Bill Waechter
1966 Cruisebook photo
Read rescue synopsis - Silver Star Medal
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L to R: Jerry Adams,
Bob Burnand, Bill,
Andy Anderson, and
Leon Houglum at Ream Field - date unknown
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Cutting the cake after a successful SAR Det in 1966 - L-R: Don Nichols, Rick Grant, Jim Petrovich, Bob Wildman, Bill and XO Warren Lockwood |
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Bill looks like an airline pilot as he flies over the Philippine countryside while supporting President Johnson's participation in the Seven Nation Conference in Manila, Philippine Islands in October 1966 |
Read about Bill in this Union Tribune article about the HS-6 Fly-In after the 1966 cruise |
Jerry Smith remembers Bill this way:
At this remove, everyone looks like a kid. These were great and troubling times, and the tension was often relieved by the colorful characters in that unholy group of rotor heads. As some measure of help, I note that some of the RR’s are not yet found, but I certainly remember some of them:
Bill Waechter - The most informed Wall Street investor in the squadron – he probably owns the NYSE at this point. Bill was the air intelligence officer for HS-6 when those of us from USNA ’63 checked aboard in 1965 – that group consisted of Vern von Sydow, Bob Wildman, Ollie Donelon, and myself. Sober, quiet, unassuming Academy pukes all – NOT! I worked for Bill as an assistant AIO upon joining the squadron. Bill was a very smart guy, who loved to snigger at the protests of those of us junior officers who were the victims when his beagle, “Tar Baby,” subjected us to violent and amorous leg humping. I am sure that that dog was shot somewhere along the way. Bill was not one who most would consider a wild man in combat, but read the account of his and Bob Wildman’s rescue of “Bulb” Adams during the 1966 cruise. His achievements were an indication of why and how the Israelis would whomp Arab butt in 1967.
Updated: 01/13/07