directors. Fred’s contributions to the Foundation and Museum were significant. Chairman Emeritus, Major General Bob Butcher stated, “Fred was an exceptional officer, an invaluable member of our Board and a good friend. He will be truly missed.” In 2017, Fred was honored by the City of Coronado on its Avenue of Heroes. While his professional resume was impressive – the life he led, the inspiration he provided and the love he gave is harder to put into words. To know him was to be in the presence of quiet, intelligent confidence. Kind, gentle, humble, respect, honor and happy are words constantly used to describe Fred… yet his sly smile and wicked sense of humor could quickly bring out mischief in the best of folks. He was an incredibly talented musician with perfect pitch and meter – a talent he passed to his youngest son and grandsons. He loved fast vehicles – whether Porsches or airplanes – of which he owned many. He prided himself in physical fitness and loved tennis, running and cycling. As the first one in his family to earn a college degree – he coveted learning, a trait that never stopped during his lifetime. He loved a good steak, coffee hotter than the sun and drawing from his Italian heritage… sent back countless plates of pasta that were too cold or overcooked. Above everything, he loved his family and friends – and they knew it, every single day. He is missed tremendously yet Fred’s life was truly well lived so in reflection, there is great peace. A funeral, with full Military Honors is planned at Arlington National Cemetery.
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THE FEW, THE PROUD...THE GENEROUS March 1, 2020 – July 31, 2020 GENERAL FUND DONATIONS Albert L. Aguilar, Richard D. Althouse, Maj James A. Ardaiolo, BGen John C. Arick, Col Leroy C. Barton, Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Ball, Joseph P. Bassi, PhD, CAPT Thomas G. Bauer, Richard Bertea, LtCol Jay N. Bibler, SgtMaj Richard Blomgren, BGen William A. Bloomer, Maj Dennis R. Bowen, Peter S. Bowen, LtCol Guy L. Brown, MajGen & Mrs. B.G. Butcher, CWO-4 James R. Casey, Stanley Challgren, LCDR Edgar E. Cole, James Conger, MajGen John V. Cox, Col Christian F. DeFries, Edward F. DeRoche, PhD, Luis A. De La Garza, Barbara Desforges, Distinguished Flying Cross Society-SDLC, Jerry Dixon, LtCol Charles W. Dollard, Col & Mrs. Simon Doran, Col Don Duffer, Steven L. Dumovich, Mr. & Mrs. Jon Epsten, Maj Glenn Ferguson, Chris Fragiskatos, Don R. Fraser, LtCol Warren T. Frommelt, Jr., Mr. & Mrs. John Garrigan, III, Mr. & Mrs. Eric A. Graves, Gen Alfred M. Gray, Maj Austin Green, James A. Grimes, MD, MajGen Richard A. Gustafson, Martin D. Guyer, Col David A. Hallin, Richard P. Hallion, Hon & Mrs. John Hargrove, Ronald D. Harper/Harper Construction Company, Daniel R. Hayes, Robert Hellbusch, LtCol Hal W. Henderson, MajGen Ted Hopgood, Jr., LtCol Charles A. Houseman, Richard R. Kinnel, Mary C. Knoll, GySgt Paul T. Kuras, Kenneth Kwiatkowski, Mr. & Mrs. Tom Lang, Capt Joe V. Larkin, Patricia K. Laubach, Richard C. Lawe, Col Elmer M. Lewis, Jr., LtCol Walter R. Limbach, Frank C. Lorey, Terry L. Martin, Jack McGory & Family, Gordon W. McKelvey, John McLaughlin, Col Quinten R. Meland, Col Jonathan D. Mendes, SSgt David C. Mendoza, John E. Metzger, A. C. Meyer / The Meyer Charitable