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This Day in History – June 10, 1969 – The X-15 gets a place in history

10 June 1969: The U.S. Air Force donated the first North American Aviation X-15, serial number 56-6670, to the Smithsonian Institution for display at the National Air and Space Museum. The first of three X-15A hypersonic research rocketplanes built by North American for the Air Force and the National Advisory Committee (NACA, the predecessor of NASA), 56-6670 made the first glide flight and

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Goodwin, Charles E.

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  • Goodwin, Charles E.

Charles E. Goodwin

Preferred Name: Charles
Nickname/Call Sign: Gene
Date of Birth: September 16, 1935
Highest Military Grade: 0-6 – Colonel
Hometown: Cedar Bluff, VA
Headed West Date: October 14, 2009
Biography
Pilot Information
Headed West

Charles “served in US Navy during World War II as a 17 year old member of an elite underwater demolition team. Following his service in the Navy, he joined the aviation cadet program of the US Air Force where he received his wings and a commission as a second Lieutenant. His tours of duty were world-wide during his long and distinguished career of 32 years in fighter aircraft operations. During WWII while in the Navy, he was involved in combat in the European and Pacific theaters. He flew numerous combat missions in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. He was a highly decorated career officer. His many awards and decorations include the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Crosses, Air Medals and others too numerous to mention.

After retiring from the Air Force, he moved to Litchfield Park and took a position with the Maricopa County Department of Emergency services.”(1)

Source: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/azcentral/name/charles-goodwin-obituary?id=12266426

Units Assigned

  • WWII – Navy
  • Korean War
  • 1969 523rd Tactical Fighter Squadron, Commander
  • 51st Tactical Fighter Wing, Vice Commander
  • 13th AF, Deputy Commander Operations/Vice Commander

Awards & Decorations

Silver Star
Silver Star
Legion Of Merit
Legion of Merit with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters
Distinguished Flying Cross
Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Medal
Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters

Flight Info

F-86
F-100
F-111

Wall of Honor:

Foil: 8 Panel: F86 Sabre Pilots Association Column: 4 Line: 9

Military & Civilian Education

Civilian Education:

  • Richlands High School
  • BA/Business Administration, Concord College in Athens, West Virginia

Charles E. Goodwin, Col USAF Ret., “Headed West” on October 14, 2009.

Colonel Charles E. Goodwin was born October 7, 1926 in Cedar Bluff in the Clinch mountain area of Virginia. Colonel Goodwin graduated from Richlands High School and Concord College in Athens, West Virginia with a degree in Business Administration.

He served in US Navy during World War II as a 17 year old member of an elite underwater demolition team. Following his service in the Navy, he joined the aviation cadet program of the US Air Force where he received his wings and a commission as a second Lieutenant. His tours of duty were world-wide during his long and distinguished career of 32 years in fighter aircraft operations. During WWII while in the Navy, he was involved in combat in the European and Pacific theaters. He flew numerous combat missions in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. He was a highly decorated career officer. His many awards and decorations include the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Crosses, Air Medals and others too numerous to mention.

After retiring from the Air Force, he moved to Litchfield Park and took a position with the Maricopa County Department of Emergency services.

He retired in 1991. Since retirement, he enjoyed the good life: golf, a good martini, spending time with his lovely wife, Terry, his 3 children, and his great community of family and friends. A lifelong Republican, he also loved a good political discussion.

Colonel Goodwin is survived by his wife Terry, his children Alicia, Katie, and Charlie Goodwin, his grandchildren Jack and Sonia Kuykendall, his sister Ruth Mercer and brother Randy Goodwin. A memorial service was Held on October 21, 2009 at The Church at Litchfield Park. Arrangements by: Thompson’s West Valley Funeral Chapel

Memorial donations may be sent to: Hospice of the Valley 1510 E. Flower Street Phoenix, AZ 85014

Published by The Arizona Republic from Oct. 20 to Oct. 21, 2009.

Wall of Honor Location

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