On November 11, 1988, Leiutenant Commander Gerald Pelz, USN, gave his life in service to this nation when, during a routine training mission, his SH-2F Sea Sprite helicopter experienced mechanical failure and crashed into the North Arabian Sea. Left behind were his young widow and three year old son, Kyle. Today, that son is an accomplished pilot who would make any father very proud. Kyle Pelz started flight training when he was a 15 year old high school freshman. “My father flew helicopters for the U.S. Navy and gave his life defending our very freedoms. I knew that he loved being a pilot and that I would walk into his old shoes sooner or later,” Kyle said.
LEAD: Three American airmen were missing and presumed dead today after their helicopter crashed on Friday in the north Arabian Sea, the Pentagon said. The helicopter was trying to land on the frigate Barbey, on duty in the region.
Three American airmen were missing and presumed dead today after their helicopter crashed on Friday in the north Arabian Sea, the Pentagon said. The helicopter was trying to land on the frigate Barbey, on duty in the region.
The crash was the seventh involving American military aircraft in the Persian Gulf region in the 19 months that the United states has patrolled there. The Pentagon has ordered an investigation. The missing men were listed as Lieut. Comdr. Gerald Pelz, Lieut. Gerald Ramsdell and a crewman identified as William Martinie.
Jeffrey Hersh (Hersh)
Gerry was my best friend throughout high school. Unfortunately we lost touch during college. I knew Gerry had gone into the military so many years later I asked a friend in the Pentagon to find him. I was way too late.Gerry was one of life's truly nice guys. The world was a better place to have him.
Jeffrey Hersh
Terri Morris (Balchen)
Gerry lived one street over from me.A very sweet guy.
Edmund R. Capas
I got to know Gerald during our senior year and had the rare pleasure of sharing some simple experiences with him (together with Bob Mandel and a few other of our mutual friends) for a year or so after high school -- from getting together for rewarding conversations to playing games like football & soccer in my large Richmond Hts backyard and going to an occasional movie & restaurant. He was always mild-mannered, modest and accomodating, with clear solid convictions. Now that i just learned that he was a fellow military officer, i both regret that we lost track of each other after the early '70s and appreciate the fact that i now know there was yet another of countless US military professionals who was NOT a "blood & guts" meathead warrior. He was precisely the kind of individual who i would want to defend our freedom -- a unique, humble, non-conformist, well-balanced individual... Very sad that he's gone.Steven Gladstone
Ididnt know Gerald personally but after reading his comments he was obviously a hero . I hope he rests in peace. He was a quiet person at Heights. That is how heroes usually are .
Jeffrey Hersh (Hersh)
The Plain Dealer will be publishing my memories of going with Jerry to an Indians' game on July 3.
Bruce L. Shewitz
I just met Gerald's sister in law. We had a nice conversation sharing memories of him.