Friend and classmate, Norm Billipp as seen in my high school yearbook. |
Major Norman K. Billipp |
Framed remembrance that is displayed at Manheim Township HS. The rubbing is from the Vietnam Wall in Washington. |
PS: Since I wrote this story, I have received a few emails from Norm's brothers with updated information. It follows:
- Our family moved to Chagrin Falls in 1956 from East Aurora, N. Y. (after prior stints chronologically in Lancaster, Pa; Redwood City, Calif; Detroit; Hingham, Mass). We moved from Chagrin Falls to Lancaster in ’59.
- Norm was 1/Lt. (02) when lost on MAY 6, 1969. While MIA status from MAY ’69 – June ’76, promoted to Capt.; then subsequently Major.
- Place of birth: Schenectady, N. Y.
- Call sign May 6, 1969 when lost flying O-1 Bird Dog: Seaworthy 37.
- Personal Narrative: 13 month combat tour; first 7 months flying A-4 Skyhawk with VMA-211 in Chu Lai. No F-4 pilot time.
- Norm’s Aerial Observer May 6, ‘69: John Robert “Bob” Hagan.
- Declared MIA May 1969. Declared KIA June 1976.
Thank you for this story. My name is Erin Miller and I'm trying to put together a short book of biographies about the 37 Vietnam War MIAs from Wisconsin to honor their service and sacrifices. Would you be willing to share your anymore stories about Captain Billipp, or are you in touch with anyone who would? If so, my email address is eem1919@gmail.com Thank you for your time.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ordinary Guy -
ReplyDeleteMy name is Bob Lange and I am a retired Marine Corps Colonel in San Diego. Norm and I were Marine Corps Basic School Classmates and A-4 pilots together in Vietnam. We are having our 50th Reunion in October and I am doing a biography for Norm. Can you put me in touch with Norm's friend who wrote this beautiful story or give him my email so we can connect, please?
Bob,
DeleteI was a good friend of Normn's at UofWisconsin and we flew together in a civilian flying class. Just ran across your posting the day after returning from San Diego; sorry we didn't link up while I was there. I visit Norm every time I'm in DC. RMAnnable@carolina.rr.com
I have a POW bracelet for Capt. Norm Billip that I would like to give to a family member. I am not sure how to contact them. Thank you for sharing the information on your very extraordinary friend. I feel like I can finally thank him for his service and sacrifice.
ReplyDeleteHi Betty, I am Norm's youngest brother Peter. I'd love to have the bracelet and thanks to Larry, who wrote the article about Norm. In 2010 my 2 other brothers and I went to the crash site in Laos to mark Norm and John's final resting place.
DeletePeter can you give me your address. I wore Norm's bracelet every single day for over 25 years. It should be with you now. Joanne
DeleteDear Betty, I hope you are checking back to see if anyone might have read your comment. The top comment by Erin Miller might be an answer to help you find a home for the POW bracelet. She has written a book that you may be interested in that includes a short story about Norm. See if you can click on her link here so you can contact her. Good luck and thanks for visiting my blog. Larry
ReplyDeleteHi Larry, did you know #2 brother Andy at MTHS?
ReplyDeleteHe was a Marine pilot too.
I recognize the name, but didn't know him as well as knew Norm.
Delete