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Today in History – April 5, 1962 – 1962 Neil Armstrong takes X-15 to 54,600m

Neil Armstrong and the X-15 by Bob van der Linden, Posted on Tue, July 23, 2019, Aeronautics Department, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum “Released from duty in mid-1952, Armstrong returned to Purdue where he earned his degree in aeronautical engineering in 1955. His love of flight and engineering drew him to the National Advisory

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Joseph, Charles W.

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  • Joseph, Charles W.

Charles W. Joseph

Preferred Name: Charlie
Date of Birth: January 17, 1928
Highest Military Grade: 0-6 – Colonel
Hometown: Kingsport, TN
Headed West Date: October 22, 2021
Biography
Pilot Information
Headed West
Album

“I graduated from pilot training, Class 49-C, in the F-80 at Williams AFB, Arizona in September 1949. From there I was assigned to the 307th F.E.S. 31st Fighter Wing at Albany, Georgia from October 1949 to January 1952.

During the Korean War, I served with the 154 and 310th F.B.S., K-2 from January to December  1952. I flew 100 missions in the F-84.

From January 1953 to December 1961, served at Luke AFB, Arizona as Flight Commander and Assist Squadron Ops Officer for the F-84E & F, and F-100.”

Col. Joseph is a member of the Super Sabre Society and the Roadrunners Internationale.

Source: http://roadrunnersinternationale.com/joseph.html

Units Assigned

  • 9/1949 Pilot Training Class 49-C, Williams AFB, AZ (F-80)
  • 10/1949-1/1952 307th Fighter Escort Squadron/31st Fighter Wing, Turner AFB, Albany, GA
  • 1/1952-12/1952 154th and 310th Fighter Bomber Squadrons, Korea (F-84)
  • 1/1953-12-1961 Flight Commander and Assist Squadron Ops Officer, Luke AFB, AZ (F-84E/F, F-100)
  • 12/1958-12/1961 416th TFS, Misawa, Japan and Headquarters 5th Air Force TAC Eval & Training (F-100)
  • 1/1962 -10/1963 USAF FS TR&D
  • 12/1963-8/1965  Advisor to Turkish Air Force, (F-84F, F-100)
  • 8/1965-2/1968 – Headquarters TRS TAC – DORQ Fighter Test Branch
  • (SPAD) Checkout at Hurlbert (A-1)
  • 4/1968-8-1968 6th S.O.S. Pleiku. After 75 missions, was Air Evac’d to Walter Reed.
  • 10/1968-7/1971 Headquarters, TAC, Langley, AFB, VA
  • 7/1971-5/1972 Headquarters 7th Air Force, Assistant Director – War Plans (Frag Shop)
  • 6/197-8/1977 Headquarters, USAFE
  • 8/1977-12/1977  Headquarters TAC: Inspector General Office
  • 12/1977 Retired USAF

Awards & Decorations

Legion Of Merit
Legion of Merit
Distinguished Flying Cross
Distinguished Flying Cross
Meritorious Service Award
Meritorious Service Award
Air Medal
Air Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal
National Defense Service Medal
National Defense Service Medal
NATO Medal For Kosovo
NATO Medal for Kosovo
World War II Victory Medal Ribbon
WWII Victory Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Air Force Longevity Service Award (AFLSA)
Air Force Longevity Service Award
United Nations Service Medal
United Nations Service Medal
Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal
Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal
Republic Of Korea Korean War Service Medal
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal

Flight Info

F-80
F-84E/F
F-100
A-1

Military & Civilian Education

Civilian Education:

  • Dobyns-Bennett High School
  • East Tennessee State College (University)

Charles W. Joseph, Jr., Col USAF, Ret. “Headed West” on October 22, 2021.

Charlie Joseph, 93, passed away Friday, October 22, 2021 in Williamsburg, VA.

Charlie served more than 32 years with the USAF. A decorated combat pilot, he flew missions in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, ultimately reaching the rank of colonel before retiring in 1978. His flying skills were highlighted in the 1958 film “The Hunters” where he did aerial scenes as the antagonist North Korean fighter ace.

Charlie was born in Kingsport, TN, the son of Charles and Dorothy Joseph. Affectionately known as “Junior” he attended Dobyns-Bennett High school and went on to East Tennessee State College (University).

His personal interests included his family, golf, reading, and a well-made martini. His forte was grilling an absolutely perfect steak…nobody ever made a piece of meat taste so good. Charlie had a great many friends, most of which were Air Force buddies, scattered throughout the US, with whom he kept up routinely and all of which he outlived.

He is survived by his wife of more than 50 years, Lois; his son, Keith; his niece and nephew Terrie and Steve; and his grandchildren, Collin and Erik.

There was a gathering to celebrate his life and career on November 13, 2021. He will be buried in Arlington, VA at a date to be determined in 2022.

Source: www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com

Lt Col Charlie Joseph Far Right
Album Slideshow
Slideshow
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Wall of Honor Location

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