Foundation, Mr. & Mrs. Vincent P. Meyers, Colleen M. Miller, BGen M.P. Mulqueen, William A. Nelson, Nam Nguyen, Col Paul Noel, Gen & Mrs. William L. Nyland, William E. O’Connor, Mr. & Mrs. Don Oliphant, Col John Pierce, LtCol Charles A. Pinney, MajGen Ross S. Plasterer, Capt Frederic J. Pratt, J. Stephen Quinn, Margo Quinn, LtGen John E. Rhodes, Manfred A. Rietsch, Maj Rylen B. Rudy, MajGen Dean Sangalis, Col David B. Schnack, Gordon L. Shull, BGen David V. Shuter, SgtMaj Robert F. Singer, Capt Charles W. Smith, Jr., Edith T. Smith, RADM Louis M. Smith, Maj Paul J. Smith, Mike F. Sommers /BOC 5-67 Reunion Committee, CWO-4 Robert “Stambo” Stambovsky, MajGen O.K. Steele, Andrew P. Swasko, CDR Charles Sweeney, Michael Taylor, LtCol John W. Viglione, LtCol & Mrs. Paul Wagener, Robert W. Wardlaw, Col Robert F. Warren, Col Earl Wederbrook, Mr. & Mrs. Jack R. White, MajGen Peter D. Williams, LtCol Larry L. Woodruff
FOUNDATION MARKETING & PROMOTION SUPPORT Mr. & Mrs. Patrick B. Ball, Maj Glenn Ferguson, Patricia K. Laubach
IN HONOR OF MORGAN TINGLE Patricia Jackson
IN HONOR OF THE FLYING LEATHERNECK MUSEUM STAFF Mr. & Mrs. David Zekert
IN HONOR OF LANCE CORPORAL JAMES HANNIBAL Wayne Stafford
IN HONOR OF MAJOR GENERAL BOBBY G. BUTCHER John D. Barber, LtCol Dellwin L. Davis, Maj John M. Elliott, Col & Mrs. John A. Gagen, Richard P. Hallion, Col Eric E. Hastings, LtCol Frank B. Kennedy, III, Col Jack R. Lousma, LCDR Michael O’Keefe, Thomas B. Scott, III, Col Archie D. Simpson, Col & Mrs. Sherman A. Smith, Maj & Mrs. F. Mike Wifler, SgtMaj Michael G. Zacker, LtCol & Mrs. Charles Zangas
IN MEMORY OF HARVEY B. ATKINSON Linda R. Atkinson & Family
IN MEMORY OF GENERAL JOHN K. DAVIS, USMC (RET.) LtCol Larry D. Rannals
IN MEMORY OF GEORGE COX Carol Cox
IN MEMORY OF PAULA M. POTENZA Maj A.G. Potenza
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IN MEMORY OF MARY FAYE POTENZA Maj A.G. Potenza
IN MEMORY OF MASTER SERGEANT BILL GETSCHER LtGen Keith J. Stalder
IN MEMORY OF COLONEL HARRY SPIES, USMC (RETIRED) LtGen Keith J. Stalder
IN MEMORY OF MAJOR GENERAL JED PEARSON LtGen Keith J. Stalder
IN MEMORY OF LT. COLONEL GEORGE SWEENEY LtGen Keith J. Stalder
IN MEMORY OF LT. COLONEL TOM F. “CHESTY” MILLER MajGen Ross S. Plasterer
IN MEMORY OF MICHAEL PHILBIN Larry Alameda
IN MEMORY OF COLONEL RICHARD “DICK” BLANC Aileen Blanc
IN HONOR OF LT. COLONEL ED “MOFAK” CATHCART LtCol Guy L. Brown
IN MEMORY OF MAJOR VANCE “BUD” YOUNT Timothy Brown
IN MEMORY OF MAJOR BOB CAPTOR LtCol John E. Carroll, Jr.
IN MEMORY OF COLONEL FRANK HEINS LtCol John E. Carroll, Jr.
IN MEMORY OF COLONEL CARL BERGSTROM LtCol John E. Carroll, Jr.
IN MEMORY OF MAJOR HENRY WILDFANG Mr. & Mrs. Stuart A. Dutcher
IN MEMORY OF CAPTAIN JACK CONSOLVO Col Dennis D. Jackson
IN MEMORY OF JERRY SMITH Peter A. Krueger
IN MEMORY OF BRIGADIER GENERAL JAY HUBBARD Peter A. Krueger
IN MEMORY OF MAJOR HERBERT R. “JELLYBEAN” JELLANDER Patricia A. Jellander
IN MEMORY OF COLONEL JOHN H. LAVOY Marian E. LaVoy
IN MEMORY OF SERGEANT BOB O’REILLY Col Christopher E. O’Connor
IN MEMORY OF SYLVEN SCHAFFER, MD, DDS Lou Oberman
IN MEMORY OF LT. GENERAL CHARLES “CHUCK” PITMAN LtGen Norman H. Smith
IN MEMORY OF COLONEL KENNETH TOLLEFSON, USAF (RETIRED) Jacklyne C. Tollefson
SUMMER/FALL 2020
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