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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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Angel, Marion “Mack”

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  • Angel, Marion “Mack”

Marion Mack Angel

Preferred Name: Mack
Nickname/Call Sign: Hippo
Date of Birth: November 17, 1937
Highest Military Grade: 0-5 – Lieutenant Colonel
Hometown: Harrison, AR
Headed West Date: February 9, 2024
Biography
Pilot Information
Headed West
Album
Video

I’m very proud to have flown the mighty “Hun” and to have served with so many wonderful professionals.

Units Assigned

  • 7/3/1957-10/14/1958 Aviation Cadet Class 59-C: Lackland AFB, TX (Pre-Flight); Spence AB, GA (T-34/T-28); Greenville, MS (T-33)
  • 10/14/1958 Commissioned 2d Lt and awarded Pilot wings
  • 11/1958-4/1959 4515 CCTS, Luke AFB, AZ, transition and gunnery training (F-100)
  • 4/1959-8/1959 4521 FS, Nellis AFB, NV, advanced gunnery training (F-100)
  • 8/1959-9/1959 3637 CCRTS, Stead AFB, NV, advanced survival training
  • 11/1959-12/1959 417 TFS, Toul Rosier AB, France (F-100)
  • 12/1959-11/1963 417 TFS, Ramstein AB, Germany (F-100)
  • 1/1964-11/1964 4520 CCTW, Nellis AFB, NV, Command Post Controller (T-33)
  • 11/1964-3/1965 4523 CCTS, Nellis AFB, NV, transition training (F-105)
  • 4/1965-3/1966 4526 CCTS, Nellis AFB, NV, Instructor Pilot (F-105)
  • 3/1966-4/1966 North American Aviation, Long Beach, CA “Wild Weasel” indoctrination
  • 4/1966-5/1966 Eglin AFB, FL, “Wild Weasel” crew training and aircraft mods (F-105)
  • 5/1966-12/1966 13TFS, Korat RTAFB, Thailand (100 “Wild Weasel” missions)
  • 1/1967- 11/1967 560 TFS, McConnell AFB, KS, Instructor Pilot (F-105)
  • 10/1967- 12/1969 USAF “Thunderbirds,” Nellis AFB, NV (F-100 and F-4E)
  • 1/1970-6/1970 Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk, VA (student)
  • 7/1970-7/1971 Pentagon, AF/DCS Personnel (staff officer, Colonels’ Assignments (T-33)
  • 7/1971- 12/1973 Pentagon, AF/CV, Aide to USAF Vice Chief of Staff (C-140)
  • 1/1974-3/1974 35 TFW, George AFB, FL, re-currency training (F-4)
  • 3/1974-4/1974 3614 CCTS, Clark AFB, RP, jungle survival training
  • 4/1974-4/1975 421 TFS, Udorn RTAFB, Thailand, Asst. Squadron Ops Officer/IP (F-4E)
  • 5/1975-6/1975 HQ TAC, Langley AFB, VA, DCS/Plans staff officer
  • 6/1975-5/1976 Hampton Institute, Hampton, VA, “Bootstrap” student for BS degree
  • 5/1976-8/1977 HQ TAC, Langley AFB, VA, DCS/Plans staff officer
  • 9/1977-6/1978 31 TFW, Homestead AFB, FL, Chief of Safety (F-4E)
  • 7/1/1978 Retired USAF

Awards & Decorations

Silver Star
Silver Star

Flight Info

T-34
T-28
T-33
F-100
F-105
C-140
F-4 E

 

Military & Civilian Education

Military Education:

  • 1970 Armed Forces Staff College
  • 1973 ICAF (Correspondence)

Civilian Education:

  • 1976 BS/Business Management, Hampton Institute, Hampton, VA

Marion “Mack” Angel, LtCol USAF, Ret., “Headed West” on February 9, 2024.

It is with deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss that we announce the passing of Marion Mack Angel, a true American hero and patriot, devoted husband and father, adored grandfather, loving brother, and loyal friend. Mack, as he was affectionately known, soared into the heavens from Overland Park, Kansas on February 9, 2024, at the age of 86.

Born on November 17, 1937 to Edith and John Angel in Harrison, Arkansas, Mack’s journey began with a spirit of adventure that ultimately led him to a distinguished career as a fighter pilot for the US Air Force under the call sign “Hippo.” His bravery and commitment as a Wild Weasel were exemplified during his service in the Vietnam War, where he flew 100 missions North. His unparalleled skill and dedication earned the respect and admiration of his country and fellow servicemen and women and military honors including the Silver Star for exhibiting gallantry while risking life above and beyond the call of duty.

Mack’s illustrious career reached new heights when he became a member of the prestigious US Air Force Thunderbirds, showcasing his exceptional abilities and representing the epitome of precision and excellence in flying. His time with the Thunderbirds solidified his status as an elite aviator and a symbol of American strength and pride.

Upon retiring from the USAF after 21 years of loyal service, Mack continued his successful aviation career as a demonstration pilot for Cessna Aircraft and then as a corporate pilot for Pizza Hut and Frito-Lay. Mack ultimately turned his aviation career into a hobby and retired to Pecan Plantation Airpark in Granbury, Texas where he spent many glorious years piloting his Bonanza and restoring his 1953 and 1962 Corvettes.

Beyond the skies, Mack was a loving and devoted family man. He is survived by his cherished wife Connie with whom he shared a lifetime of love and companionship throughout their 60 years of marriage. Mack leaves behind a legacy of love and strength that extends to his three daughters and their husbands: Sheryl and Tim of Stilwell, Kansas; Tiffany and Alberto of Newton, Massachusetts; and Celeste and Thad of Leawood, Kansas; and to his six grandchildren Chance, Cole, Sofia, Santi, Maxwell, and Theo. His adoration extended further to his surviving brother Clark of Little Rock, Arkansas and his sister Ann of Harrison, Arkansas and to his pre-deceased brother Roger of Forsythe, Missouri.

Mack was a beacon of inspiration for all who knew him. His kindness, courage, and unwavering commitment to family and country will forever be etched in our hearts. The memories of his daring flights, enduring charm, and warm laughter will continue to resonate, reminding us of the extraordinary man who touched the skies and our lives.

Mack’s wings may no longer grace the clouds, as he has “flown west”, but his spirit will soar eternally in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him and as he is fittingly laid to rest with honors at a National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association in Mack’s memory.

Angel, Mack
Album Slideshow
Slideshow
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Wall of Honor Location

Videos

Mack Angel interview for Witness to War

Witness to War: Preserving The Oral Histories of Combat Veterans

Interview with Veterans History Project

https://memory.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.102488/mv0001001.stream

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