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EN48
30th Aug 2022, 16:21
Army Col. Henry G. Moseley, a friend residing in Grafton, VT, passed in 2021 at age 92. Henry had a most distinguished military career, including two tours flying helicopters in Vietnam, as outlined in the excerpt from his obituary below. One of Henry’s last wishes was to have his ashes scattered “over salt water by an Army helicopter pilot.” His wife has recently asked if I might be able to assist in some way to make this happen, and that is the purpose of this post. It seems unlikely that this could be authorized in an Army helicopter flown by an active Army pilot, but perhaps would be possible by a retired Army pilot in a civilian helicopter. Henry would spend his winters on a sailboat at the Boca Chica NAS marina in FL for military personnel, but was specific that this be done by Army personnel, not Navy. A location in FL would seem most appropriate but not essential.

I am an active civilian helicopter pilot and PPRUNE member, and have provided Henry with stick time in my B407 in the past. He had not touched a helicopter in 40 years but did well and had a great time.

Any guidance via PM on making this happen much appreciated.



RB



Col. Henry G. Moseley, 92, of Grafton, Vermont, died on November 22, 2021. He passed comfortably at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend, VT, surrounded by family.

He was the eldest son of the late Col. George Van Horn Moseley, Jr., and the late Katharine Payne Moseley. He was born on October 15, 1929, in Plattsburgh, NY, and was an Army brat throughout his childhood, living at West Point, Forts Benning, Bragg, Jackson, Snelling and Lewis; as well as in Tientsin, China.

He graduated from Kent School in Kent, CT. While at Kent, he joined the Kent School Boat Club, and in 1947 their rowing crew won the Thames Challenge Cup at Henley.

In 1947 he enlisted in the US Army, attended USMA Preparatory School at Stewart Field, NY, and entered the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1948. As a cadet, he was on the Varsity Ski and Sailing teams. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, in 1952 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry.

In his early career, Moseley served in various commands and assignments with the 82nd Airborne Division, the 101st Airborne Division, the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team, the 503rd Airborne Battle Group, and the 173rd Airborne Brigade (separate). His tours of duty were in Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Okinawa.

He obtained his Master Parachute Badge and Senior Army Aviator Badge.

In 1964 he attended US Army Command General Staff College and became an instructor in Airborne Operations at the College.

He later served with distinction two tours in Vietnam. He was the first company commander of 213th "Black Cats" Assault Support Helicopter Company in Phu Loi, Vietnam.

During his career, Col. Moseley was awarded The Legion of Merit, The Distinguished Flying Cross, four Air Medals, The Bronze Star Medal, and The Meritorious Service Medal.

From 1968-1971 he worked at the Pentagon, at the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Force Development. He obtained a Master's Degree from American University in 1972, and was Professor of Military Science at St. John's University from 1972-1975. He was a Senior Advisor with Army Reserve Command, NYC. Before retiring in 1980, his last assignment was as Defense Attaché at the US Embassy in Bulgaria.

After retirement he dabbled in sheep farming, writing, computer consulting, flying and sailing - mostly the latter. In 1994, using his Slavic-language skills, he placed himself under fire again as a UNICEF volunteer in Sarajevo.

Ascend Charlie
30th Aug 2022, 21:34
Beware of blowback. I carried out this task once, in a Huey. The Chaplain intoned his "ashes to ashes..." as he held the urn outside the door and opened it - and the cabin filled with ash.

Guess who had the job of returning the dust to dust after landing. And I coughed up lumps of the poor departed for the next day.

Senior Pilot
31st Aug 2022, 04:44
There are a few threads on the topic of what to do, and not to do, when scattering ashes from aircraft: https://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/275343-scattering-ashes.html and https://www.pprune.org/private-flying/68455-scattering-ashes-aircraft.html

Then there’s a JetBlast thread https://www.pprune.org/jet-blast/153170-ashes-above-clouds.html !!

megan
31st Aug 2022, 05:18
EN48, two crew chiefs from our Vietnam Army unit have restored a Huey to military specs and support the veteran community, Peter Olesko, crew chief of the original Vietnam era EMU 309 aircraft this one represents, and Geoff Carr, another of our crew chiefs. Worth a try if you don't mind the transcontinental travel.

http://www.hueyvets.com/contact-us/

Their aircraft.

https://vimeo.com/335446001?embedded=true&source=video_title&owner=52262857

SASless
31st Aug 2022, 14:07
There are Army Helicopter units at Hunter AAF in Savannah, Georgia and Fort Stewart that might be willing to do something.

I have suggested another contact to EN48 by PM that might know someone.

Also up in the Pacific Northwest there might someone close to saltwater.

McCord Joint Base Army Units would a possibility.


As to spreading ashes from a helicopter.....you might want to wear goggles and a respirator mask.

When my old Army buddy asked me to do the task for him when he left.....I opined that I would be glad too.....and when he said there would be money aplenty to rent a helicopter should that be required....again I said no problem.

When I said we would fly up to his desired spot in the Callahans west of Roseburg, Oregon....a five minute flight from the airport.....we would go doors off on the 500E.....and when over his favorite spot....I would utter the following....."See Ya on the other side Asshole!".....and chunk the bag, box, urn...whatever out the door.

Then we would high tail it to the airport and take what money was leftover and party hardy and let him pay for it.

He was not amused.

magyarflyer
1st Sep 2022, 03:30
There are a few threads on the topic of what to do, and not to do, when scattering ashes from aircraft: https://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/275343-scattering-ashes.html and https://www.pprune.org/private-flying/68455-scattering-ashes-aircraft.html

We did that in my old leader who spun his T-6 when formation landing where I was number 2. A very sad story in Beaumont, Texas. On his funeral we had a four ship formation and his daughter was on my back seat. When she opened the canopy and spread the ashes …..
every annual inspection I get the gritty remains of my friend stuck in the tail section of my SNJ-5. Perhaps a good way to remember him.