My grandfather, Lt. Col. Elbert "Al" Price, USMC (Ret.) passed away today, August 20th at 4:30 AM. He had been battling pancreatic and liver cancer for the last eight months. We were unsure about when he was going to go, but we're all thankful that he went quietly and without pain. He was 83.
He was a member of VMF-323 in WWII and Korea, flying the F4U Corsair. He was also a receipiant of the Distiguished Flying Cross and was awarded the Air Medal four times. He remained in the Marine Corps until 1968, his final assignment being the commander of a Marine helicopter squadron whose designation escapes me at the moment. He was even the personal pilot of Admeral Ball for a breif period. After he retired, he worked for Vought for a few years and was a member of the Confederate Air Force, having the distinction of flying their F4U to and from air shows. Though he never got a chance to fly the aircraft in demonstration, several pictures are out there of him flying this beautiful bird. (F4U-4, Navy markings, number 13 with the checkerboard cowl.)
He was a wonderful man, full of cheer and pep until being diagnosed with the cancer. He will be missed dearly by those that loved him.
I appreciate the well-wishes that everyone gave me when I announced his diagnosis a few months ago. My family and I extend our thanks to everyone in the community. He will be missed. Take the F4U up one time in AH and remember him. I wish I could still do that. Clear skies and tailwinds, sir.
Semper Fi, Marine.