Wilmington in Clinton County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
302nd TCW Aircraft Accident Memorial
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., January 18, 2010
1. 302nd TCW Aircraft Accident Memorial
Lt. Col. Richard M. Griswold
Maj. Stanley H. Heismann
Maj. James A. Hopkins
Capt. Woodson B. Gudgell
Capt. Ernest B. Milligan
Capt. Robert L. Timmons
S Sgt. Richard F. Davis
S Sgt. Clyde Grimes
Erected by 302nd Troop Carrier Wing.
Topics. This historical marker and memorial is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Disasters.
Location. 39° 26.746′ N, 83° 48.576′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, Ohio, in Clinton County. Memorial is near the flagpole in the chain-link fenced enclosure in Denver Williams Memorial Park, about 0.1 miles south of the park entrance off Rombach Avenue (US Route 22). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wilmington OH 45177, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 302 TAW C-119 Accident Memorial (here, next to this marker); 907 TAG C-119G Accident Memorial (here, next to this marker); 302 TAW C-123 Accident Memorial (here, next to this marker); Military Air Disaster (a few steps from this marker); 1968 Clinton County AFB C-119G Plane Crash (a few steps from this marker); Kenneth W. Faul (about
this page online
Regarding 302nd TCW Aircraft Accident Memorial. All those listed died on 18 April 1964, probably in a C-119 aircraft accident, details and location unknown. The unit was based at nearby Clinton County Air Force Base at the time.
Additional commentary.
1.
My Father was James Hopkins who was killed in this accident. This is the first time I have seen something about the marker. It brings back alot of memories.
Editor's Note: Thank you for your interest in the Historical Marker database. We are honored that information on our site was available for you.
— Submitted March 12, 2010, by Susan Hopkins Shimer of Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
2. 302nd TCW Memorial
My father was Maj Stanley Heismann who is listed on the plaque. I am thankful that these men have been recognized for the ultimate sacrifice they paid. I am also
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., January 18, 2010
2. 302nd TCW Aircraft Accident Memorial
At right.
— Submitted June 13, 2013, by Karyl Heismann-Menchen of Loveland, Ohio.
3.
I was a crew chief in the 302nd 1952-1955. As such I flew with Captain James Hopkins many times. We both lived in Dayton and many times I rode down to Wilmington with him on training weekends. He was a good pilot and a good friend.
— Submitted June 23, 2013, by John R. Popps of Statesboro, Georgia.
4. Memorial
My name is David Schmitt. I'm from Columbus and now live in Londonderry, OH. I was stationed at Ft. Sill at the time of the accident. I was the second person at the scene and helped removed the men from the plane. While I was researching the accident I found this memorial. I'm very happy to know that these fine men have something to remember them.
— Submitted March 17, 2014, by David A. Schmitt of Londonderry, Ohio.
5. Maj. James A. Hopkins
My father was one of the pilots. Thank you to all who have helped keep alive the memory of these
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., January 18, 2010
3. 302nd TCW Memorial Names
— Submitted March 19, 2014, by James Hopkins of Carrollton, Georgia.
6.
My dad, Jim Hopkins, was one of the pilots who died in this accident. I never knew there was a memorial in Wilmington, and I have wondered if anyone remembered that April 18--especially after the base was closed. It means so much to see that they have not been forgotten. Thank you to all who have created and maintained this memorial. I can still see my dad buzzing our house (which I know he wasn't supposed to do) and waving out the window of his C119. After 50 years, I still miss him.
— Submitted May 12, 2014, by Betsy Hopkins Smith of Fairborn, Ohio.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., January 18, 2010
4. 302nd TCW Memorial Names
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., January 18, 2010
5. 302nd TCW Aircraft Accident Memorial
On right. Looking NW.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 22, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 25, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 2,551 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 25, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
