MEMORIAL ARTICLE Published Assembly Jan '56 Charles Orion Wiedman No. 15986 Class of 1946 Died February 16, 1955, in an Aircraft Accident near Castro Valley, CA, aged 29 years.

 On February 16, 1955, the budding career of a rising young Air Force officer came to a tragic end when Captain Charles 0. Wiedman crashed in an unexplained aircraft accident near Castro Valley, California.

 Chuck was born June 14, 1925, in McCool Junction, Nebraska. He graduated from York High School in 1942 as valedictorian of his class and then attended the University of Nebraska for a year prior to his appointment to West Point. At the Academy, Chuck led the full rounded life of a cadet, and many of his classmates remember with nostalgia the parties and card sessions which he was always among the first to sponsor.

 Following graduation, Chuck went through B-25 transition at Enid. Oklahoma and in November 1946, was assigned as a B-29 combat crew pilot at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona until January 1948. Going overseas to Guam in February 1948, Chuck served as an adjutant and squadron commander until his return to Williams Field, Arizona in August 1949. Duties as a flight instructor continued with his reassignment to Waco, Texas in February 1950 until February 1951 when he was assigned to San Marcos, Texas as Base Statistical Control Officer. From April 1952 to April 1953, Chuck spent a year TDY to the West Coast, visiting colleges and universities as a member of a special recruiting team. In April 1953, he reported for what was to be his last assignment, Aircraft Allocation Officer, at Hq. FTAF, Waco, Texas.

 While on Guam, Chuck met his future wife, Miss Gilda J. (Jill) Pomponio, and they were married on their return from overseas on July 9, 1949.

 Chuck*s hosts of friends at every station always extended throughout the surrounding civilian community wherever he was assigned. An avid sportsman, hunter, and dog breeder, when Chuck was off duty, he was ever planning for the next litter, dogshow, or deer hunt. As a true sportsman and friend, Chuck was always the genial host; and Chuck and Jill made their home "open house" where every passing classmate and friend was always welcome.

 Chuck's life, while short, was rich-he lived a full life, and he shall always be remembered with admiration and respect. With our sorrow on Chuck's passing, we know that the Long Grey Line has been augmented by a true son of West Point.

 Chuck is survived by his beloved wife, Jill, who is making her home at 7405 San Vincente, San Diego 14, California; his father, Mr. Orion W. Wiedman, Route 3, Box 462B, Vancouver, Washington; and his mother, Mrs. Lyle Graybill, 1019 L. Street, Lincoln, Nebraska.

Personal Eulogy