CHAPMAN, WILLIS F., BRIG. GEN. USAF (Ret.)
Brigadier General Willis F. Chapman, United States Air Force (retired) of Fort Belvoir, Virginia, died on January 10, 2002.
A native of Jackson, Michigan, he graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1935. He was a decorated command pilot with over 5000 flying hours and Group Commander in the Mediterranean Theatre in World War II and served in Hawaii and was twice assigned to Paris.
He was instrumental in development and success of Harrier Vertical Takeoff aircraft. Wing Commander of the Air Force’s first jet bomb wing.
After retirement in 1965 he became Director, Aerospace Program in Europe for LTV, Inc. and held a patent for process controlling oceanic oil spills.
Cherished husband for 66 years of Charlotte Chapel Chapman; father of Patricia Chapman Meder and the late Susan Chapman Middleton, who died in 2000. He is also survived by four grandsons, Jason David Reimuller, Jonathan David, Christopher Lee and Timothy Todd Middleton and three great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at Fort Myer Old Post Chapel on February 5, 2002 at 1 p.m. Interment with full military honors will follow at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 895 Middle Ground Blvd., Suite 154, Newport News, VA 23606.
Michael Robert Patterson was born in Arlington and is the son of a former officer of the US Army. So it was no wonder that sooner or later his interests drew him to American history and especially to American military history. Many of his articles can be found on renowned portals like the New York Times, Washingtonpost or Wikipedia.
Reviewed by: Michael Howard