Vann Goodloe, Jr.

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1966 Cruisebook photo

Read rescue synopsis - Distinguished Flying Cross - 20 August 1966

Read rescued pilot's account - 20 August 1966

Link to RESCAP pilot's page - 20 August 1966

See pictures of the 20 August 1966 rescue

Read rescue synopsis - Distinguished Flying Cross - 14 October 1966

Ream Echo article about the Award Ceremony where Vann was presented his second Distinguished Flying Cross - 7 April 1967

Cdr Vermilya presents awards to the crew involved in the 20 August rescue. L-R: Bill Roy (Silver Star), Vann (DFC), Russell Sprague (Air Medal), Rodger Sitko (Air Medal). VAdm Conolly (Khakis) and Capt Nyberg, CO of Kearsarge (Whites) look on. CAG watches as Vann and squadronmate Lt Jimmie Stalcup cut a birthday cake during the 1966 cruise SAR Det C pilots reunited on the USS Intrepid (CVA-11)  after the loss of Indian Gal 69 on a Shining Brass mission deep in NVN - L to R; Back Row: Ross Mordhorst, Buck Carlton, Vern Von Sydow, Bob Burnand, Doug Heggie, Vann, Bill Roy, Ed Marsyla - Front Row: Tom May, Leon Houglum, Bill Medley and Dave Murphy
     
Russell Sprague, Vann and Bill Roy return to the Kearsarge after another successful flight Bill Zidbeck and Vann at San Diego Zoo during the Raunchy Redskin Reunion, February 2007

 

Designated a Naval Aviator and helicopter pilot in 1963, I reported to HS-6 in the spring of 1964.  I made two WESTPAC deployments aboard Kearsarge before branching off into helicopter minesweeping flying the RH-53D. During my 32-year naval career, I commanded two fleet helicopter squadrons (HM-16 & HM-12), was Commander, Training Air Wing FIVE at NAS Whiting Field and Commanding Officer, Naval Aviation Schools Command at NAS Pensacola just prior to retirement as a Captain in July 1993.
   
  I recently retired from the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce as Senior VP.  Previous civilian employment prior to joining the Chamber in 1999 included Administrator of the Pensacola law firm of Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon. As a volunteer, I serve on the Supervisory Committee for Pen Air Federal Credit Union and am a past President of USO of Greater Pensacola Area, Goshawk Squadron (Association of Naval Aviation) and Pensacola Council Navy League.
   
My wife Susan and I will celebrate 47 years of marriage in November, 2009 and have 4 children and 7 grandchildren.

Updated: 04/15/09