Served two tours of duty in Vietnam. His F-8 Crusader fighter was struck by a surface to air missile. Beeler,though wounded, ejected successfully but was captured by hostile forces. He was shuttled among various North Vietnamese prison camps including the notorious Hanoi Hilton. He was repatriated at the close of the war.
Recipient of Bronze Star Medal with Valor. Citation is listed at the bottom of the Bio information.
Died flying a SJ30-2 in a flight test.
*******************
Carroll Beeler, 59, of 134 Steel Valley Dr., Boerne, TX, loving husband of Scottie and father of Lee, went to meet the Lord on Saturday, April 26, 2003.
Carroll died as he had lived, at the controls of an airplane he was testing. In an aviation career that spanned more than 40 years, Carroll flew more than 40 different types of aircraft, ranging from the world's largest airliners to the smallest single-engine airplanes. He accumulated more than 11,000 flight hours as an experimental test pilot, production test pilot, instructor pilot, U.S. Navy carrier-based fighter pilot and agricultural applications pilot. During his lifetime, Carroll Beeler flew some of the world's legendary airplanes, including the Boeing 747 airliner, the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bomber, the North American B-25 Mitchell bomber, the North American P51 Mustang fighter, and the Chance Vought F-8 Crusader Navy fighter aircraft.
Carroll Beeler was born in St. Louis, MO on July 24, 1943. He grew up in Granite City, IL.
During his teen years Carroll was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America, attaining the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.
In early 1964, Carroll elected to leave Parks College in St. Louis where he was studying aviation maintenance engineering to join the United States Navy in its Naval Cadet Program a career path that, if successful, would lead to winning the wings of a Naval Aviator and a commission as an officer. Carroll Beeler had found both his passion and his life's work.
Beeler graduated as a top student and worked his way into the Navy fighter pilot community, becoming a fighter pilot - a premier assignment - and was soon flying combat missions from an aircraft carrier over Vietnam.
On May 24, 1972, as LT Beeler was approaching the end of his second combat tour in Vietnam, the F-8 Crusader fighter he was flying was struck by a surface to air missile. Beeler, though wounded, ejected successfully but was captured by hostile forces shortly after his parachute settled into a rice paddy. For the next 10 months he was shuttled among various North Vietnamese prison camps, including the notorious Hanoi Hilton, until he was repatriated at the close of the war.
Upon his release, Beeler returned to Navy life where he served in various capacities associated with naval aviation.
Soon after his return to the States, while stationed in California, he met Judith 'Scottie' Shirline Crawford, who was also serving in the Navy. They were married on November 15, 1975.
Carroll Beeler left active duty in the Navy in 1978 to pursue a career in civilian aviation. He remained in the Navy as a reservist until 1995, primarily in the Alameda and San Diego, California area, retiring with the rank of Captain.
In 1983, Beeler joined McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Company in the company's flight test program, where he advanced steadily through assignments as a senior engineer, lead system safety engineer, and flight test engineer.
An opportunity to join General Electric Aircraft Engines came along in 1989, taking Beeler and his family to Mojave, CA, where he served as an experimental test pilot. While with GE, Beeler played a critical role in programs testing and evaluating engines for commercial airliners. To accomplish this, Beeler had to complete Captain/pilot training in order to fly the Boeing 707/747 and Airbus 300 to test the developmental engines.
In 1997, Beeler came to San Antonio to join Sino Swearingen Aircraft as a test pilot on its SJ30-2 business jet program. Over the next six years Beeler would advance to becoming the company's chief test pilot, working toward a goal of making Sino Swearingen the first startup company to certify an all-new business jet since Learjet accomplished the feat 40 years ago.
Beeler was flying the SJ30-2 in flight test activity when it crashed, taking his life.
Carroll Beeler held a Bachelor's Degree from Chapman College and a Master's Degree from the University of Southern California with a double major in Research and Development and System Safety Engineering. Beeler graduated from numerous U.S. Navy training schools. He was also an Associate Fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots.
