Background
Harry W. Townsend was born December 22, 1922 to parents Harry W. Townsend Sr. and Ella Mae Townsend in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended Lincoln University and completed two years of college and worked in building transportation before joining the military. He later completed his bachelor's degree from The University of Nebraska at Omaha. He began his military service with the Citizens Military Training Corps for the Pennsylvania State Guard.
Wartime History
On November 30, 1944 enlisted in the U.S. Army with the rank of private with serial number 33840056 and was trained in the infantry. During October 1945, after graduating from Officer Candidate School (OCS) commissioned as an officer with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.
In 1947, he applied for flight training but never got a response. He and nineteen other African-American parachutist in the Army purchased an Aeronca Chief and formed their own flying club in
Fayetteville, NC.
After successfully completing one year in the Competitive Tour Program, in 1949 received a regular Army commission and became a platoon Leader, Infantry Replacement Center at Fort McClellan, Alabama. Next, platoon Leader, 555th Parachute Battalion "Triple Nickel" at Fort Benning, Georgia and earned his paratrooper wings. Next, platoon Leader, Company Commander, 505th Airborne Infantry Regiment at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. On January 1, 1951 promoted to the rank of 1st Lieutenant.
Korean War
During the Korean War, he was an Army aviator assigned to the 25th Infantry Division "Tropical Lightning" in Korea.
On November 13, 1951 took off flying a Bell H-13 Sioux helicopter rescued
downed South African Air Force (SAAF) RF-51D Mustang 44-84649 / 365 pilot 2nd Lt. Frank J. Grobler after he bailed out. On the ground, the pair traded wings and Townsend was made an honorary member of No. 2 Squadron (South African). The pair were photographed together shaking hands and standing together.
Afterwards, aviator assigned to Far East Logistical Command in Japan. His other duties included Aviation Det Commander, & Asst S-3, 8th Infantry Regiment, Europe. Next, Aviation Det Commander, 15th Engineer Battalion, Europe; Heavy Wpns Company Commander, 60th Infantry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colorado. Asst Div Aviation Officer, Division Aviation Operations Officer, Aviation Company Commander, G-3 Operations Officer (Post), 9th Infantry Division. Chief Aviation Branch, Army Aviator, Army Section UUSMAG, U.S. Army Section, JUSMAG, Thailand. Weapons Instructor, Chief, Field Operations for the U.S. Army Special Warfare School.
Vietnam War
During the Vietnam War he served as Commander, 268th Combat Aviation Battalion in Vietnam. He led the unit's largest air assault, inserting all combat elements of the 173rd Airborne Brigade and a battery of 155mm howitzers into battle.
His final post was Inspector General, Office of the Inspector General, DA; Senior Army Representative, Land Utilization Team, Office, Asst, Secretary of Defense. He retired with the rank of Colonel. Townsend served in three conflicts: World War II, Korean War and Vietnam. He logged over 8,000 hours flying (including 1,700 hours in combat).
Awards
During his military service, he earned the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and Air Medal with nine Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal w/2 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Good Conduct Medal.
Retirement
For seventeen years, he served with the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) on their National Executive Board, ten as trustee and treasurer of the Scholarship Foundation, and as international judge in national and international helicopter championships. In 1982 he served as the Chairman of the Board of The Rocks Inc. He was a Founding Member of United Stated Army Black Aviation Association (USABAA) and during 1985 he served as the Chairman of the Board.
In 1996 he was recognized as The Rock of the Year; in 1972, he was inducted into the OCS Hall of Fame, Ft. Benning, GA. During 2004, inducted into the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) Hall of Fame.
Memorials
Townsend passed away on February 18, 2021 at age 98 in Silver Spring, Maryland. On June 30, 2021 laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery at section 11 site 532-2 with his wife, Gloria Clement Townsend who predeceased him on December 7, 1978 at age 53.
Relatives
Gloria Clement Townsend (wife died 1978)
Steven C. Townsend (son)
Diana L. Townsend (daughter)
References
NARA World War II Army Enlistment Records - Harry W. Townsend
Army Aviation Association of America - Col Harry Townsend
The Washington Post Obituary Harry Townsend 1922–2021 February 28, 2021
Arlington Cemetery (ANC Explorer) - Harry W. Townsend (grave photos)
FindAGrave - COL Harry Wheatland Townsend Jr. (photo)
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