Father and Son
Colonel Virgil K. Meroney (Iron Mike)
and
Captain Virgil K. Meroney (Mike)
Flying together during the Vietnam War
from Ubon Air Force Base, Thailand
January 14, 1969
Picture taken prior to First Combat Mission for Son - Mike - with Dad - Iron Mike.
Tour of duty is just starting. What a fitting way to start a Fighter Pilot's assignment
than to fly in combat with his Father in the front seat.4" x 5" Enlargement of above picture - 8" x 10" Enlargement of above picture
Picture taken just prior to takeoff. First Combat Mission for Virgil Jr. in the back
seat of the Phantom II F4D Fighter/Bomber with Dad in the front seat.4" x 5" Enlargement of above picture - 8" x 10" Enlargement of above picture
Pilot (Aircraft Commander) in the front seat. Navigator qualified as a weapon/targeting
systems officer (later designated as weapon systems officer or WSO) in the rear seat.
Phantoms originally flew with pilots in the rear seat and
all USAF Phantom jets retained dual flight controls.
Mission accomplished and well earned congratulations after First Combat Mission
4" x 5" Enlargement of above picture - 8" x 10" Enlargement of above picture
Mission accomplished and well earned congratulations after First Combat Mission.
4" x 5" Enlargement of above picture - 8" x 10" Enlargement of above picture
Father & Son
Flyin's in their blood, together!
4" x 5" Enlargement of above picture - 8" x 10" Enlargement of above picture
Father & Son
Their Formal Portrait & Celebrating Virgil Jr.'s first Combat Mission.
4" x 5" Enlargement of above picture - 8" x 10" Enlargement of above picture
February, 1969
Tour of duty is over. What a fitting way to end a Fighter Pilot's assignment
than to fly in combat with his Son in the back seat.4" x 5" Enlargement of above picture - 8" x 10" Enlargement of above picture
Traditions - Getting blasted from a hose upon completion of last combat mission.
Son, Virgil Jr., does the honors.4" x 5" Enlargement of above picture - 8" x 10" Enlargement of above picture
"High Flight" and "The Air Force Song"
Flying the F-4 Phantom in Combat
by Robin Olds, Brig Gen, USAF (Ret.)
4" x 5" Enlargement of above picture - 8" x 10" Enlargement of above picture
Another Tradition - "Ringing the Bell" at the bar at the "O" Club.
Col. Meroney's last night at Ubon, 2-6-69, & celebrating with Son
and other fellow pilots.
(Left to Right - Col. Charles "Buck" Pattillo, Col. Nelton Wilson, Col. Elmer Howk,
Col. Virgil Meroney, ??? Glasses Gent, 1st Lt. Virgil Meroney)
A newly discovered photograph of the 2 Virgils enjoying a last dinner together.
Colonel Meroney's somewhat somber smile along with a Webster's Golden Wedding Cigar and Zippo Lighter.
What a career! What a way to end his last combat tour.Missing in Action
Captain Virgil K. Meroney
March 1, 1969
History & Notes & Update
POW Medal Posthumous Presentation
to Louise Meroney - Ceremony, September 9, 2009
Please visit Veteran Tributes Web Site: www.veterantributes.org
Veteran Tributes page for Colonel Virgil K. Meroney: http://www.veterantributes.org/TributeDetail.asp?ID=665
Veteran Tributes page for Captain Virgil K. Meroney: http://www.veterantributes.org/TributeDetail.asp?ID=664
Sweet
Louise
Link to: The Preddy Foundation Web Site
Link to: The 352nd Fighter Group Association
Link to: The Home of the 352nd Fighter Group
email address: graylingsnapshot@verizon.net
