Charles Robert Palmer

Passed away at his East Cobb County home on May 25, surrounded by his loving family. Born January 21, 1935 to Ralph and Jewel Palmer. He met his wife Carol Ann when they were students at North Georgia College. He graduated NGC in 1956 with a commission in the US Army Reserve.

A career officer, he served with distinction until his retirement in 1976. Beginning in field artillery, he progressed through flight school in 1958. He ultimately obtained instrument and instructor ratings, Army Aviator and Senior Aviator Badges. Among the aircraft he flew were the H-13, UH-1 (Huey), L-19, U-1, U-6, U-8, and CH-47 Chinook.

A superb airman, he flew Army fixed wing aircraft and helicopters in Central America with the Inter American Geodetic Service. He then was a helicopter gunship pioneer in the 11th Air Assault and 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), being among the first Army pilots to fire rockets from a helicopter. He and his fellow pilots developed and refined tactics that laid the groundwork for modern helicopter warfare.

He served two tours of duty in Vietnam. In 1965, with the 1st Cav, he commanded a Huey gunship during the historic Battle of the Ia Drang in 1966. In 1969, he commanded a Chinook company. He later commanded the helicopter flight school at Fort Stewart.

Decorations awarded: Bronze Star with 3 oak leaf clusters, 3 Air Medals, 2 Army Commendation Medals, Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon and four Overseas Bars. He was also given a commendation by the government of Costa Rica for a daring helicopter rescue of several civilians during a flash flood.

He led a successful civilian career in safety and loss control with Mission Insurance, Allied Products, SIS and Regional Reporting.

During the later years of his life, he fought bravely though many health challenges including heart failure, kidney failure and leukemia, defying the odds and beating every prognosis while retaining his sense of humor. He was an intelligent, humble man of honor, valor and faith who always had a word of encouragement.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 59 years, Carol Ann Palmer, sons David (Sandra) Palmer of Shelby, AL, Chris Palmer of Woodstock, GA, daughter Casey (Paul) Williams of Marietta, grandson Ethan Williams, granddaughters Chloe Calvert, Vanessa (David) Jones, Valorie (Philip) Vaughn, Valinda (Heath) Pate and eight great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be May 28 from 3 to 5pm and funeral service with military honors, May 29 at noon at Patterson Funeral Home, Old Canton Road, Marietta. Interment to follow at Kennesaw Memorial Park, Marietta.