30 September 1966 – LtCol Walter “Mel” Fowler’s F-100 #553502 is hit in the engine by gunfire over SVN. He came close to capture or death by closely advancing Viet Cong before his wingman suppressed the advancing VC and he was picked up from the rice paddy by an Army Helo. Fowler was serving with
I grew up in Lancaster, SC. After serving for 26 years, I retired from my last assignment as the Detachment Commander of the Air Force Senior ROTC program at Clemson University. I now live in nearby Greenville, SC.
“I had tours in the F-100 and A-7 in the Vietnam War and in the F-117 during Desert Storm, where I served as the wing commander of the 37 TFW. After leaving active duty, I started and led a high school Air Force Junior ROTC unit near Clemson, SC from July 1994 to December 2008.
I remain indebted to, humbled by, and forever grateful to those of you who gave me insight, guidance, wisdom, and so many unique opportunities. I even appreciate the “fatherly advice” I often got (and needed) along the way. It was an honor to serve with such a special breed of warriors.
My only regret is I never told most of you how much I appreciated you, your friendship, and your help along the way. I’m proud that I served with so many who were not only the heart and soul of the Hun community but also the world’s greatest Air Force.”
