Col. Charles L. Webb

Charles L. Webb, 89, took his last flight on July 19, 2023.

Col. Webb is survived by his wife, Gloria, his sister, Jane Webb, sister-in-law Mary Ann Webb, his children: Tammy Webb and Julia Vereen (Doug); Steve Lover (Phoebe) and Sheila Grajek; Luana’s brother Jim Clayton, and his many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Luana Webb, his brother Wendell Webb, his sister Beverly Bernardi and his grandson Forrest Vereen.

Born May 29, 1934 in Ray City, Georgia to L.A. and Lois Webb, he lived in Georgia for many years. He attended Oglethorpe University and the Southern School of Pharmacy of Atlanta, GA, graduating with a BS in Pharmacy in June of 1956. He was drafted into the U.S. Army on 3 December 1956, and served for 30 years before retiring in 1987.

He initially completed training as an infantryman before attending OCS and transferring to the Medical Services Corp. His bravery and accomplishments while serving in the U.S. Army are impressive and there are too many to fully describe here. He served in five overseas assignments, including two in combat.  He flew in air ambulance units in four countries, including serving in the 54th Medical Detachment in Korea and Vietnam.  In 1967, his helicopter was shot down while trying to locate wounded soldiers in the jungle.  After a 2-year recovery, he regained his flight status and returned to the 54th Medical Detachment.  Colonel Webb personally evacuated over 2,000 wounded personnel from the battlefield. Helicopter Ambulance units under Colonel Webb's command evacuated over 60,000 sick and wounded soldiers. Most were picked up at the location where wounded, and many missions were flown and completed through--and despite--intensive enemy weapons fire.

He served in the Pentagon as the Aviation Staff Officer for the Surgeon General and with the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations as the National Coordinator for the MAST program when it was at its peak with 30 locations. At OTSG he served as principal staff officer for the new utility helicopter, the Blackhawk. He was instrumental in its design and in obtaining DA approval for a one-for-one replacement of UH-60s for UH-1s. He is a Master Army Aviator, rated in both fixed and rotary wing aircraft. 18 of the types and series aircraft he was qualified in are found in the Army Aviation Museum. He served as an instructor pilot and instrument flight examiner and was on flight status for nearly 28 years. While completing graduate studies in hospital administration he served at Tripler Army Medical Center before returning to Ft. Sam Houston. His final assignment was at Lyster Army Community Hospital.

His Awards and Decorations include: Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal w/V and 17 Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Meritorious Unit Citation, Master Army Aviator Badge, Combat Medical Badge. He is a member of the Infantry Officer Candidate Hall of Fame and was inducted into the DUSTOFF Hall of Fame on 12 February 2011.

After retiring in Enterprise, AL, he served as the Director of the Coffee County, AL Emergency Management Agency for 9 years and served as the Director of the Coffee County 911 Emergency Telephone System.

He served as Elder and was an active member and supporter of Green Hill Presbyterian Church and the Enterprise community for many, many years.

He and his wife Gloria enjoyed ballroom dancing and were active members of the Enterprise Ballroom Dance Club for many years.

He was beloved by many and will be greatly missed.

The committal service with Military Funeral Honors will be held at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26, 2023.