Happy Valley in Clackamas County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)

King 56 Aircrew Memorial

Photographed by Kevin W., September 26, 2008

1. King 56 Aircrew Memorial Marker

Inscription. In memory of the 304th Rescue Squadron aircrew members, who lost their lives on board aircraft King 56, while performing a training mission on the night of November 22, 1996. These men were Citizen Soldiers committed to the preservation of the heritage of their nation. Because of this tragedy, we lost some of the soul of our country. You will not be forgotten.

Lt. Col John W. Keyes • Capt Robert P. Schott • Capt Kirk A. Wellnitz • Capt Brant G. Ferrarini • SMSgt Robert J. Roberts • TSgt David W. McAuley • SSgt Marvin H. Forrest • SSgt Jonathon R. Leonard • SSgt James R. Johnson • SSgt Ronald E. Garner, Jr.

Erected 2006 by members of the 304th Rescue Squadron.

Topics and series. This historical marker and memorial is listed in these topic lists: Military • Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the National Cemeteries series list. A significant historical date for this entry is November 22, 1996.

Location. 45° 27.439′ N, 122° 32.425′ W. Marker is in Happy Valley, Oregon, in Clackamas County. It is on Willamette National Cemetery Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11800 SE Mount

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Scott Blvd, Happy Valley OR 97086, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker and memorial is in the Willamette Valley

and in Greater Portland Area.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast,

in the Pacific Northwest,

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

in the Cascade Range,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Willamette National Cemetery Carillon Bells (approx. 0.3 miles away); Oregon Korean War Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); Flight 173 Memorial (approx. 4.9 miles away); Grinding Rock (approx. 5.1 miles away); Area Commerce (approx. 5.1 miles away); The Baker Family (approx. 5.1 miles away); The Baker Cabin Overview (approx. 5.1 miles away); The Baker Cabin (approx. 5.1 miles away).

More about this marker. This marker was originally located at the 939th Air Refueling Wing 304th Air Rescue Squadron area at the Portland Air Base (Portland International Airport).

Photographed by Kevin W., September 26, 2008

2. King 56 Aircrew Memorial Marker

The back of the granite memorial includes an image of a C-130 flying overhead, and a pararescueman being lowered to assist an injured servicemember.

The unit was disbanded as a result of a Base Realignment and Closure decision in 2005. The memorial was moved to Willamette National Cemetery and rededicated on November 17, 2006. Eight of the ten crewmembers from King 56 have markers or headstones at Willamette.

Photographed by Kevin W., September 26, 2008

3. King 56 Aircrew Memorial Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on March 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 1, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 4,449 times since then and 68 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 1, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.