Weapons and Munitions |
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TWS Ribbon Bar |
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Service Photo |
Service Details |
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Current Service Status
USAF Retired
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Current/Last Rank
Technical Sergeant
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Current/Last Primary AFSC/MOS
46270-Weapons Maintenance Technician
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Current/Last AFSC Group
Weapons and Munitions
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Service Years
1952 - 1973
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Reflections on TSgt Schilling's
US Air Force Service
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PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE AIR FORCE.
Korean was in progress
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WHETHER YOU WERE IN THE SERVICE FOR SEVERAL YEARS OR AS A CAREER, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH YOU TOOK. WHERE DID YOU GO TO BASIC TRAINING AND WHAT UNITS, BASES, OR SQUADRONS WERE YOU ASSIGNED TO? WHAT WAS YOUR REASON FOR LEAVING?
Was assigned to the Weapons career field since my interest was in guns. From hand and sholder weapons and grauated into missils, rockets, bombs (both conventional and Nuclear) I always had the desire to become an Aeroial Gunner, but that didn't happen until the Viet Nam conflict,
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IF YOU PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH MADE A LASTING IMPACT ON YOU AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY?
I had very little direct combat experience in So. Korea, as a Weapons Tech, however most of my direct combat experience was in Viet Nam. I was a gunner on the AS-47 Puff the Magiic Dragon/Spooky, from 1966-67 and 1968-1969. I flew aprocimately 440 mission against NVR & VC charlies. Most significant mission was the night John Levettow earned the MOH. I was flying on a different Spooky than John. John was flying on AC-47, tail number 770. I was on a dirrerent target and didn't learn about John mission until I landed. I was a good friend and a devoted airman. Most of my memories with the 3 & 4th SOS, brothers, remain the best days of my life.I will always remember John L., as a fun loving guy, that always went for the gusto.....
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OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
Bien Hoa, ASB, So Vietnam. The closiness of the squadron members. The squadron picnics, the manner in which we accomplished our missions, the day to day of facing the unkown. We cried together laughed together, and excepted the fact that war was hell and for the sake of our fallen brothers we will not let thier lives be lost in vain...God Bless them all, today tomorrow and forever.
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FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
A friend and fellow gunner (TSGT Willy Allen) took my flight one night so I could go on R&R to meet my wife. Alley volunteered for this even after much arguement since I was to rotate in 40 days. Ally and I was best of friends, as we were both stationed at Lowry AFB, Denver, Colorado. We were both Instructors af Lowry for about three years and shipped to Bien Hoa together Thanks Willie.
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WHAT PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM YOUR MILITARY CAREER?
The Airman'sd medal..Saved lives during the 1972 flood in Rapid City. I received two (2) DFC's, however, I do know remember what for. The citation was destroyed during the 1972 flood.
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OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES YOU RECEIVED, OR OTHER MEMORABILIA, WHICH ONE IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
I am proud of all my medels, because I have truly earnd them and it is my countrys way of saying thanks for you service, and protecting our freedom and our way of life. I guess my DFC's & Air Medals (14) are most meaningful.
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WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
My Dad and father-in-law. Both supported my until they passed. My dad was in the German Army during 1914-1918 war. Always impressed upon my that when I wore the uniform that I represented the whole United States of America, and never to shame her. My father-in-law was not in the regular Army because of a gun accident, however, he did join the Guards, and was a good sholder and also impressed upon my to be a good and upright Airman, and always follow order and complain later. My younger brother served in the AF, and my older brother served in the USMC & USAF.
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CAN YOU RECOUNT A PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM YOUR SERVICE, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FUNNY AT THE TIME, BUT STILL MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Christmas 1967, I was in my bunk and I heard the gingle of bells and a very deep voice saying"HO HO HO , you homesick Heros Merry Christmas, saying this over and over. I finally got out of my bunk and went outside of my hutch and saw this big Black Airman, with a skull cap in his head and cotton glude on his face, and a pillow case over his shoulder, adding, have you been a good little boy and killed many VC today. Well as for me, my self -pity party left and I cracked up laughing, and did many other homesick G.I.'s Never did find ot who he was or where he came from, but he did make my day.
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WHAT PROFESSION DID YOU FOLLOW AFTER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY SERVING, WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY?
I did take many jobs that interested me, but my best one's were. Law Magistrate, for the city of Custer, Counselman for same city, also 4 years a Mayor, 15 years as EMT, Policeman, Funeral Assistant Director, Supervisor and a Boys Correctional Center. Now..Manager of Booze department on a Supermarket, and fishing.
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WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
Life member..VFW Life member..Air Commando Asso. For the most part, I belong to support the different functons.
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IN WHAT WAYS HAS SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CAREER? WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT YOUR TIME IN THE SERVICE?
Live every day and is were my last.
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BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE AIR FORCE?
Hang in there and go for a career in what ever service.
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IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.
too early to tell. Give me a couple of months then maybe I will be able to ealuate the program.
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