His love of aviation included WWI aircraft. He also sat on the board of directors and was Treasurer of the Vintage Aviation Historical Foundation.
He is survived by his wife, 'Scottie' Beeler; daughter, Lee Elizabeth Beeler and his mother Pauline Beeler, all of Boerne.
Graveside Services with Full Military Honors will be held Tuesday, May 6, 2003 at 10:00 A.M. at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery. To send a message or tribute to the family please visit www.vaughanfuneralhome.com and select the obituary icon. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Vaughan's Funeral Home of Boerne.
Published in San Antonio Express-News on May 2, 2003.
Contributor: Pam (47202912)
His Bronze Star Medal w/Valor Citation reads:
For meritorious service while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from May 1972 to March 1973. Under the most adverse of conditions, he never wavered in his devotion and loyalty to the United States and his fellow prisoners. Despite the adversities of confinement, he performed such duties and responsibilities as assigned by superiors and required of the Code of Conduct in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Displaying extraordinary courage, resourcefulness, and dedication throughout this period of imprisonment, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.
Recipient of Bronze Star Medal with Valor. Citation is listed at the bottom of the Bio information.
Died flying a SJ30-2 in a flight test.
*******************
Carroll Beeler, 59, of 134 Steel Valley Dr., Boerne, TX, loving husband of Scottie and father of Lee, went to meet the Lord on Saturday, April 26, 2003.
Carroll died as he had lived, at the controls of an airplane he was testing. In an aviation career that spanned more than 40 years, Carroll flew more than 40 different types of aircraft, ranging from the world's largest airliners to the smallest single-engine airplanes. He accumulated more than 11,000 flight hours as an experimental test pilot, production test pilot, instructor pilot, U.S. Navy carrier-based fighter pilot and agricultural applications pilot. During his lifetime, Carroll Beeler flew some of the world's legendary airplanes, including the Boeing 747 airliner, the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bomber, the North American B-25 Mitchell bomber, the North American P51 Mustang fighter, and the Chance Vought F-8 Crusader Navy fighter aircraft.
Carroll Beeler was born in St. Louis, MO on July 24, 1943. He grew up in Granite City, IL.
During his teen years Carroll was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America, attaining the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.
In early 1964, Carroll elected to leave Parks College in St. Louis where he was studying aviation maintenance engineering to join the United States Navy in its Naval Cadet Program a career path that, if successful, would lead to winning the wings of a Naval Aviator and a commission as an officer. Carroll Beeler had found both his passion and his life's work.
Beeler graduated as a top student and worked his way into the Navy fighter pilot community, becoming a fighter pilot - a premier assignment - and was soon flying combat missions from an aircraft carrier over Vietnam.
On May 24, 1972, as LT Beeler was approaching the end of his second combat tour in Vietnam, the F-8 Crusader fighter he was flying was struck by a surface to air missile. Beeler, though wounded, ejected successfully but was captured by hostile forces shortly after his parachute settled into a rice paddy. For the next 10 months he was shuttled among various North Vietnamese prison camps, including the notorious Hanoi Hilton, until he was repatriated at the close of the war.
Upon his release, Beeler returned to Navy life where he served in various capacities associated with naval aviation.
Soon after his return to the States, while stationed in California, he met Judith 'Scottie' Shirline Crawford, who was also serving in the Navy. They were married on November 15, 1975.
Carroll Beeler left active duty in the Navy in 1978 to pursue a career in civilian aviation. He remained in the Navy as a reservist until 1995, primarily in the Alameda and San Diego, California area, retiring with the rank of Captain.
In 1983, Beeler joined McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Company in the company's flight test program, where he advanced steadily through assignments as a senior engineer, lead system safety engineer, and flight test engineer.
