Carl Jay Woodrich

In 1941, prior to the United States entry into World War II, Carl completed fighter pilot training with the Royal Canadian Air Force, and deployed to England as a Spitfire pilot. In 1942, he transferred to the Army Air Corps, and continued to fly Spitfires for 140 missions in North Africa and Italy with the 31st Fighter Group.

When his war-time assignment ended he became a flight trainer in P-51 Mustangs at Bartow Air Base, in Florida, where he met Sara Jane McDowell. They married on October 7, 1944, and raised two sons: Carl Jay Woodrich, Jr. and Brian Woodrich.

In the Korean War, Captain Woodrich flew 50 missions in B-26 Marauder fighter bombers with the 8th Bomber Squadron. While still serving in the Air Force he pursued and received a BA degree in Education from the University of Florida in 1952.

In 1955 Major Woodrich was assigned to the 95th Bombardment Wing at Biggs Air Force Base, in El Paso, as a B-47 strategic bomber pilot and public relations officer. He retired from the USAF with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1962. Among other decorations, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross (15 OLC) and the Air Medal (1 OLC).

After retiring from the Air Force, He taught senior English and the Great Books at Bel Air High School from 1964 to 1982.

His wife, Sara Jane McDowell passed away on June 30, 2002 and his son Carl Jay Woodrich, Jr. passed away on March 28, 2013.

Carl Jay Woodrich is survived by his son Brian Woodrich and grandchildren Jason Woodrich, Lisa Woodrich and Kelly Nasta.

Services will be held at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery on July 15 at 10 AM.