Mark Constant Chenis - KIA

Preferred Name: Mark
Date of Birth: November 10, 1944
Headed West: October 17, 1968
Highest Military Grade Held: 0-2 – First Lieutenant
Hometown: Fairfield, CT
Biography

1Lt Mark Constant Chenis was born in Fairfield, CT on November 10, 1944. In October of 1968,  he was serving with the 7th Air Force, 35th Tactical Fighter Wing, 615th Tactical Fighter Squadron out of Phan Rang AB, Vietnam.

On 17 October 1968, Chenis was flying F-100 #553661 when he attempted to abort his takeoff. The airplane overran the runway and crashed. Mark was KIA.

He is honored on the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in Washington DC, with his name inscribed at VVM Wall, Panel 41w, Line 68, and is buried at the Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, CT.

Pilot Information

Units Assigned

  • 615th Tactical Fighter Squadron/35th Tactical Fighter Wing/7th Air Force, Phan Rang, AB, Vietnam (F-100)

Awards & Decorations

National Defense Service Medal

Vietnam Service Medal

Vietnam Campaign Medal

Air Force Presidential Unit Citation

Vietnam Gallantry Cross

Air Force Good Conduct Medal

Flight Info

F-100

Military & Civilian Education

Civilian Education:

  • Rutgers University