 |
|
|
|
|
|
| One of our long-time members, Erich Schleier, passed away on August 5th, at the age of 90. For 29 years, Erich was a valued and highly respected member of our club, actively participating, even when his health made it difficult to attend.
Erich's fascinating flying stories contributed to many a great meeting and his good nature and sense of humor were always welcome.
Erich was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, with full military honors. He was a true hero, in every sense of the word, and we are all the better for having known him. |
|
 |
|
Erich Edwin Schleier, Jr
1919-2010 |
|
|
|
| Note: This website only allows for three photos with text. For a more comprehensive account of Erich's life with more photos, follow this link: http://www.overtondesign.net/ericschleier.html
Dallas Town North Civitans are mourning the loss of Erich Edwin Schleier, Jr, who died at the age of 90 on August 5, 2010. Erich was born on December 27, 1919 in Houston, Texas. He learned to fly at an early age and was dusting cotton fields outside of Houston by the time he was 15 years old. He attended Texas A & M University and the University of Houston and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army field artillery shortly before Pearl Harbor, after which he was called to active duty in the Army Air Corps.
During WWII, Erich was stationed in India, flying B-24 missions against the Japanese in the China-Burma-India Theater, including missions over the infamous River Kwai. His role in planning and executing these bombing runs earned him the Silver Star and two Distinguished Flying Crosses as well as the Purple Heart.
After the war, he briefly flew as a pilot for Braniff (where he met his wife, Bette) before reenlisting and flying B-47s and B-52s in the Strategic Air Command. He was then tapped to fly Air Force One for Dwight Eisenhower, flying the President and various dignitaries, including Soviet Premier Nikita Kruschev, all over the country in the Lockheed Constellation C-121 "Columbine."
In the 60s, Erich flew troops and materiel into Vietnam, then finished his Air Force career as Squadron Commander for a training group at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
In civilian life, he was a pilot and instructor for United Airlines for 19 years and flew air ambulances in Hawaii. Even after retirement, Erich's passion for flying continued, as he volunteered to be a guide at the Frontiers of Flight Museum, adjacent to Love Field in Dallas. Contributions to the museum in his honor have been requested by his family in lieu of flowers.
Eric is survived by Bette, his wife of 64 years, their three children and three grandchildren |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Email a friend
|
 Back
to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
