Posted on Feb 22, 2015
MSG John Wirts
5.96K
48
55
12
12
0
On feb 14 2015 our country and my family lost another WWII veteran. My father joined the Army in 1943 as enlisted. He applied for flight training was accepted graduated and was licensed as a military pilot, and sent to the Pacific Theater and Japan after the war's end. He was an Air Force Reservist and retired in 1983. He was old school military and patriotic. He got married and had 4 children 3 boys and one girl. I joined the Army in 1962 and separated in 1965 and stayed in the reserves until 2005. My brother joined the Navy and served in the submariners. My sister joined the Air Force and got married and got out after 2.5 years as they did not allow pregnant servicewomen(WAF"s) at that time. So another of the greatest generation is passed on to that pilot's heven.
Avatar feed
Responses: 23
SFC Mark Merino
6
6
0
Untitled
MSG John Wirts I thank you and your family for generations of service to our Nation and am honored that you shared your loss with the rest of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Greatest Generation RESPECT!
(6)
Comment
(0)
MSG John Wirts
MSG John Wirts
11 y
Thank you!
(1)
Reply
(0)
SFC Mark Merino
SFC Mark Merino
11 y
Hang tough, brother. Prayers from Tucson.
(0)
Reply
(0)
Sgt Michael Furphy
Sgt Michael Furphy
11 y
I'm very sorry for your loss. Your father seems like a great man. I appreciate his and all your family's service to our country. The country lost a great man. God just couldn't wait any longer to have him by his side. May your whole family be blessed.
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad
3
3
0
MSG John Wirts I am very sorry for your loss. My family and I will add you and your family to our prayers this evening.
(3)
Comment
(0)
TSgt Tim (lj) Littlejohn
(1)
Reply
(0)
MSG John Wirts
MSG John Wirts
11 y
GySgt Wayne A Ekblad Thank you and your family and thanks to Tsgt Littlejohn, I didn't know you left Sherwood forest. LOL
(1)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
TSgt Joshua Copeland
3
3
0
MSG John Wirts

One More Roll

We toast our hearty comrades who have fallen from the skies, and were gently caught by God's own hand to be with him on High.

To dwell among the soaring clouds they've known so well before. From victory roll to tail chase, at heaven's very door.

As we fly among them there, we're sure to head their plea. To take care my friend, watch your six, and do one more roll for me.

— Commander Jerry Coffee
(3)
Comment
(0)
MSG John Wirts
MSG John Wirts
11 y
Msg Joshua Copeland thank you for the thought. One of the stories my father gave me from his adventures in the Pacific Theater he was flying a C-47 and a P-47 on patrol came in and escorted him to his destination. As they approached the field they conspired and requested permission for a formation of 47's to buzz the tower. The field not knowing gave permission, the two planes buzzed the tower one at full throttle, the other barely above stall speed, dad never mentioned the reaction from the tower.
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
Avatar feed
I am sharing my loss
CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025
3
3
0
MSG John Wirts, I am sorry for the loss of your father and would wish his demise was in the peace we all hunger for. Charles H Hayden
(3)
Comment
(0)
MSG John Wirts
MSG John Wirts
11 y
I am not happy at his demise, but I accept it as he was ready to leave this world. I wish this country would wake up and kick the Radical socialists out of politics, our courts of law, our propagandizing media, our public indoctrination centers, DHS and "law enforcement' organization. Both my father and I discussed the socialization and loss of Constitutional rights and freedoms. The Militia in Nevada had it right, protect citizens from out of control government.
(1)
Reply
(0)
TSgt Tim (lj) Littlejohn
TSgt Tim (lj) Littlejohn
11 y
well said and I agree
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
CW5 Desk Officer
2
2
0
My condolences, MSG John Wirts. I think your father was part of the greatest generation. Thank you for your service. Your father seems to have instilled a sense of giving something back in his children, which is part of his legacy that lives on.
(2)
Comment
(0)
SP5 Retired
SP5 (Join to see)
11 y
Thanks for sharing. My condolences.
(0)
Reply
(0)
MSG John Wirts
MSG John Wirts
11 y
Thanks to both of you, the well wishes are appreciated.
(1)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
PV2 Senior Web Designer, Web Team Lead
1
1
0
MSG John Wirts from the very bottom of this Southern gal's heart, I thank you and your awesome family for your service to this fine nation. I'm so truly sorry for your loss. May you find peace and solace during this very difficult time brother. Love and hugs to you!
(1)
Comment
(0)
MSG John Wirts
MSG John Wirts
11 y
Thank you for your kind wishes, ans acknowledgement of our service.
(2)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
MSgt Keith Hebert
1
1
0
sorry for your loss MSG John Wirts he is and always part if the brotherhood may there always be wind under his wings
(1)
Comment
(0)
MSG John Wirts
MSG John Wirts
11 y
Thank you for your kind wishes. I know he'd want that.
(1)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
SPC(P) Jay Heenan
1
1
0
My condolences to you and your family during this trying time. He has left this earth to go be with the Lord, I hope knowing this provides comfort to you and yours.
(1)
Comment
(0)
MSG John Wirts
MSG John Wirts
11 y
Thank for your caring comfort.
(1)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
1px xxx
Suspended Profile
MSG Wirts, thank you for sharing this. May the Merciful One comfort you among all mourners....
MSG John Wirts
MSG John Wirts
11 y
Thank you for your well wishes.
(1)
Reply
(0)
Maj Jeff Dodd
Maj Jeff Dodd
11 y
Blue skies and tail winds.
(1)
Reply
(0)
COL Jean (John) F. B.
1
1
0
MSG John Wirts

So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very sad time.
(1)
Comment
(0)
MSG John Wirts
MSG John Wirts
11 y
Thank you for your acknowledgement and prayers.
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

close