An opportunity to join General Electric Aircraft Engines came along in 1989, taking Beeler and his family to Mojave, CA, where he served as an experimental test pilot. While with GE, Beeler played a critical role in programs testing and evaluating engines for commercial airliners. To accomplish this, Beeler had to complete Captain/pilot training in order to fly the Boeing 707/747 and Airbus 300 to test the developmental engines.
In 1997, Beeler came to San Antonio to join Sino Swearingen Aircraft as a test pilot on its SJ30-2 business jet program. Over the next six years Beeler would advance to becoming the company's chief test pilot, working toward a goal of making Sino Swearingen the first startup company to certify an all-new business jet since Learjet accomplished the feat 40 years ago.
Beeler was flying the SJ30-2 in flight test activity when it crashed, taking his life.
Carroll Beeler held a Bachelor's Degree from Chapman College and a Master's Degree from the University of Southern California with a double major in Research and Development and System Safety Engineering. Beeler graduated from numerous U.S. Navy training schools. He was also an Associate Fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots.
His love of aviation included WWI aircraft. He also sat on the board of directors and was Treasurer of the Vintage Aviation Historical Foundation.
He is survived by his wife, 'Scottie' Beeler; daughter, Lee Elizabeth Beeler and his mother Pauline Beeler, all of Boerne.
Graveside Services with Full Military Honors will be held Tuesday, May 6, 2003 at 10:00 A.M. at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery. To send a message or tribute to the family please visit www.vaughanfuneralhome.com and select the obituary icon. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Vaughan's Funeral Home of Boerne.
Published in San Antonio Express-News on May 2, 2003.
Contributor: Pam (47202912)
His Bronze Star Medal w/Valor Citation reads:
For meritorious service while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from May 1972 to March 1973. Under the most adverse of conditions, he never wavered in his devotion and loyalty to the United States and his fellow prisoners. Despite the adversities of confinement, he performed such duties and responsibilities as assigned by superiors and required of the Code of Conduct in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Displaying extraordinary courage, resourcefulness, and dedication throughout this period of imprisonment, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.
Served two tours of duty in Vietnam. His F-8 Crusader fighter was struck by a surface to air missile. Beeler,though wounded, ejected successfully but was captured by hostile forces. He was shuttled among various North Vietnamese prison camps including the notorious Hanoi Hilton. He was repatriated at the close of the war.
Recipient of Bronze Star Medal with Valor. Citation is listed at the bottom of the Bio information.
Died flying a SJ30-2 in a flight test.
*******************
Carroll Beeler, 59, of 134 Steel Valley Dr., Boerne, TX, loving husband of Scottie and father of Lee, went to meet the Lord on Saturday, April 26, 2003.
Carroll died as he had lived, at the controls of an airplane he was testing. In an aviation career that spanned more than 40 years, Carroll flew more than 40 different types of aircraft, ranging from the world's largest airliners to the smallest single-engine airplanes. He accumulated more than 11,000 flight hours as an experimental test pilot, production test pilot, instructor pilot, U.S. Navy carrier-based fighter pilot and agricultural applications pilot. During his lifetime, Carroll Beeler flew some of the world's legendary airplanes, including the Boeing 747 airliner, the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bomber, the North American B-25 Mitchell bomber, the North American P51 Mustang fighter, and the Chance Vought F-8 Crusader Navy fighter aircraft.
Carroll Beeler was born in St. Louis, MO on July 24, 1943. He grew up in Granite City, IL.
During his teen years Carroll was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America, attaining the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.
In early 1964, Carroll elected to leave Parks College in St. Louis where he was studying aviation maintenance engineering to join the United States Navy in its Naval Cadet Program a career path that, if successful, would lead to winning the wings of a Naval Aviator and a commission as an officer. Carroll Beeler had found both his passion and his life's work.
Beeler graduated as a top student and worked his way into the Navy fighter pilot community, becoming a fighter pilot - a premier assignment - and was soon flying combat missions from an aircraft carrier over Vietnam.
