Herbert Weise, Pilot

17th SOS, Tan Son Nut, 1970-71

I was born in New Jersey November 18, 1941. After graduating from Branford High School I went to Rutgers University, graduating in 1964 with a B.A. and B.S. in Ceramic Engineering. I remained at Rutgers and completed a Master’s Degree and PhD in Ceramic Sciences and Engineering before entering the Air Force in 1967. I served as Class Commander of Pilot Training Class 69-02 at Laughlin AFB, TX. I completed C-141 training at Tinker AFB and flew with the 4th Military Airlift Squadron at McChord AFB, Tacoma WA.

I completed C-119 school at Clinton County AFB and AC- 119G combat crew training at Lockbourne AFB, Columbus, OH. My combat tour with the 17th Special Operations Squadron began November 24, 1970 (Thanksgiving Day) and continued until we transferred the aircraft to the Vietnamese and I returned to the States.

My awards include included the DFC and the Air Medal with seven Oak Leaf Clusters.

I started flying with Delta Airlines in November 1972 and loved every minute of it! I was a Second Officer on the CV- 880 and flew the DC-9, B-727, B-757, B-767 and retired as Captain on the MD-11 on December 1, 2001. I am still married to my lovely wife Dawn (36 years) and reside in Kildeer, IL.