SARDINIA 1944 - ED RYAN, JOE MADRANO

COL Joseph "Joe" P. Madrano
April 20, 1922 - May 8, 2015

COL Joseph "Joe" P. Madrano was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 05/08/2015 at the age of 93.

Windcrest, TX 
Flight Class 54-H 
Date of Birth 04/20/1922 
Served in the U.S. Army 
Served in Vietnam with 498 MED CO in 65-66 
Call sign in Vietnam DUSTOFF 6 
This information was provided by Sammie Williams

More detail on this person: Colonel Joseph P. Madrano, U.S. Army (Ret.), born April 20, 1922, in Reading, PA, to Dan and Agnes Madrano, filed his final flight plan May 8, 2015. A proud veteran of three wars and over 39 years of total service, he started his military career at the age of 17 while still in high school, by joining the Oklahoma National Guard. Inducted into active federal service in 1940, he trained as infantry squad leader before transferring to the Army Air Corps, training as Aviation Cadet at Randolph and Ellington Fields, where he received his commission as 2nd Lt. and rating of Pilot. Following training in Florida as a pilot of a Martin B-26, commonly called "The Widow Maker," the "Flying Coffin," or the dubious name of "Prostitute" (because it had no visible means of support), he completed 46 combat missions in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. After completing his tour, he returned to the States and served as a pilot instructor until his separation from the service in 1945. After graduation from University of Tulsa in 1949, he worked as a school teacher until he was called back into active service, this time as Medical Service Corps officer. He was then assigned to Japan, where he "sat out" the Korean conflict by training troops and providing services to returning troops. In 1953 he returned to the States and undertook helicopter training at Ft. Sill, OK, and Ft. Rucker, AL, where he was retained as an instructor for two years. Over the following 20-plus years he served at a number of posts as a commander and staff officer, including two tours of Germany and one in Vietnam. While in Vietnam he commanded a medical evacuation unit. He also attended a number of schools, including the Army Command and General Staff College and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. The recipient of numerous awards and decorations from the U.S. and foreign governments, he was most proud of the Army Good Conduct Medal, which he claimed to have earned the old-fashioned way-by being a good soldier. Joe retired in 1979 at Ft. Lewis, WA, and since that time has been a volunteer in a number of activities in Washington and Texas. He is survived by his loving wife and partner for nearly 69 years, Jacqueline (Jacquie) Elledge, sons Daniel C. and Joseph C. and daughter Col. (Ret) Marsha Killam, three grandchildren, two great-grandsons, and a host of other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Honor Flight.

Church services will be held at the Windcrest UMC at 10:00 a.m., Monday, May 18, 2015. Interment will follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery at 11:30 a.m. with full military honors. Please visit our online guestbook at www.puenteandsons.com

Funeral Home Puente & Sons Funeral Chapel
3520 S. Flores San Antonio, TX 78204 210-533-5300
Funeral Home Details Published in Express-News on May 17, 2015

This information was last updated 05/17/2015

Please send additions or corrections to: The VHPA Webmaster Gary Roush.

Return to the Helicopter Pilot DAT name list

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http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sanantonio/obituary.aspx?pid=174876501

Paul F. Collins
February 2, 1922 - June 3, 2009

Paul F. Collins, 87, died June 3, 2009 in Ft. Pierce, FL.

Mr. Collins was born in Pemberton, New Jersey and moved to Ft. Pierce in 1984.

Paul was the fourth generation owner of Collins & Son Funeral Home which was founded in 1865 and sold the funeral home and retired in 1984. He was a 1st Lieutenant of the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII, Combat Pilot of 438th Sq., 319th Bomb Group having flown 52 missions between both European and Pacific Theaters of Operations and was awarded the Air Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters and the French Croix de Guerre with Palm among other personal and unit citations.

He was a member of the New Jersey and Burlington County Funeral Directors Associations, Past President of Pemberton Rotary Club, Past Master of Pemberton Masonic Lodge, also a member of the Excelsior Consistory in Collingswood, and Crescent Temple Shrine in Westhampton, Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North America and the National Sojourners Lodge, Life Member of the National Rifle Association, New Jersey Hunter Safety Instructor, Past Director of the National Skeet Shooting Association, member of the New Jersey Skeet Shooting Association, and Past President of the Red Stag Deer Club.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Lorene K. Collins of Ft. Pierce, FL; sons, Gary E. Collins of Burlington, N.J., Gary R. McAnelly of Newtown Square, PA, Jeffrey Collins of Tabernacle, NJ, and sister, Judith Collins Smith of Salem, OR; 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Services: An inurnment with full military honors will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2009 at 2:00 PM at Arlington National Cemetery.

http://www.haisleyfuneralhome.com/sitemaker/sites/Haisle1/obit.cgi?user=paul-collins

Louis B Sykes
1/25/1921 - 5/29/2009

SYKES, Louis B., of Tampa, Fl., formerly of Amsterdam, NY, died on Friday, May 29, 2009 at UCH Carrollwood after suffering complications from surgery.

