Scotty Greiling Dedication & VA-82 Reunion
December 1, 2010
Posted in Everytown USA, Reunions, Scotty Greiling, USS America, VA-82 Marauders, Vietnam War
Tags: Hickory Aviation Museum, Scotty Greiling, VA-82 Marauders, VA-82 Reunion, Vietnam War
Last month, members from Attack Squadron VA-82, gathered at the Hickory Aviation Museum in Hickory, North Carolina for a reunion. The event also served as a dedication ceremony in which the museum’s A-7 Corsair, Streetcar 313, actually flown on missions by the group in the Vietnam War, was inscribed with the name of a fallen comrade, Scotty Greiling. Members of Greiling’s family were also in attendance.
“We had a marvelous reunion,” VA-82 Marauder, Walt Moser explained. “We had approximately 66 people attend, which included the Pilots, a large contingent of the Plane Captains, and several Ordnance maintenance people. In addition, a number of aviators and enlisted folks from other squadrons also came to honor Scotty. For the dedication ceremony, we had over 200-250 people in attendance.
VA-82 Marauders pose in front of Streetcar 313. (Photo Courtesy Paul Greiling)
“The ceremony started out with a local Junior NROTC Unit Drill Team and Color Guard parading the colors. We had several speakers from the Hickory Aviation Museum and the Squadron talk about various topics including how the airplane came to Hickory, how the airplane was identified as one we had flown in VA-82, and some specific memories of Scotty Greiling. We then formed an Honor Guard, and while saluting, Karen DeBellis and Paul Greiling unveiled Scotty’s name on the side of the airplane. We immediately played TAPS.
Paul Greiling (Scotty's brother) and Karen DeBellis (Scotty's daughter) unveil the name of LCDR Scotty Greiling on Streetcar 313. (Photo Courtesy Paul Greiling)
“We then made several presentations to Karen, including a US Flag that has flown over the Museum. …She received a key to the city of Hickory from the Mayor and I presented her with the POW bracelet I had worn for almost 40 years. We then adjourned to a reception with cake and drinks. Later that evening, we had a very nice sit down dinner with Adm. Leighton W. (Snuffy) Smith as the guest speaker. He is an old Marauder from the 1972 era.”
Scotty's daughter, Karen DeBellis looks on as Hickory Mayor, Rudy Wright speaks prior to presenting her with a key to the city. (Photo Courtesy Paul Greiling)
“It was just marvelous,” Scotty’s sister, Gail Wickersham said. “Paul and I were so sorry our folks couldn’t have lived to meet all these men in the squadron and hear all the nice words. Every time anyone said anything they would weep.”
“It was really wonderful,” Scotty’s daughter, Karen DeBellis added. “Far more than I could have dreamed of. I was honored and so touched just to be there with all these folks that were there … to honor my father.”
“The whole event … was unbelievable,” Scotty’s brother, Paul Greiling agreed. “They–Walt Moser, Tom Brown and the Hickory Aviation Museum staff, put together a ceremony that Gail, Karen and I will never forget. It was so moving and emotional.”
Well done VA-82 and the Hickory Aviation Museum! Tomorrow, we’ll hear the words of Paul Greiling, speaking on the brother he and his sister Gail knew and loved.
As one of the 20 original pilots in the squardon with Scotty in 1967 and 1968, I was very proud of what we were doing. I was proud to fly the Navy’s newest jet and I was proud to serve with Scotty and other fine officers like him. Taking part in the reunion in Hickory this summer, and having the opportunity to meet and get to know Scotty’s daughter, brother, sister and other relatives, I am prouder still. He was, and they are still, part of an amazing family. As Paul said in his speech during the dedication ceremony, none of us will ever forget the Hickory ceremony or the memory of Cdr. David “Scotty” Greliing. The word “Special” just doesn’t even come close!
Tom,
Thanks for your comment. But more than that, thank you for your service to our country. The Hickory Reunion sounds like one of a kind. I’ve heard so many great things from Greiling family members and VA-82 Marauders alike. Kudos to the VA-82 Reunion organizers and Hickory Aviation Museum staff. Job well done.
Mr. Brown,
I am a VA 82 Plankowner as well. Although not a pilot, I was an Electronics Technician Petty Officer. I am so proud to have served with you on our 1968 Viet Nam Cruise. I never forgot that sad day that he didn’t return. I have Cdr Greiling’s POW bracelet and picture on my shelf with my other memorabilia. Two other things I will never forget about VA 82. Mr Fields being shot down and rescued and you, sir. To this day I still tell the story of Mr Brown and the VC on the bicycle. May God bless and keep Cdr Greiling and all the pilots I so proudly served under. Carrier Pilots, the bravest pilots there are.
Bob Carroll
Hello Bob,
I really appreciate your taking the time to respond to my note. VA-82 keeps reappearing in my life after over 40 years. I am still in touch with most of the pilots and some of the enlisted men. At the Hickory reunion, we were happy that some of your shipmates were able to come. We had Fred Barber, John Bender, Jack Davidson, Ron Shirley, Ken Garvin, Joe LeMaster, and Jerry Walker.
In fact, do you remember YN Ed Hewson? He was our Ops Yeoman and unfortunately he died a few years ago. But, he wrote a very good book about the Apache wars in the old west called “Apache Sundown.” I am reading it right now and really enjoying it. I assume you read the book Kenny Fields wrote called “Rescue of Streetcar 304.” If not, be sure to get it and read it because it is OUTSTANDING. I have read it 4 times!
Good to hear from you after all these years,
Tom