On May 24, 1972, as LT Beeler was approaching the end of his second combat tour in Vietnam, the F-8 Crusader fighter he was flying was struck by a surface to air missile. Beeler, though wounded, ejected successfully but was captured by hostile forces shortly after his parachute settled into a rice paddy. For the next 10 months he was shuttled among various North Vietnamese prison camps, including the notorious Hanoi Hilton, until he was repatriated at the close of the war.
Upon his release, Beeler returned to Navy life where he served in various capacities associated with naval aviation.
Soon after his return to the States, while stationed in California, he met Judith 'Scottie' Shirline Crawford, who was also serving in the Navy. They were married on November 15, 1975.
Carroll Beeler left active duty in the Navy in 1978 to pursue a career in civilian aviation. He remained in the Navy as a reservist until 1995, primarily in the Alameda and San Diego, California area, retiring with the rank of Captain.
In 1983, Beeler joined McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Company in the company's flight test program, where he advanced steadily through assignments as a senior engineer, lead system safety engineer, and flight test engineer.
An opportunity to join General Electric Aircraft Engines came along in 1989, taking Beeler and his family to Mojave, CA, where he served as an experimental test pilot. While with GE, Beeler played a critical role in programs testing and evaluating engines for commercial airliners. To accomplish this, Beeler had to complete Captain/pilot training in order to fly the Boeing 707/747 and Airbus 300 to test the developmental engines.
In 1997, Beeler came to San Antonio to join Sino Swearingen Aircraft as a test pilot on its SJ30-2 business jet program. Over the next six years Beeler would advance to becoming the company's chief test pilot, working toward a goal of making Sino Swearingen the first startup company to certify an all-new business jet since Learjet accomplished the feat 40 years ago.
Beeler was flying the SJ30-2 in flight test activity when it crashed, taking his life.
Carroll Beeler held a Bachelor's Degree from Chapman College and a Master's Degree from the University of Southern California with a double major in Research and Development and System Safety Engineering. Beeler graduated from numerous U.S. Navy training schools. He was also an Associate Fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots.
His love of aviation included WWI aircraft. He also sat on the board of directors and was Treasurer of the Vintage Aviation Historical Foundation.
He is survived by his wife, 'Scottie' Beeler; daughter, Lee Elizabeth Beeler and his mother Pauline Beeler, all of Boerne.
Graveside Services with Full Military Honors will be held Tuesday, May 6, 2003 at 10:00 A.M. at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery. To send a message or tribute to the family please visit www.vaughanfuneralhome.com and select the obituary icon. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Vaughan's Funeral Home of Boerne.
Published in San Antonio Express-News on May 2, 2003.
Contributor: Pam (47202912)
His Bronze Star Medal w/Valor Citation reads:
For meritorious service while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from May 1972 to March 1973. Under the most adverse of conditions, he never wavered in his devotion and loyalty to the United States and his fellow prisoners. Despite the adversities of confinement, he performed such duties and responsibilities as assigned by superiors and required of the Code of Conduct in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Displaying extraordinary courage, resourcefulness, and dedication throughout this period of imprisonment, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.
Recipient of Bronze Star Medal with Valor. Citation is listed at the bottom of the Bio information.
Died flying a SJ30-2 in a flight test.
*******************
Carroll Beeler, 59, of 134 Steel Valley Dr., Boerne, TX, loving husband of Scottie and father of Lee, went to meet the Lord on Saturday, April 26, 2003.
Carroll died as he had lived, at the controls of an airplane he was testing. In an aviation career that spanned more than 40 years, Carroll flew more than 40 different types of aircraft, ranging from the world's largest airliners to the smallest single-engine airplanes. He accumulated more than 11,000 flight hours as an experimental test pilot, production test pilot, instructor pilot, U.S. Navy carrier-based fighter pilot and agricultural applications pilot. During his lifetime, Carroll Beeler flew some of the world's legendary airplanes, including the Boeing 747 airliner, the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bomber, the North American B-25 Mitchell bomber, the North American P51 Mustang fighter, and the Chance Vought F-8 Crusader Navy fighter aircraft.