Mr. Sykes was born on January 21, 1921 in Amsterdam, NY where he graduated from the Wilbur H. Lynch High School and where he spent his career working for Mohasco Industries. In early 1942, Lou joined the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he headed overseas and flew 40 missions out of North Africa and Sardinia in a B-26 Martin Maruader as a top-turret gunner. During his three and a half year service, Mr. Sykes received the Air Medal with 7 clusters, the good conduct medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign medal with 2 bronze stars and the WW II Victory Medal.

He was married to Shirley Sanders of Amsterdam, NY on January 20, 1945 and who passed away on June 6, 1988. He is survived by two sons, Jeffrey of Venice, FL and Brian of Tampa, FL, along with their spouses; grandson, Jonathan of Parris Island, SC; a nephew, two nieces, and step-grandchildren. His remains will be cremated and buried alongside his wife, Shirley, in the St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ft. Johnson, NY.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Lou’s name to the SORTIE Newsletter, a non-profit newsletter dealing with WW II and Korean War Air Force veterans. Donations can be sent to The SORTIE News Letter; Editor, Ted Baker; 453 Hamilton Ave; Almont, MI 48003.

Chuck Kahrs
Passed Jan. 9, 2007

Dr. George Peabody
Flight Surgeon
Passed July 5, 2006

I am writing to report the passing of Dr. George Peabody, who served with the 319th as Flight Surgeon during the Mediterranean campaigns. Dad passed away on July 5, 2006, from a severe stroke. He had been in decline since an October 2004 fall resulted in a broken hip.

My father remained mentally sharp to the end, and he often reminisced about his youth, and the 319th was an important part of that. Many of you will have seen my father at one of the Group's reunions during the last 15 years. His experience during the war led him to the field of psychiatry, which he made his career.

I have attached a photo to help you remember him as he was. Quite a handsome young man in 1942!

George Peabody robnjaypeabody@qwest.net

Donald C. Frink
of North Norwich
July 12, 1922 - August 3, 2003

Donald C. Frink, 81, of West Cayuga St. North Norwich, passed away early Sunday morning, August 3, 2003at his home. Don was born July 12, 1922, in Norwich, the son of Hoyt and Mildred (Day) Frink. On January 29, 1945, he married M. Beatrice Gilladette Frink, who passed away April 2, 1959. In 1960 Don married Bonnie (Bowes) Frink who survives. A lifelong Norwich resident, Don was living in the North Norwich home that he built in the early 1950’s. Following his 1941 graduation from the Norwich High School, he attended RPI, graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Don then entered the United States Army Air Force to serve his country in the European and Pacific Theaters from December 6, 1941 until his honorable discharge in October, 1945. He was a member of the 319 th Bombardment Group, the 438 th Bombardment Squadron, and the 8 th and 12 th Division of the Air Force. Returning home, he gained employment with the Norwich Eaton Pharm, as their Lead Electrician, retiring in 1984. While working for the Co., he was also a member of the Local 251. Don will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father and grandfather who was always there for his family. Always an early riser, he would go out early in the morning to work the garden which he truly enjoyed. He had served as a No. Norwich fireman and was a former fire commissioner. Don is survived by his wife, Bonnie Frink, No. Norwich; his children, Donald J. Frink and wife Cheryll, Oakdale, Conn., Dennis J. Frink and wife Linda, Webster Groves, Mo., Samuel B. Whaley and wife Ruth, Puerto Rico, Andrew H. Whaley, South Otselic, and Susan E. Gray and husband Richard, Walworth, N.Y.; 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Besides his wife, Beatrice, Don was predeceased by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Richard and Hazel Frink, and Robert Frink. Graveside services for Don will be held on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. from the Sherburne West Hill cemetery. The Rev. James Collins Jr., Pastor of the No. Norwich United Methodist Church, will officiate. There will be no calling hours. Please consider memorial contributions to the North Norwich Fire Department, PO Box 99, North Norwich, N.Y. 13814. Arrangements are with the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.

Dennis M. Wolff
September 10, 1922 - September 22, 2005

Dennis M. Wolff, 83, of Rapid City, died on Thursday, September 22, 2005 at the Fort Meade Veteran's Administration Hospital in Sturgis, South Dakota.

Dennis Merrill Wolff was born in Canby, MN on Sept. 10, 1922 to William and Agnes Wolff. He married Eva Magdanz on May 1, 1945 in Hutchinson, MN.

