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Ronald H. Mikulski Final Flight on February 21, 2012
Ronald Harry Mikulski, Major, USAF (Retired) September 02, 1943 - February 21, 2012
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Ronald Harry Mikulski
September 2, 1943 - February 21, 2012 Age: 68 Residence: Licking, MO Formerly of: Chicago, IL
Born September 2, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois. He passed peacefully on February 21, 2012 in Licking, Missouri at his residence which he shared with his loving sister, MaryAnn Bates.
He attended Parks College, the first federally approved school of aeronautics and popular with pilots in the 1960’s. As a retired Air Force Major and Vietnam War veteran, he has flown dozens of different aircrafts and was part of the Special Services unit in Vietnam where he was a helicopter pilot. During his years of service, he became a highly decorated officer in which he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, for extraordinary heroism in Vietnam and six air medals. Plus, he received recognition from the United States Army for coining the phrase, “Be All You Can Be.”
He lived most of his life in Washington state where he was an active community leader including; president of the Tacoma Jaycees, president of the Tukwila Chamber of Commerce, director of the Tacoma Arthritis Foundation, a member of the Seafair Unlimited Hydroplaning Association, where he owned the R. Mikulski Advertising U-10, and assisted with the opening of the Boeing Museum of Flight’s Red Barn.
He enjoyed careers as an advertising agency owner of Mikulski, Tucker & Harrison as well as a real estate agent. He was also an award-winning public speaker, published author, and held a secondary black belt in judo. His leisure time was enjoyed with family, fishing, sailing, hunting, guitar playing, fencing, tennis, and most recently historical gun collecting.
He loved to tell a good story, and his life was filled with them from his diverse and colorful personal experiences.
He is survived by his daughter Linda Rackner (Mike), son Jeffrey Tucker (Tracy), Sister MaryAnn Bates, grand-daughters Marissa and Gabrielle Rackner, and well-loved pets.
Ronald flew with the 20th HS "Pony Express" in Vietnam 1966 - 1967.
Decorations
Distinguished Flying Cross Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War
CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS TO RONALD H. MIKULSKI. First Lieutenant Ronald H. Mikulski, distinguished himself while participating in aerial flight as a CH-3C pilot in Southeast Asia on 6 November 1966. On that date, Lieutenant Mikulski’s crew performed and emergency recovery of a special reconnaissance team from an area heavily infested with hostile forces. The team had come into contact with hostile forces and an immediate recovery was necessary before deteriorating weather completely eliminated recovery chances. The poor weather conditions precluded fighter cover for the mission, and forced the helicopter to be dangerously exposed throughout the mission. Lieutenant Mikulski’s courageous action and outstanding airmanship were instrumental in saving the lives of the valuable combat team. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Mikulski reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. GUEST BOOK
February 29, 2012 6:34 AM Dear Jeff and family, Please accept our condolences on the loss of your father. Joanne forwarded us the obituary. What a full and interesting life he led! Dom and Lorraine ~ Lorraine and Dom Vitris Scranton PA
February 28, 2012 10:41 PM Hi Jeffery and Tracy, We feel so sorry for you loss. Your dad sounds like he lived a wonderful life, had many exciting adventures and was someone you could be proud of. Love, Joanne and Rich ~ Joanne and Rich Grant, Southington, CT |
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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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