Brigadier General Joseph B. Starker (29 January 1929 – 19 July 1975) was a United States Army aviator who served in the conflicts in Korea and Vietnam. He commanded the 11th Combat Aviation Battalion, 17th Aviation Group, and Combat Developments Experimentation Command. He was struck and killed by a drunk driver[2] while serving as the Assistant Division Commander, 1st Cavalry Division.
Brigadier General Joseph B. Starker | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 29, 1929 |
| Died | July 19, 1975 (aged 46) San Antonio, Texas |
| Buried at | Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1950 – 1975 |
| Rank | Brigadier General |
| Unit | 1st Cavalry Division |
| Commands held |
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| Battles/wars | Korean War Vietnam War |
| Awards |
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| Memorials | Starker Functional Fitness Center, Fort Hood, Texas,[1] Starker Tennis Courts, Fort Hunter Liggett, California |
| Spouse(s) | Sallie[1] |
| Children | Sallie, Susan |
Army aviator edit
As a member of the Howze Board, Starker helped develop the concept of the Air Cavalry Combat Brigade. Later, he was key in the design, organization and testing of the Air Cavalry Combat Brigade.[2] General William E. DePuy, then commander of the 1st Infantry Division, wanted to assign aviation elements to support ground infantry units fighting in Vietnam. Starker's 11th Aviation Battalion was assigned as the test vehicle of this new fighting concept; initially with one assault helicopter company assigned to each U.S. brigade.[3]
Awards edit
During Brigadier General Starker's distinguished career, he earned the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal with Valor device and the Air Medal with Valor device.[4]
References edit
- ^ a b US Army, Fort Hood, Texas (16 September 1976). New gym named for late BG Starker, Fort Hood Sentinel. Retrieved 6 May 2017.
- ^ a b Army Aviation Association of America. Brigadier General Joseph B. Starker. Retrieved 6 May 2017.
- ^ Lieutenant General Tolson, John J. (15 August 2014). Vietnam Studies - AIRMOBILITY - 1961-1971. Pickle Partners Publishing. ISBN 9781782893622.
- ^ Armored Sentinel (7 July 1972). Starker Named New MASSTER Chief of Staff, Temple, Texas. Retrieved 6 May 2017
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