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Contact Info
Home Town Kansas City, Kansas
Last Address Lane County, Oregon
Date of Passing Sep 25, 2013
Location of Interment Willamette National Cemetery (VA) - Portland, Oregon
He learned several jobs in several types of aircraft and spent 785 days as a POW.
His DFC citations:
Distinguished Flying Cross
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Norbert Anthony Gotner (AFSN: 0-3085196/0-58952), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Weapons System Operator over Southeast Asia on 6 September 1970 On that date, Major Gotner flew deep into hostile territory to strike a newly discovered military structure and bunker complex. Hostile defenses fired at his aircraft in an attempt to discourage the attack, but the ground fire was successfully evaded and all of Major Gotner's ordnance impacted on target. The results of his accurate bombing attack were one military structure destroyed, one structure damaged, two bunkers destroyed and four bunkers uncovered. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Major Gotner reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. Action Date: September 6, 1970
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Norbert Anthony Gotner (AFSN: 0-3085196/0-58952), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Weapons Systems Operator over Southeast Asia on 15 September 1970. On that date, he flew in the lead aircraft of a scrambled flight of two F-4Ds and struck an opposing armed force moving across hostile territory. His accurate bombing attacks into intense small arms fire caused numerous casualties and disrupted the movement of the hostile force. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Gotner reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. Action Date: September 15, 1970
On September 25, 2013 our beloved Husband, Father, Brother and Grandfather passed away peacefully. Norbert was born June 14, 1935 in St. Joseph Missouri to Felix Joseph Gotner and Catherine Louise Bunich. He had 3 siblings, Phil, Marvin and Cathy. Norbert graduated High School in Kansas City, Kansas with a full football scholarship to Wichita State University. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Mathematics and became an Officer in the United States Air Force through ROTC. He was married August 30, 1958 to Ida Rose Reoh. They had 3 children, Richard, Darren, and Christine. During his 20 year career in the Air Force, Norbert and his family were stationed in many different States. In 1971 Norbert's aircraft was shot down in Vietnam. He was labeled as Missing in Action for the following 2 years. He miraculously returned in 1973 and retired 5 years later as a Lt. Colonel. He then had a 15 year career with Hewlett Packard. After retiring a second time he became a builder. Norbert's interests included traveling and photography. He is survived by his wife, 2 of his three children, his son-in-law Brian and 4 Grandchildren. His services will be held at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland Oregon on October 4, 2013 at 11:30 am. He will be receiving full Military Honors. https://musgroves.com/obituary.cfm?name=Lt.%20Col.%20NorbertGotner
