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Charles "Ray" Dunn Final Flight on March 10, 2012
Charles Raymond Dunn, Colonel, USAF (Retired) December 23, 1937 - May 05, 2012
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Charles Raymond Dunn
Charles Ray Dunn, Retired Colonel USAF, age 74 of Wynantskill, NY, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend died on Saturday, May 5, 2012 after a heroic battle with cancer.
Born December 23, 1937 in North umberland, England, he was the son of the late George and Ellen Lavin Dunn.
In England and Scotland he graduated from grammar school with honors. He immigrated to the United States as a young teen and won a scholarship to Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, where he also graduated with honors. After studying engineering at Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute, he joined the Air Force, became a jet pilot, helicopter pilot, and graduated from Navy Test Pilot School. He earned a BA in electrical engineering and MBA from USC. He served two tours in Vietnam as a rescue pilot with the Jolly Green Giants maintaining a life-long friendship with his fellow servicemen. He was a crew member of the first non-stop flight of a helicopter across the Atlantic Ocean.
He retired a decorated soldier from the USAF after 28 years. Some notable aircraft flown: UH-1/TH; T-33; HH-43B/F; HH-53; C-130B; HC-130; DC-130; CH-3; UH-IN and T-29. He then worked at Boeing for 15 years as manager of Flight Test Operations and chief test pilot for the V-22.
Up until his death, he was a certified flight instructor and proud member of Condair Flying Club, Quiet Birdmen, and The Society of Experimental Test Pilots. Distinguished awards include, two Silver Stars; two Legions of Merit; Distinguished Flying Cross; Meritorious Service Medal; Air Medal.
Survivors include, wife, Ellen Kruczlnicki Dunn of Wynantskill, NY.; daughter, Lynley Schroering of Louisville, Ky.; daughter, Megan Cox of Bradenton, Fla.; Michael Patrick Dunn of Philadelphia, PA.; and five grandchildren, Carley, Emily, Madelyn, Jeremiah, and Afton. He is also survived by two brothers, George and Kevin Dunn.
Relatives and friends may call at the Bryce Funeral Home, Inc., 276 Pawling Ave., Troy on Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. Funeral service will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at St. Jude the Apostle Church, Wynantskill, NY. where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Anthony Ligato, Pastor.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Charles Ray Dunn to the Lymphoma Research Foundation National Headquarters, 115 Broadway, Suite 1301 New York, NY 10006.
Decorations From Military Times “Hall of Valor” Charles Raymond Dunn Home of record: New York, New York Charles Dunn spent two years as an enlisted airman before receiving his commission. He retired as a U.S. Air Force Colonel. Awards and Citations Silver Star Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Charles Raymond Dunn, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving a Rescue Crew Commander with the 37th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron, DaNang Air Base, Vietnam, in action on 26 August 1967, in Southeast Asia. On that date, Captain Dunn flew his HH-3E helicopter over one of the most heavily defended hostile areas in Southeast Asia to attempt the rescue of a downed pilot. Despite concentrated flak and heavy small arms fire hitting the aircraft, Captain Dunn adroitly maneuvered the aircraft to retrieve the pilot. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Dunn has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
General Orders: Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special orders G-2166 (December 4, 1967) Action Date: 26-Aug-67 Service: Air Force Rank: Captain Company: 37th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron Division: DaNang Air Base, Vietnam
Silver Star Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain Charles Raymond Dunn, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 37th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron, DaNang Air Base, Vietnam, in action on 13 March 1968, in Southeast Asia. On that date, Captain Dunn penetrated an extremely hostile area to rescue a downed fighter pilot. Despite heavy anti-aircraft fire and without escort or cover, Captain Dunn, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, effected a successful rescue in the face of hostile fire. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Dunn has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
General Orders: Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special orders G-1553 (May 25, 1968) Action Date: 13-Mar-68 Service: Air Force Rank: Captain Company: 37th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron Division: DaNang Air Base, Vietnam
Legion of Merit Awarded for actions during the Peace Time Awards
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Charles Raymond Dunn, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, 6594th Test Group, Air Force Satellite Control Facility, Space Division, Air Force Systems Command, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, from 17 June 1981 to 8 June 1984. During this period, the leadership, experience, and devotion to duty of Colonel Dunn were directly responsible for the operational execution of a program of vital importance to the defense posture of the United States. During his tenure, the Test Group, maintained a level of operational excellence so noteworthy that the unit was praised in a personal letter from President Reagan for unsurpassed readiness and flawless performance. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Dunn reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Action Date: June 17, 1981 - June 8, 1984 Service: Air Force Rank: Colonel
Legion of Merit Awarded for actions during the Peace Time Awards
