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We will never forget
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ROYAL AIR FORCE STATION
UPPER HEYFORD
Memorial Web Site
"Gone But Not Forgotten"
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Memorials
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In Loving Memory Of
Chief Master Sergeant (CMSGT) Earnest Lee Davis, USAF-Vietnam Veteran
On behalf of:
Lieutenant Colonel (LTC)
Eric A. Davis, Military Intelligence Corps, Active Component, US Army-Son
Son's e-mail: 
ABILENE TEXAS -. CMSGT Earnest L. Davis, USAF died on active duty at Dyess
AFB Abilene Texas, 20, Dec 1983, at the age of 44. CMSGT Davis graduated from
Phyllis Wheatley High School in Hubbard, Texas, two years early as an "A" honor
student. He enlisted in the USAF and served honorably for twenty-six years until
his demised. His military career led him to be assigned to numerous places; such
as, Nebraska, Greenland, France, Thailand (Southwest Asia), California, England,
and Texas. As a divorcee (in his later years), CMSGT Davis continued to raise
three children, Chequitha Rhnee Davis, Earnest Arvan Davis, and Eric Arness Davis
as a single parent. CMSGT Davis was not only a superior father and loved his
beloved family who lived in Texas, but he was one that ALWAYS walked with GOD.
CMSGT Davis was a humble humanitarian that had many talents who cared about every
person he came in contact with during his life on earth. CMSGT Davis civic,
community, and national affiliations included: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity
Incorporated, Brown-Hill Church of Hubbard Texas, Free and Accepted Masons, and
Hospice of Abilene. CMSGT Davis military accomplishments included: Fuel
Technology Degree from the Community College of the USAF; He was named best at
his job in the entire USAF (1979), also among USAF units in Europe (1978), the
15th Air Force (1992) and Senior Enlisted Manager of the year (1983). CMSGT
Davis academic accomplishments included: AA Degree in Psychology from Solano
College, BA Degree in Sociology from Sonoma State College, MA Degree from
Vanderbilt University, MA Degree from Chapman College in Education and working
towards earning his PHD (part-time) from North Texas State University, Denton
Texas (at the time of his death). In addition to his accomplishments, he was
an advocate guitarist and had earned his private pilot license, Century 21
real-estate license, and he received his teaching credentials. CMSGT Davis had
many talents, served people, and loved-served GOD. CMSGT Davis was grounded like
the salt of the earth. Now, CMSGT Davis lives with GOD in heaven and his soul
rest-in-peace (in a family plot) at the Cedar Hill cemetery located in Hubbard,
Texas.
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In Memory Of
James Broughton, SMSgt, USAF Ret.
Jim Broughton died on December 9, 2002, in Abilene, Texas. Jim was born in 1948. As an Air Force enlistee,
he served during the Vietnam War and at numerous assignments throughout his 26-year career. In the late 1980's,
Jim was the 79th AMU Specialist Flight Chief at RAF Upper Heyford. He retired from the Air Force in 1994 and
was a national truck driver for 7 years.
Submitted by Steve Sharpe, SMSgt, USAF Ret.
79 AMU/20TFW, 1986-1989
Co-worker and Friend
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In Loving Memory Of
William A Baldwin Jr. , Major, USAF Ret,
Director of Personnel, 3918th Combat Support Group from 1957
to 1960, passed away in February 2006. He is buried with his wife, Marion
Elizabeth (Davis) Baldwin in Shreveport, Louisiana. He retired as a Lt. Col in
1965 at Barksdale AFB, LA, and lived there the rest of his life. He worked in
insurance for many years after retirement.
On behalf of: William Baldwin III (son)
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"In loving memory of a gallant boy"
Philip Llewellyn Nash was an Air Observer in the Royal Canadian Airforce.
He was the fourth child of Hugh and Agnes Nash of Edmonton, Alberta and the brother of
Alan, Kathleen, Robert and Barbara.
Phil joined the RCAF in the early summer of 1940. He trained in Saskatchewan
and the #2 Air Observer's School in Edmonton before graduating as an Air Observer.
The picture shows him, wearing his sergeant's stripes, about to board a
Trans Canada Airline flight. He was leaving Edmonton for the last time before
navigating his bomber to the UK as a pilot officer.
Phil was killed in a flying accident during training on Friday, 11th July 1941. He was 23.
He is buried in the Upper Heyford cemetery, near Oxford, England.
The inscription on his headstone reads "In loving memory of a gallant boy".
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Upper Heyford Church and Cemetary
Photo taken April 2002.
Submitted by Brian Bradley, 20th CRS, 1988 - 1993.
