Walter Farrell Turk

Colonel (US Air Force Retired) Walter F. Turk

August 30, 1935 – October 22, 2024

Schertz, Texas

Walter F. Turk, 89, of Schertz, Texas passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, October 22, 2024 surrounded by his family. Walt was born in Blue Springs, Missouri, on August 30, 1935, to Byron Henry Turk and Katherine Frances (Shrout) Turk. Walt had a zest for life, and although faced with many serious health issues, his attitude and love for his family and friends remained steadfast and positive.

Walt attended Mira Costa High School, in Manhattan Beach, California. He was a stellar student and athlete. He was on the wrestling team, tennis team, and was one of the first male members of the Cheerleading Squad. Following graduation, Walt enlisted in the United States Air Force in October 1953. Walt was a helicopter mechanic with his first assignment at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico. In September 1957, after serving his first enlistment, he returned to Redondo Beach where he met Marlyss (Jo) Drager. They were married on 14 December 1957 at the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Walt reenlisted in the Air Force, which began their 37 years, 5 months and 15-day journey serving their country and traveling the world.

In 1958, they served at their first assignment in Tachikawa Japan, and welcomed their first and second of their three girls, Shari Ann in 1959 and Kathi Lynn in 1961.

In October 1961, Walt was accepted for Officer Candidate School. In July 1963, he attended helicopter pilot training and chose the H-43 as his follow-on aircraft. Also in 1963, they welcomed their third daughter, Cristi Jean. In February 1964, he completed pilot training as a distinguished graduate and was assigned to Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, where he was upgraded to Rescue Crew Commander.

In April 1965, Walt served his first tour at Nakhon Phanom (NKP), in the Vietnam Conflict. As the humble leader he was, he never boasted of his rescues in the HH-43, Pedro. His selfless courage and expert piloting led to 15 out of country missions to pick up downed pilots which resulted in five saves with one rescue earning the Silver Star. When asked about the rescue by the media, he responded, “It was a piece of cake” – thus earning the nickname “Piece of Cake Turk”. He worked with his fellow helicopter pilot Joe Ballenger in documenting their rescues to print in the book, “They Called in Naked Fanny”.

In January 1968, he was assigned to Nellis AFB, Nevada, where he was sent for his second tour at Tuy Hoa, in the Vietnam Conflict. In July 1970, he was assigned to Eglin AFB, Florida, as an Instructor Pilot and Flight Examiner for eight months. In April 1971, he was assigned to Hill AFB, Utah, as a H-43 FCF pilot and IP/FE and Detachment Commander, 37th Air Rescue Squadron. Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota, on 1 October, 1973 as the Detachment Commander of Det 3, 37th Air Rescue Squadron. Attended Columbia College, Columbia, Missouri and received his Master’s Degree in December, 1976. In January 1977, 11th CAMS, 41st RWRW, McClellan AFB, California, as the Chief of Maintenance and became the Commander of the 41st CAMS in September 1978. Reassigned to Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, in June, 1980 as the Assistant Deputy Commander for Maintenance in the 1550th ATTW. He was selected for Colonel and promoted on 1 January 1984 and became the Deputy Commander of Maintenance that same day. In August 1986, his next assignment was Clark AB, Republic of the Philippines, to the 374th Airlift Wing, as the Deputy Commander of Maintenance. His final assignment was Scott AFB, Illinois, in August 1988, serving as the Director of Maintenance Engineering (LGM)

at Headquarters, Military Airlift Command (MAC). His decorations include: Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal (with two bronze stars), Armed Force Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (with four bronze starts), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Republic of Korea National Security Medal (presented by the President of South Korea for rescuing his son), and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with date bar. Walt retired from active duty on 1 June 1991.

Upon his retirement, Walt pursued his passion for golf and opened Walt’s Golf Shop in their home in Lebanon, Illinois, where he crafted custom clubs for family and friends. He also served as Lebanon City Administer and his leadership catapulted Lebanon’s growth while keeping it historic. Walt’s passion for flying continued into retirement, leading to him building a Sonex Trigear airplane in their garage. The paint scheme followed the colors of his Silver Star medal and he received an award from the Sonex Association for intrepid builder. He took his first flight on 28 August 2010 and continued logging hours until January 2019, when he decided it was time to hang up his helmet for the last time

Walt was inducted into the Mira Costa High School Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame. Awarded for his lifetime achievements after graduation, by significant contributions to his career, life endeavors and the greater good of the school, community, country, and society he served. He was awarded the Order of the Warrior from the Airmen of the 374th Field Maintenance Squadron. He was bestowed the rank of Honorable Chief Master Sergeant by the 1550th Combat Crew Training Wing, Chief Master Sergeants at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico. He is a life time member of the Air Force Association, USAF “Rotorheads”, Order of the Daedalians, and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association

Walt is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Jo Turk, his daughters Shari Ann Geminn, Kathi Lynn Gray and her husband James Gray, and Cristi Jean Bowes and her husband Jeffery Bowes. His grandchildren Jessica Caldwell, Kevin Caldwell, Kyle Yount, Mark Yount, Jason Gray, Shannon Gray, Lance Bowes, and Julie Galvao, and three great-grandchildren, his brother Henry Turk and sister Mary Mobly, as well as his many nieces, nephews and cousins, who shared a mutual love.

Walt is preceded in death by his father, Byron Turk, his mother, Frances Turk, his brother Robert Turk, and his sisters, Shirley Larson and DeAnna Bowers.

Walt’s interment will be at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery Columbarium, San Antonio, Texas, with full military honors on 4 December 2024, at 2:00pm.

The family would like to thank the many friends for the countless prayers offered for Walt over the years, all the doctors who, through the grace of God, cared for him, especially Dr. Gunuganti and the loving staff at Fresenius Dialysis Center in Schertz.