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Charles Raymond Dunn, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, Detachment 5, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, Edwards Air Force Base, California, from 16 June 1984 to 31 July 1986. During this period, the exemplary professionalism, mature leadership, sound judgment, and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Dunn have resulted in a significant enhancement of operational test and evaluation capabilities at Edwards Air Force Base with a far-reaching impact on the acquisition of major weapon systems essential to the national defense. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Dunn culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Action Date: June 16, 1984 - July 31, 1986 Service: Air Force Rank: Colonel
Distinguished Flying Cross Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Charles Raymond Dunn, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Rescue Crew Commander of an HH-3E Jolly Green helicopter in Southeast Asia on 21 August 1967. On that date, Captain Dunn flew two hazardous rescue missions and successfully rescued a total of eight wounded Marines. Both missions were extremely difficult because of minimal weather conditions, a thick jungle canopy, rough terrain and hostile ground fire. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Dunn reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
General Orders: Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special orders G-1987 (November 13, 1968) Action Date: August 21, 1967 Service: Air Force Rank: Captain Company: 37th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron Division: DaNang Air Base, Vietnam GUEST BOOK
June 04, 2012 I had the opportunity to fly with Lt. Col Dunn in the 6514th Test Sq at Hill AFB. One of my favorite pictures is of him, myself and Bill Scrivani standing outside an H-53 MARS bird in the Desert. My condolences, Col Dunn was a true patriot and friend. SMSgt Russ Griffith ~ Russell Gtiffith, Preston, Idaho May 24, 2012 I am so sorry Mrs. Dunn for the loss of your husband. I really enjoyed visiting with him whenever you and he came to visit Megan while in college. ~ Holly Cozzie, San Antonio, Texas May 17, 2012 Ellen, we are so sorry to hear. We will be praying for you for peace,strength, and that God will draw you to Himself for comfort. love, Gaye and Mike May 15, 2012 I too met Ray in the early 60's. Saw him many times since yet never without his a great smile, a warm handshake and personal greeting. One of the very best people that I have known. ~ Jim Dunn, Lebanon, Illinois May 11, 2012 Our condolences to the family. Ray and I spent many hours in his hideaway (my office) at Hickam talking about the aircraft setting on the ramp that we both knew should be flying except for the regs. He was one of the best officers and the best commander I had in the AF. He maintained the respect of all the enlisted personnel he worked with and all he associated with. Dolly and I will never forget him. Dolly and Howard Frazee ~ Howard Frazee, Niceville, Florida May 09, 2012 I am not happy with this news. I had the privilege of being with CR Dunn on three different occasions. At Hahn AB in Germany in the early sixties. He was the H-43 pilot whose engine quite (not his fault) while I was hooking up the fire suppression kit. Stationed with him again at DaNang. He was my commanding officer at Hill AFB. He was an excellent pilot and a good person. Even though he was an officer I concidered him a friend he didn't look down at anybody and treated every one with respect. We were exchanging emails and I will always remember CR Dunn. ~ Arthur Brand, Aummerfield, Florida May 08, 2012 My condolences to the family. I was stationed with Ray at Hill AFB. ~ Ed Dangel, Clearfield, Utah May 08, 2012 Ellen, Charlene and I first met Ray in Germany in the early 60' and our association with you and him goes back a long way. May God watch over you and your family and we will all see Ray one day down the road in a much better place. God rest his soul. He was my friend and a great person. Take good care of yourself and we hope to see you soon. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. John and Charlene Flournoy ~ John Flournoy, Albuquerque, New Mexico May 08, 2012 My Condolence To The Dunn Family, I did not know Ray But I have the Most Sincere respect for any AMERICAN who served Our Great Country. May GOD Bless the Dunn Family. Andrew B. Gonzales SSGT 64-72 andybgonzales@yahoo.com ~ Andrew Gonzales, El Paso, Texas May 08, 2012 Condolences to Ellie and family. I first met Ray in Viet Nam and remained friends and comrades for the rest of our lives. At Da Nang we spent many evenings together listening to and singing along with the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. Of course we also had a beer in our hands. When I was his Operations Officer at Hill AFB and I remember he always wore his orange flight suit, EXCEPT on St Patricks Day when wore his green one. I will miss him greatly. Rich Blackwell ~ Rich Blackwell, Prescott, Arizona May 08, 2012 I was stationed with (then) Captain Dunn at Patrick AFB, Florida 1968-1969. I remember him as one of the finest Officers and best helicopter pilots that I ever flew with. I will always remember his great sense of humor and how we always had to be on our toes or he would pull some joke on me or some of the other crewmembers. He always treated everyone with great respect and I have great admiration for this man. The USAF helicopter family has lost a great pilot and officer with Ray's passing. My sincere condolences to Ellen, their children and the extended Dunn family. God rest Ray's soul and may God comfort and protect the Dunn family. James W. Burns, SMSgt, USAF (retired) www.rotorheadsrus.us ~ Jim Burns, Navarre, Florida
May 08, 2012 My deepest condolences Ellen. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hugs, Kareen ~ Kareen Bernardo, North Greenush, New York
May 08, 2012 I knew Ray as a teenager back in Babylon NY. My sincere condolences to his family. ~ Barbara Kuehne, Islip, New York
May 07, 2012 May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. ~ Patti Embree, Wynantskill, New York
May 07, 2012 Lynley and family, I am so sorry for you loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care! ~ Rosie Young, Louisville, Kentucky
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"FREEDOM ISN'T FREE" ~SOMEONE PAYS FOR YOU AND ME~ "HELICOPTERS" - THE ONLY WAY TO FLY ~NEVER FORGOTTEN~ |
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