Update on Our Friend Norm McCauley

Norm’s wife Leslie sent the following to me two days ago and several of you have sent me links to his obituary.  Both are posted below. 

Norman Nelson "El Guapo" McCauley, age 68, passed away unexpectedly in Quartzsite, Arizona on January 17, 2016.  He was born December 10, 1947 in Toledo, Oregon to Keith and Fern McCauley.

He served in the Army during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Purple Heart after his plane was shot down.  He retired in 2006, after 22 years with the US Postal Service.

He was a jack of all trades, loyal friend, hard worker, witty, and kind.  He enjoyed making jokes, telling stories, hiking, and Studebakers.  Most of all, he loved his friends and family and his role as "El Guapo" (Grandpa).

He is survived by Leslie - his loving wife of 41 years, his daughters Jillian (and her husband Sean Ludden), Erin (and her fiancé Ben Dunn), his granddaughters Avelyn and Hadley, his goddaughter Becky Juarez, and four sisters Genny Yates, Janet Mason, Carole Anderson, and Liz DiVergigelis.

An informal memorial gathering will take place at a later date.  Instead of flowers, the family hopes that you will follow Norm's example and perform an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness in his name.

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Plans are for an memorial service, celebration of life, BBQ, and the telling of funny stories at Beth and Tiny's in Quartzsite on March 5 at 1 pm.  I think he be pleased.  If any of his buddies want to join us, they can email me for the address -- I don't know it offhand but they've been friends of Norm's for most of his life.

*** Check out 'Norm Demonstrates the Model T' on You Tube for a short video of Norm. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RssUwVyLwMQ

Thanks,

Leslie McCauley

Loren Schrock and Roger Kent sent me this link: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/yumasun/obituary.aspx?n=norman-mccauley&pid=177384575

I think I speak for all us in saying “Norm, it was an honor to have served with you so many years ago, and to continue our friendship since then.  We will miss you Norm!”

Norm McCauley

I got the sad news that our friend Norm McCauley passed away on January 16, 2016.  The last time I saw Norm was in 2001 at our OV-1 Mohawk Association reunion in Las Vegas.  The above photo is from that weekend.  Please remember Leslie in your prayers during this tough time for her.  I’ll send more information as I receive it.  Steve Simula sent me the following email:

Hello Gordy,

    Thank you for the update on Ken Cunningham.  

    I received a phone call today from Leslie McCauley.  Our buddy Norm passed away suddenly last night.  He had chest pains and

by the time paramedics arrived he was gone.   He had been in very good health.  

     Steve

I have excerpted the following from the ANNUAL SUPPLEMENT HISTORY OF THE 225th AVIATION COMPANY (SURVEILLANCE AIRPLANE), 223D COMBAT SUPPORT AVIATION BATTALION, 1st AVIATION BRIGADE, 1 January 1969 - 31 December 1969

Prepared by: Captain Jose A. Chapa, Unit Historical Officer

21 March 1969: To say March came in like a lion and went out like a lamb for the 225th Blackhawks would be redundant. However the spirits of the men were riding high on the successful accomplishment of the night photo missions and the beginning of round the clock surveillance of the border with SLAR missions. The company also began its 20th month of accident free operation with over 15,000 total flying hours. The end of March was set with the predominate mood of sadness, for the company not only lost an airplane but, much worse, had lost a Blackhawk, Captain David Bruce Peterson.

CPT Peterson was the pilot of Blackhawk 09 on the morning of 21 March 1969, on a photographic mission in the Plie Trap Valley. He was informed that it would be a particularly hazardous mission due to the many reported enemy anti-aircraft and automatic weapons in the area and the low altitude that he was required to maintain. He nevertheless accepted the mission and made ready. Upon entering the target area, his aircraft came under intense enemy fire, receiving approximately 20 hits with 37mm fire and smaller caliber rounds. One of these rounds exploded in the cockpit directly between and below CPT Peterson's legs inflicting serious wounds. Although in extreme pain, and with flames and smoke engulfing the cockpit, he was able to expertly fly the aircraft out of danger of the enemy guns and at the same time give a "Mayday" call announcing their intentions and location. At the last possible moment, he ordered SP5 Norman N. McCauley, his observer, to eject from the aircraft. After McCauley had successfully cleared the aircraft, he also ejected. Upon reaching the ground, he directed rescue helicopters to his position. After seeing his observer lifted to safety by a UH-1 helicopter which came to his assistance. As the crew was attempting to bring him aboard, he apparently lost consciousness from his many wounds and fell back to the ground. Although he was immediately rescued by heroic actions on the part of the helicopter crew and First Aid was administered, he died enroute to the hospital. His selfless actions are credited with saving the life of his observer, for which he received the Distinguished Flying Cross posthumously.

26 March 1969: SP5 Norman N. McCauley, the observer who ejected from "Blackhawk 09", arrived back at Phu Hiep and the 225th. Following ejection and successful pickup, SP5 McCauley had been taken to the 71st Evacuation Hospital where he recovered from shrapnel wounds in his right arm.

On 26 March 1969, memorial services were held for CPT David B. Peterson at the Phu Hiep Army Airfield Memorial Chapel. At this time the friends and comrades of CPT Peterson paid tribute to a fine officer and an excellent Army aviator . . . and freedom is a gift from God that commands the highest price.

Follow-up On Ken Cunningham

To follow-up on my posting in November, our friend Terry Carlson sent me this note from Star and Stripes about Ken Cunningham, and if you had not seen this I thought you would like to.
http://www.stripes.com/news/us/remains-of-illinois-soldier-missing-since-1969-coming-home-1.387845