Scotty Greiling and VA-82.

Last month, Attack Squadron VA-82, the Marauders, held a reunion at the Hickory Aviation Museum in Hickory, North Carolina.  The museum had recently acquired an A-7A Corsair II, the aircraft the group had flown in the Vietnam War.  But after further review, it was determined that this particular A-7, Streetcar 313, was part of VA-82′s fleet.  This very plane had carried Marauders on missions over North Vietnam.

In learning this, members of VA-82 and the Hickory Aviation Museum decided to do something special.  They would dedicate Streetcar 313 in honor of their fallen comrade, Scotty Greiling.  The gathering in Hickory would not only serve as a reunion, but also as a celebration of Scotty’s life and in memory of his sacrifice.

Greiling graduated from Kendallville High School in 1953.  Navy ROTC offered him a scholarship to attend Purdue University, where he received and Engineering Sciences degree in Solid State Physics in 1957.

Following college, Greiling first trained as a U.S. Navy pilot, then served a fleet tour, flying the A-4 light attack aircraft.  He completed post graduate studies at Monterey, California, where he earned an advanced degree in Nuclear Physics.  Soon after, Greiling accepted a teaching position at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.

When the war in Vietnam broke, Greiling chose to act.  He joined the VA-82 Marauders, flying the A-7A Corsair II from the carrier, USS America. In May 1968, good ship and crew settled in off the coast of Vietnam, prepared to wage war.  Greiling quickly made a name for himself as a capable pilot and a leader of men.

On July 24, 1968, with over 30 strike missions and three Air Medals to his credit, Greiling once again soared into the night skies.  But from this mission, he would never return, setting off a search that would last a full twenty years.

This week’s posts will be dedicated in honor of Scotty Greiling.

3 Responses to “Scotty Greiling and VA-82”

1. Kyle Kirby says:

   April 4, 2011 at 1:16 am

   The VA-82 reunion and dedication of Streetcar 313 to the memory of Scotty was one of the most tremendous things I have ever witnessed. His daughter, brother, sister, and two cousins were there and it was just incredible. Walt Moser was also flying with Scotty the night he was lost. To have this great cast there as well as many of his shipmates will remain with me forever. It was the greatest honor ever for our humble museum.

   Kyle Kirby

   Reply
   • mikemccoy says:

     April 6, 2011 at 12:03 am

     Kyle,

     Welcome aboard. Thanks for all you did for Scotty, the Greiling family and VA-82. Please keep us updated on goings on at the Museum.

     Reply
2. Kyle Kirby says:

   May 7, 2011 at 1:22 am

   I will Mike and thank you so much!! We have a Facebook page and a FB page dedicated specifically to our A-7! It is A-7A 154345. Check it out and stay in touch with Scotty’s flying buddies and the museum!! God Bless,

   Kyle Kirby

   Reply