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Upper Heyford Cemetary
Photo taken October 12, 2001. Submitted by Russell Kendall,
CMSgt (Ret), 7514th CSG (64-66), 66 TRW (66-67),
20th AGS, 20th EMS, 20th TFW/MA (84-87).
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Upper Heyford Monument and Memorials
Photo taken October 12, 2001.
Submitted by Russell Kendall.
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Upper Heyford Monument
"Erected by the parishoners of this village in recognition
of the close association with Royal Air Force Upper Heyford".
Photo taken October 12, 2001. Submitted by Russell Kendall.
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In Memory Of Capt. Jerry Lindh and Maj. David "Mike" McGuire...
Photo taken October 12, 2001.
Submitted by Russell Kendall.
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In Memory Of Capt. Jerry Lindh and Maj. David "Mike" McGuire...
Photo taken April 2002.
Submitted by Brian Bradley, 20th CRS, 1988 - 1993.
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RAF Memorial
Photo taken October 12, 2001.
Submitted by Russell Kendall.
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"The memorial at end of the runway was put in place by Mr. Nick
Woolcott, who grew up in the village of UH and now works on base. He
still tends the garden at the site. I have known him since '65 when
he was a little kid and I had not long arrived at UH on my first UK
assignment. ---- I eventually married his older cousin. Nick is one
of the many locals who are proud of their association with the Yanks
at UH. Every year he raises the American flag over the memorial on
the anniversary of the crash and on the 4th of July if I am not
mistaken".
Russ Kendall, CMSgt (Ret)
7514th CSG (64-66)
66 TRW, (66-67)
20th AGS, 20th EMS, 20th TFW/MA (84-87)
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Submitted by Garry Hill...
"I live in the UK but have no connection with the Air Force or
Upper Heyford except that I drive through the base sometimes. I just
thought that you might like to know the text that is inscribed on the
memorial that is sighted at the end of the runway in a small garden:"
This garden is in rememberence of
Major "Mike" McGuire
&
Captain Jerry Lindh
who tragically lost their lives
September 17th 1992
Although they were lost their
courage saved many others.
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Submitted by Bill Waller...
During the month September 1980 I visited an Air Show at Biggin
Hill, Kent. I photographed Chief Master Sgt Donald Thompson, 20th TFW, who
later in the day lost his life as a passenger in what I believe to be an
ancient WW II plane. Scant details were published in the national press but
later I confirmed the details with the Deputy Commander at Upper Heyford.
This photo has laid dormant in my collection ever since and has now been
filed digitally on my PC.
I would very much like the family of CMS Thompson to have this shot, which
was taken moments before his death. I have written twice to the authorities
at Shaw, their base in Sumter SC and have had no response whatsoever.
Would you know of an organisation in the US that could assist me in my
quest. I am, of course, aware of the time lapse but feel the family would
be happy to have this last picture in their collection.
I would appreciate your advice and assistance.
The attached file shows two airmen, perhaps discussing the ensuing flight,
certainly the last in respect of CMSgt Thompson shown on the left. I do not
have any details of the guy on the right or if he was on the fateful flight
in question.
Kind regards
Bill Waller
Bill.Waller@btinternet.com
Sussex England.
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In Loving Memory Of
William Scott "Cloudy" Fairweather, 20th SPS
On behalf of: Duane Park, 20th SPS
I'm not the right person to deliver a eulogy for Scott, and I
certainly am not worthy to do so, but I'd like to say some words
about how I remember Scott and how he impacted my life while
we were stationed together at RAF Upper Heyford.
I don't know when he was born, nor do I remember the exact day
of his passing at the base, but his departure took us all by
surprise. Reportedly, a bloodclot in his brain was the cause of
his passing. What I do remember is a young man
full of life. He had a way of making the unwelcomed feel at
home. Scott had a unique way in finding the lighter side of
unfortunate circumstances and could make a dull day fun. Scott
had a unique gift. That gift was his ability to turn people's
attitudes from negative to positive in very trying situations.
He did it to me, and I saw him do it to others.
I remember attending the wedding of Scott and Cindy. They
were so happy together, and we were so happy for them. The few
months they had together must have accounted for all of the
blue skys and sunny days that followed.
We shall remember you both.
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In Loving Memory Of
Mr. Epifanio Ayala, MSgt, USAF (Ret)
On behalf of: Debra Ayala Brown
Riverview, FL - Mr. Epifanio Ayala passed away January 11,
1995, at the age of 63. Mr. Ayala was born April 7, 1931 in
Waco Texas. Mr. Ayala entered active duty service on 17 May
1951.
Mr. “A” came to RAF Upper Heyford in 1968. He was assigned to
the 20th Supply Sq., 20 TFW, as Chief Inspector, where he retired
from active duty as a Master Sergeant in 1974. In 1975 thru
September 1993 he served his nation in civil services as a
Supply Repairable Superintendent.
