After graduating from Burke High School in Charleston, South Carolina in 1964, he attended University of South Carolina. Additionally, he obtained flight training at Miller’s Flight School in the 1960’s before joining the Army.
After receiving initial rotary wing flight training at Ft. Wolters, Texas, he served as an Aero Scout Pilot with 1st Air Cav in Viet Nam; Medevac pilot with the 659th Med Det; Medevac pilot with 1259th Med Co ( Air Ambulance);and Pilot at Savannah River Plant during his civilian aviation career.
The following quotes are from colleagues and friends:
“You will be missed by so many of your Guard Buddies, especially me. I was instrumental in getting you in the Guard when I knew you at Miller Aviation when you were learning to fly and you were working as a line boy to pay for flying lessons.”
“Sorry to hear of Bernie’s passing he was very brave and fierce in all his endeavors. He along with another pilot started Palmetto Flying club in Columbia, SC. I was fierce and adventurous at the time and one of couple ladies that signed up. He took his lessons very seriously and attended most flying events and air shows to which I attended at Motown Airfield in Alabama and met the first black female pilot for American Airlines. What an adventure it was! Rest on the wings of Heaven my friend!”
“Bernie was one of the first guys I flew with when I finished Army Flight Training. Bernie was one of the salty Viet Nam vets that took me under his wing and showed me what flying was about outside of the training world. Forever thankful for him and his gracious wisdom. Fly West my friend.”
“I’m so shocked at Bernie’s passing. I have a lot of fond memories of Bernie. We flew a lot of missions together and spent a lot of time enjoying our friendship. Bernie was a dedicated soldier who loved his Country. He will be missed.”
“Bernie was my friend and patriot. I have vivid memories of Bernie. So many of Army pilots respected Bernie. His service to our country is superior. We flew many missions together over many years, I was honored. I visited Bernie at the VA hospital in Augusta Georgia. We weep together. Brotherhood has no equal.”
