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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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Schaertl, Ronald

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  • Schaertl, Ronald

Ronald Schaertl

Preferred Name: Ron
Date of Birth: September 1, 1928
Highest Military Grade: 0-4 – Major
Hometown: New York City, NY
Headed West Date: May 1, 2018
Biography
Pilot Information
Headed West
Caterpillar Club

From an early age, Ron had a passion for airplanes and flight. After attending the University of West Virginia and obtaining his degree from Cortland College, he joined the New York Air National Guard and went through flight training. With the Berlin Crisis of 1961, Ron was called away from his coaching career and family and was stationed in France.

It was during that time that he decided to become an Air Force fighter pilot. Fulfilling his love of aviation, he flew F-86 Sabres, F-94 Starfires, F-100 Super Sabres, F-105 Thunderchiefs and F-4 Phantoms.

During his 26-year distinguished Air Force career, Ron saw much of the world including two tours of combat duty in Southeast Asia flying combat missions over Vietnam. Ron used to say that he gained weight during that time because he would eat a huge breakfast before every mission in case it was his last meal.

Ron joined the Caterpillar Club in 1967 when he was forced to bail out of his F-100 over Libya after an engine failure. He was also the recipient of a Top Gun award when flying with the 496th Tactical Fighter Squadron in 1976.

Ron retired from the United States Air Force as a command pilot in the grade of Major on Dec 31, 1979, and he and Bette settled in Del Rio, TX. There, Ron continued to work in the aviation field selling aircraft for Del Rio Flying Service. While in Del Rio, Ron enjoyed boating and bass fishing at Lake Amistad and hanging out at the airport with the other pilots. Later, they resettled in Johnson City, TX where, at the age of 80, he bought his last aircraft and continued flying until he was 88. Ron loved spending time with his family and friends, taking them for rides in his plane, and teaching the children to play ball. His love of laughter was infectious and his family has many joyous memories of gatherings around the kitchen table.

Units Assigned

  • 353rd Tactical Fighter Squadron, Myrtle Beach AFB, NC
  • 493rd Tactical Fighter Squadron, Lakenheath RAF, England

Awards & Decorations

Bronze Star
Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Medal
Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters
Meritorious Service Award
Meritorious Service Medal
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Vietnam Gallantry Cross With Palm
Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Device

Flight Info

F-86 Sabre
F-94 Starfire
F-100 Super Sabre
F-105 Thunderchief
F-4 Phantom

Military & Civilian Education

Civilian Education:

  • Mynderse Academy
  • University of West Virginia
  • Cortland College

Ronald Schaertl, Maj USAF, Ret., “Headed West” on May 1, 2018

Ronald Schaertl, 89, headed west while at Windcrest Nursing Home in Fredericksburg, Texas on May 1, 2018. He was born in New York City on Sept 1, 1928 to the late George and Iva (Beavers) Schaertl. He spent most of his youth in Seneca Falls, NY where he was known as a talented athlete, playing running back on the Mynderse Academy football team. That talent attracted the attention of his soon-to-be bride and life-long best friend, Margaret (Bette) Burgess.

From an early age, Ron had a passion for airplanes and flight. After attending the University of West Virginia and obtaining his degree from Cortland College, he joined the New York Air National Guard and went through flight training. With the Berlin Crisis of 1961, Ron was called away from his coaching career and family and was stationed in France. It was during that time that he decided to become an Air Force fighter pilot. Fulfilling his love of aviation, he flew F-86 Sabres, F-94 Starfires, F-100 Super Sabres (353TFS Myrtle Beach; 493TFS Lakenheath), F-105 Thunderchiefs and F-4 Phantoms. During his 26-year distinguished Air Force career, Ron saw much of the world including two tours of combat duty in Southeast Asia flying combat missions over Vietnam. Ron used to say that he gained weight during that time because he would eat a huge breakfast before every mission in case it was his last meal.

Ron joined the Caterpillar Club in 1967 when he was forced to bail out of his F-100 over Libya after an engine failure. He was also the recipient of a Top Gun award when flying with the 496th Tactical Fighter Squadron in 1976. His service to the country was honored with medals including a Bronze Star with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the USAF Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Device.

Ron retired from the United States Air Force as a command pilot in the grade of Major on Dec 31, 1979, and he and Bette settled in Del Rio, TX. There, Ron continued to work in the aviation field selling aircraft for Del Rio Flying Service. While in Del Rio, Ron enjoyed boating and bass fishing at Lake Amistad and hanging out at the airport with the other pilots. Later, they resettled in Johnson City, TX where, at the age of 80, he bought his last aircraft and continued flying until he was 88. Ron loved spending time with his family and friends, taking them for rides in his plane, and teaching the children to play ball. His love of laughter was infectious and his family has many joyous memories of gatherings around the kitchen table.

Ron is survived by his wife, Margaret Elizabeth; daughters, Connie and Ann; his son, Dan; his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his brother, George.

Ron joined the Caterpillar Club in 1967 when he was forced to bail out of his F-100 over Libya after an engine failure.

Wall of Honor Location

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