His service career is marked with a multitude of achievements
to include: Outstanding Performance Awards in 1976, 1978, 1980,
and 1986. USAFE Outstanding Supply Manager in 1977, 3AF Supply
Civilian Supervisor in 1984, USAFE Outstanding Civilian Supervisor
in 1984, 3AF Supply Civilian Technician Award in 1991, 20TFW
Civilian of the Quarter in 1992, and again in 1993.
He served his community as Vice President of the Hispanic Club
from 1972 – 1974, President of the Western UK Military Retirees
Association from 1983 – 1984, and Post Commander of the US
Veterans of Foreign Wars at RAF Upper Heyford from 1989 – 1993,
where he was awarded the VFW Commander and Chief Award in 1993.
His service awards and decorations include: AF Commendation
Medal – 1 device, National Defense Service Medal – 1 device,
Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army
Good Conduct Medal – 4 devices, AF Good Conduct Medal – 3 devices,
and the AF Outstanding Unit Award – 1 device.
Mr. Ayala passed away at home surrounded by his family. He had
bravely battled Chronic Myeloid Leukemia since his retirement.
His remains lie buried in the Florida National Cemetery in
Webster, Florida.
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In Loving Memory Of
Col. Harry Tower Galpin, USAF (Ret)
On behalf of: Susan Galpin-Tyree, daughter.
WILLIAMSBURG - Col. Harry Tower Galpin, U.S. Air Force, retired, died
Monday, Nov. 5, 2001, at the age of 78. He had been a resident of
Williamsburg, Va., since 1977. Col. Galpin was born Oct. 14, 1923, in New
York City, N.Y. He graduated from Coronado High School, Coronado, Calif.,
and attended San Diego State University, Calif. A distinguished officer in
the United States Air Force, he served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
He was a recipient of three Legion of Merit Awards, two Distinguished
Service Medals, nine Air Medals, and numerous campaign medals, as well as a
nominee of the General Thomas P. Gerrity Memorial Trophy for outstanding
logistics management. Col. Galpin was an avid outdoorsman whose love of
fishing and hunting was surpassed only by his love for his family and
country. Col. Galpin is survived by his wife, Louise, three daughters, five
grandchildren and a great-granddaughter. The family had a private interment
in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. on April 26, 2002.
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In Loving Memory Of
Ray O. Willis, USAF
Ray O. Willis, Airman 2/C, US Air Force, was one of 14 American Airmen who
died Monday, February 2, 1953 in a B-29 crash at Wheelus Field, Libya. He
was assigned to the 3918th Air Police Squadron, based in England. The B-29
was taking off on a routine training flight when the crash occurred.
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Submitted by Margaret Fetner, author unknown:
He was getting old and paunchy
And his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Legion,
Telling stories of the past.
Of a war that he had fought in
And the deeds that he had done.
In his exploits with his buddies;
They were heroes, everyone.
And 'tho sometimes, to his neighbors,
His tales became a joke,
All his buddies listened,
For they knew whereof he spoke.
But we'll hear his tales no longer,
For old' Bob has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer,
For a Serviceman died today.
He won't be mourned by many,
Just his children and his wife.
For he lived an ordinary,
Very quiet sort of life.
He held a job and raised a family,
Quietly going on his way,
And the world won't note his passing;
'tho a Serviceman died today.
When politicians leave this earth,
Their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing,
And proclaim that they were great.
Papers tell of their life stories,
From the time that they were young,
But the passing of a Serviceman,
Goes unnoticed and unsung.
Is the greatest contribution,
To the welfare of our land,
Some jerk who breaks his promise,
And cons his fellow man?
Or the ordinary fellow,
Who in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his Country
And offers up his life?
The politician's stipend
And the style in which he lives,
Are sometimes disproportionate,
To the service that he gives.
While the ordinary Serviceman,
Who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal
And perhaps a pension, small.
It's so easy to forget them,
For it is so long ago,
That our Bob's and Jim's and Johnny's,
Went to battle, but we know.
It was not the politicians,
With their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom,
That our Country now enjoys.
Should you find yourself in danger,
With your enemies at hand,
Would you really want some cop-out,
With his ever waffling stand?
Or would you want a Serviceman,
Who has sworn to defend,
His home, his kin, and Country,
And would fight until the end?
He was just a common Serviceman
And his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us,
We may need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict,
Then we find the Serviceman's part,
Is to clean up all the troubles,
That the politicians start.
If we cannot do him honor,
While he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage,
At the ending of his days.
Perhaps just a simple headline,
In the paper that might say:
"Our country is in mourning,
for a serviceman died today"
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