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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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Wilson, Gail H.

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  • Wilson, Gail H.

Gail Harvard Wilson

Preferred Name: Willie
Nickname/Call Sign: Wee Willie
Highest Military Grade: 0-5 – Lieutenant Colonel
Headed West Date: February 6, 2014
Biography
Pilot Information
Headed West

Lt. Col. Gail Harvard (Willie) Wilson, II, had a renowned military career as a fighter pilot, proudly flying the F-100, A-7, O-1, and F-16 in the Air Force and 162nd Fighter Wing, Tucson Air National Guard.

For a great story on “Wee Willie” Wilson’s movie “Throw a Nickel on the Grass” which was filmed at Torrejon, Spain, and Adana, Turkey., see Issue 19 of The Intake.

Units Assigned

  • 1968 307th Tactical Fighter Squadron “Stingers”/401st Tactical Fighter Wing, Torrejon AB, Spain
  • 162nd Fighter Wing, AZANG

 

Awards & Decorations

Distinguished Flying Cross
Distinguished Flying Cross
Bronze Star
Bronze Star
Air Medal
Air Medal (7)
Air Force Commendation Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal

Flight Info

F-100
A-7
O-1
F-16

Military & Civilian Education

Gail H. “Willie” Wilson, II, LtCol USAF, Ret., “Headed West” on February 6, 2014.

Lt. Col. Gail Harvard (Willie) Wilson, II, passed away at age 82 on February 6, 2014, in Tucson, AZ. He had a renowned military career as a US Air Force fighter pilot, proudly flying the F-100, A-7, O-1, and F-16 in the Air Force and 162nd Fighter Wing, Tucson Air National Guard. His service saw him assigned to Europe, the Far East, and stateside. He deployed to Vietnam, serving as a Forward Air Controller. He was a highly decorated veteran, having been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism, the Bronze Star Medal for heroism, 7 Air Medals, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and numerous other decorations.

He is survived by Gay, his wife of 60 years; a son, William; and two grandchildren.

A huge following was expected for Wee Willie Wilson’s Memorial service as he touched so many of us with his antics between… and sometimes during flights. His memorial service was held on March 7, 2014 at El Camino Baptist Church, in Tucson, Az. Willie wished that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project through their website, in his name.

Our world is a smaller place with his passing, but fighter pilot heaven has gained a legend.

Wall of Honor Location

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