Major Eugene F. Baldwin

Obituary Major Eugene F. Baldwin, United States Air Force (Retired) died January 10, 2025. 

A native of Montevallo, Alabama, Gene Baldwin graduated from Mississippi State University, Cum Laude, where he was a member of Beta Gamma Sigma honorary fraternity, received an MBA degree from the University of Alabama, and completed further graduate work at the University of Georgia. He retired from the United States Air Force with the rank of Major (Lt. Col. select) and later from the Navy Supply Corps School, Athens, Georgia, where he was Director of Curriculum and Instructional Standards. Gene’s dedication to his family, his country, and his cherished South was unwavering. He upheld ethical and moral standards without compromise.

During his twenty-two years of active duty, he honorably served his country in two wars and multiple deployments. Major Baldwin was a fighter pilot with the 68th Fighter Squadron during the Korean war. This squadron received recognition for achieving the first communist aircraft kill of the Korean war and the first jet all-weather fighter squadron committed to combat. In Viet Nam, he served with the 315th Air Commando Group flying assault airlift missions in support of Special Forces in the northern I Corps area of the country. Because of his experience, when he returned from Viet Nam, Major Baldwin was assigned to the Special Operation Course, Hulbert AFB, then, as Liaison Officer and instructor to The Army Infantry School. Additional assignments included Aide-de-Camp, and pilot, to the Commanding General of the Twentieth Air Division, as a Forward Air Controller with the 82nd Airborne Division. During his career, he served as a flight commander, squadron commander, and group executive officer. His final tour was as Base Executive Officer, Charleston AFB, SC. 

Among his awards are the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Expeditionary Forces Medal, Presidential Unit Citation with three oak leaf clusters, Outstanding Unit award with two oak leaf clusters, United Nations Medal, Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with palm (Vietnamese government), and the Korean War Medal (Korean Government). He was also presented with the Department of Defense Civilian Meritorious Service Medal while at the Navy Supply Corps School.

Gene authored two published books. A Matter of Destiny, which outlines the life of a fighter pilot during the Korean War era, and Silent Echoes, which details the leadership and missions in Vietnam in the early stage of that war. Although both were written as fiction, they were autobiographical in content. 

He was a member of the Retired Officers Association. Genealogical organizations included: The First Families of Georgia, Sons of the American Revolution, the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Military Order of The Stars and Bars, The Colonial Order of the Crown, and The Somerset Chapter Magna Charta Barons. Major Baldwin was a collateral descendant of Abraham Baldwin, founder and first President of the University of Georgia, and a signer of the Constitution. He contributed his efforts and was partially responsible for the impetus to get the Abraham Baldwin statue erected on the front campus of The University of Georgia.

Memorial services will be Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the chapel of Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST. 

He is survived by a daughter, Andrea Ridgely (Randy); a grandson, Phillip Hamilton (Margherita); a daughter-in-law, Simone Baldwin; two granddaughters, Mercedes Cantos (Dave) and India Baldwin; and a great-grandson, Stephen Mitchell. He was preceded in death by his son, CWO Stephen E. Baldwin.

Gene loved animals. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local humane society.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, is in charge of arrangements.