1930-2011

George Oswald died of cancer February 26, in Eugene. He was born in Los Angeles, CA, March 25 1930, the only child of Marcella and George H. Oswald Sr. George graduated Brown Military Academy, and after two years at Loyola University and Santa Monica CC, enlisted in the Air Force at the height of the Korean War.

Selected for flight officer training, he earned his pilot?s wings and was commissioned a second lieutenant. After a long, and sometimes long-distance courtship, George and Vivian Daum were married December 6, 1953 in Santa Monica.

Their journey together began with a cross-country drive to Long Island, New York, where for four years George flew the F-86 and F-102 with the 75th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. George became a Maintenance Officer, and with his detachment, instructed our NATO and Allied partners in the finer art of flying and maintaining jet fighters in Europe and North Africa. It was a time of vagabond travel for the Oswald family, with two young sons and luggage all in a Porsche 356. The journey continued back in the USA, with subsequent assignments all over the country. Some stability was found in 1961, when George spent four years in Texas as he developed the flight training program for the storied F-111 fighter-bomber. He finished his BA degree during this time using the ?bootstrap? program. During these years, two little girls completed the family.

Assigned to Special Operations Command, George served a tour in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star medal in hostile operations.

Continuing with Special Operations, George served three years at Eglin AFB, Florida. In 1970 he was assigned to the NATO southern headquarters in Naples, Italy. Back in Europe again, and living in Bell?Italia, it was the most memorable tour for the family. George took on the additional duty as Youth Sports Commissioner, and devised the ingenious idea to raise money for the league through a ?Festa Americana.? Not only a smashing hit with our Neapolitan hosts, the festival continues today as the major fund-raising event of the American military community in Naples.

Upon retiring from the Air Force after 27 years of active duty, Lieutenant Colonel Oswald and family moved to Eugene in 1977. While earning a degree from LCC in construction, George and son Matt built the family home on country property. George continued building and renovating, and returned to his love of aviation. He built his first aircraft in the garage, and owned a succession of airplanes from acrobatic flyers to a Chinese fighter. He was an active member and past president of EAA Chapter 31, and a member of the Oregon Warbirds.

George and Vivian were passionate about golf, and early on became dedicated Duck football fans when there was not a lot to cheer for except the final whistle. In health, he was a great entertainer who never lived a day with boredom nor without laughter. In his last years, George was always optimistic, and never complained.

George leaves Vivian, his wife of 57 years, son Matt and daughter-in-law Diane of Norfolk, Virginia; son Mark, daughter-in-law Chiara, and grandson Liam of Vicenza, Italy; daughter Maureen and son-in-law Terry Thom of Milwaukie; and daughter Michelle and son-in-law Wayne Gay, grandchildren Cooper and Montana of Eugene.

We are all certain that George is fully in charge and at the controls as he completes his final mission.Please sign the guest book at www.registerguard.com/legacy