Carroll Beeler was born in St. Louis, MO on July 24, 1943. He grew up in Granite City, IL.
During his teen years Carroll was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America, attaining the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.
In early 1964, Carroll elected to leave Parks College in St. Louis where he was studying aviation maintenance engineering to join the United States Navy in its Naval Cadet Program a career path that, if successful, would lead to winning the wings of a Naval Aviator and a commission as an officer. Carroll Beeler had found both his passion and his life's work.
Beeler graduated as a top student and worked his way into the Navy fighter pilot community, becoming a fighter pilot - a premier assignment - and was soon flying combat missions from an aircraft carrier over Vietnam.
On May 24, 1972, as LT Beeler was approaching the end of his second combat tour in Vietnam, the F-8 Crusader fighter he was flying was struck by a surface to air missile. Beeler, though wounded, ejected successfully but was captured by hostile forces shortly after his parachute settled into a rice paddy. For the next 10 months he was shuttled among various North Vietnamese prison camps, including the notorious Hanoi Hilton, until he was repatriated at the close of the war.
Upon his release, Beeler returned to Navy life where he served in various capacities associated with naval aviation.
Soon after his return to the States, while stationed in California, he met Judith 'Scottie' Shirline Crawford, who was also serving in the Navy. They were married on November 15, 1975.
Carroll Beeler left active duty in the Navy in 1978 to pursue a career in civilian aviation. He remained in the Navy as a reservist until 1995, primarily in the Alameda and San Diego, California area, retiring with the rank of Captain.
In 1983, Beeler joined McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Company in the company's flight test program, where he advanced steadily through assignments as a senior engineer, lead system safety engineer, and flight test engineer.
An opportunity to join General Electric Aircraft Engines came along in 1989, taking Beeler and his family to Mojave, CA, where he served as an experimental test pilot. While with GE, Beeler played a critical role in programs testing and evaluating engines for commercial airliners. To accomplish this, Beeler had to complete Captain/pilot training in order to fly the Boeing 707/747 and Airbus 300 to test the developmental engines.
In 1997, Beeler came to San Antonio to join Sino Swearingen Aircraft as a test pilot on its SJ30-2 business jet program. Over the next six years Beeler would advance to becoming the company's chief test pilot, working toward a goal of making Sino Swearingen the first startup company to certify an all-new business jet since Learjet accomplished the feat 40 years ago.
Beeler was flying the SJ30-2 in flight test activity when it crashed, taking his life.
Carroll Beeler held a Bachelor's Degree from Chapman College and a Master's Degree from the University of Southern California with a double major in Research and Development and System Safety Engineering. Beeler graduated from numerous U.S. Navy training schools. He was also an Associate Fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots.
His love of aviation included WWI aircraft. He also sat on the board of directors and was Treasurer of the Vintage Aviation Historical Foundation.
He is survived by his wife, 'Scottie' Beeler; daughter, Lee Elizabeth Beeler and his mother Pauline Beeler, all of Boerne.
Graveside Services with Full Military Honors will be held Tuesday, May 6, 2003 at 10:00 A.M. at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery. To send a message or tribute to the family please visit www.vaughanfuneralhome.com and select the obituary icon. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Vaughan's Funeral Home of Boerne.
Published in San Antonio Express-News on May 2, 2003.
Contributor: Pam (47202912)
His Bronze Star Medal w/Valor Citation reads:
For meritorious service while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from May 1972 to March 1973. Under the most adverse of conditions, he never wavered in his devotion and loyalty to the United States and his fellow prisoners. Despite the adversities of confinement, he performed such duties and responsibilities as assigned by superiors and required of the Code of Conduct in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Displaying extraordinary courage, resourcefulness, and dedication throughout this period of imprisonment, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.
Inscription
CAPT
US NAVY
VIETNAM
BRONZE STAR
PURPLE HEART
EX POW
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