After graduating from Hutchinson High School, Dennis attended General Motors Institute. In 1941 he worked for assembly on Lockheed P38 aircraft. He joined the Army Air Corp in November of 1941, attending mechanics school at Keesler field and then Glen Martin B26 School for crew chiefs. He landed in Scotland on his 20th birthday and served as crew chief in the 319th Bomb Group during the invasion campaign of North Africa in Nov. 1942. After serving in the Algeria, North Africa, Sardinia and Corsica campaigns he returned home in January of 1942. He was discharged in July of 1945, obtained his CAA Mechanics License and worked in Minneapolis for Midcontinent Airlines.

From 1949 to 1963 Dennis owned and operated Wolff Sales Co. in Faith, SD, the dealership for John Deere and GMC vehicles. He began an Insurance career in 1963 as field representative for American Hardware Mutual Insurance. In 1971 Dennis became an automobile salesman for Rushmore Volkswagen in Rapid City and continued in that capacity until he retired because of disability in 1981.

Dennis enjoyed hunting and fishing with friends and family. He remained active in his church serving in a number of roles.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Eva Mae of Rapid City, one son Dr. Roger D. Wolff of Vermillion, SD, two grandsons, Benjamin R. Wolff of Rapid City and Jesse D. Wolff of Vermillion. He is further survived by dear family, friends, and brothers and sisters of Abiding Word Lutheran Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step parents, Francis Wolff and George Bowman, brothers-in-law Thomas Magdanz and Dr. Richard McReynolds, sister-in-law Barbara Teper, and army buddies.

Visitation will be at Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2005 from 3:00 to 5:00 P.M.

Services are set for 9:30 A.M. Mon., Sept. 26, 2005 at Abiding Word Lutheran Church, 4021 Range Road, Rapid City, with Pastor David Maertz officiating. Interment will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. There will be a light luncheon at the church following the interment.

In lieu of flowers family asks that gifts be directed to the Abiding Word Lutheran Memorial Fund.
http://www.webfh.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=64872&fh_id=10281

-Ben Wolff, Dennis's grandson
ben@tmhost.com

Major Charles H. Wolf

United States Air Force 
Veteran of World War II & the Korean War


Memorial Services are set for Major Charles H. Wolf, USAF, Retired, on Tuesday, July 13, 2004 at 10:30 A.M. in the Chapel at Temple Beth-El, 211 Belknap Place, San Antonio, TX, 78212.
For further information you can call Rabbi Bergman-Vann or
Rabbi Barry Bloch at 210-733-9135.
 
Charles H. Wolf, Major, USAF, Retired, a decorated war hero died as a result of injuries in an automobile accident which occurred east of Rawlins, WY on Tuesday, July 6, 2004 at 7:30 A.M. He was 80. 

Major Wolf served during WWII as an enlisted man and then as a fighter and bomber pilot. He later served as an officer in the Korean Conflict. He survived four tours of duty on three continents, also serving four combat tours under enemy fire. His decorations and accolades are too numerous to list. Those who served with him are aware of his bravery, heroism and love of country. He served all with honor and distinction. 

His family and friends will miss him, his humor, compassion and love. He was truly an officer and a gentleman and will remain a legend. He also retired from Portland General Electric in Portland, OR as chief pilot and head of corporate flight division, which he pioneered. 

Charles is survived by his wife, Blair Lyle Wolf, Lytle, TX; 
two sons, Daniel H. Wolf, San Diego, CA, Malcolm Lyle, Mechanicsville, VA; 
two daughters, Jana Leland, San Antonio, TX, GiGi Wolf, Desert Hot Springs, CA; 
grandsons, Blair L. Wolf, Lytle, Ryan C. Wolf, Edwards AFB, CA, Brandon Wolf, Desert Hot Springs, CA, Matthew Lyle, Johnson City, TN; 
granddaughters, Sarah Ann Wolf, Newberg, OR, Victoria Wolf, San Diego, CA, Julia Aby Lyle & Elizabeth Ann Lyle, Johnson City, TN; 
Cousin Howard Glober, Simi Valley, CA
great-granddaughter, Raven Wolf Afterbuffalo. 
He was preceded in death by his father, Alexander M. Wolf; stepmother, Mary Wolf; mother, Sarah Glober Mondshine; stepfather, Murray Mondshine and son, Charles Herbert Wolf, Jr. 

Cremation has taken place. ROSTAD MORTUARY Rawlins, WY 82301
(307) 324-2611 

A memorial of photos will be arranged and posted at a later date, please check the Bulletin Board page for details. 
Blair Wolf - Grandson of Charles and Webmaster for the 319th