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Paul A. Rommel Tega Cay, SC QCWA # 18862 Chapter(s) 96 & 138 |
Paul A. Rommel, 95 of Tega Cay, SC passed away peacefully on Friday, October 16, 2015 at Carolinas Medical Center in Pineville, NC. Born in Buffalo NY he is predeceased by his wife of twenty-four years, Cecelia M. Rommel. He is survived by his daughter Janice R. Williams and her husband John A. Williams of Tega Cay, SC, son David S. Rommel and his wife Lori K. Rommel of Parker, Colorado, and son Dennis P. Rommel and his wife Susan E. Rommel of Littleton, Colorado; along with 2 step sons William J. and Robert C. Greineisen; as well as 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
Mr. Rommel began his flying career when he first soloed in 1939. He joined the Army Air Corp during World War II. Highlights of his distinguished pilot career include the following:
He graduated from No.6 British Flying School, Ponca City, OK in 1943. Shortly after he was selected for pilot training with the Army Air Corp becoming a rare recipient of pilot wings from both England.s Royal Air Force and the United States Army Air Corp.
During World War II he completed over 200 combat missions from his base in India to Burma and China over the Himalayas known as the .The Hump.. After the completion of the war he joined the Air National Guard in Tulsa, Oklahoma becoming Commanding Officer of the 8125th Fighter Bomber Squadron.
For his service to our county he was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross; Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal; EAME Campaign Medal; American Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. Mr. Rommel retired from the Air Force and Air National Guard in 1969 with 20 years of service earning the rank of Major.
He was employed as a senior pilot with Exxon Corporation, flying world wide for 31 years, and served as a flight and ground school instructor for Flight Safety International. During his incredible aviation career he accumulated over 17,000 hours of flight time.
Mr. Rommel was presented with the coveted FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot (WBMP) award December 4, 2010 at the Quiet Birdman Pilot Fraternity in Charlotte, NC. where he was a long standing member.
His other passions in life along with his family, included glider flying, golf, boating, sailing and talking with people all over the world on his ham radio set.
Mr. Rommel will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.