Chief Warrant Officer Three Jerome “Jerry” H. Landgraf was born on 18 August 1945 in Spring Valley, Illinois. After completing basic training, he served at Fort Polk, Louisiana, Fort Benning, Georgia, Hawaii, Fort Eustis, Virginia, and Hanau, Germany.

CW3 Landgraf was the aircraft maintenance production control officer for Foxtrot Company, 160th Special Operations Aviation Group (Airborne) from 13 July 1983 to 20 May 1988. CW3 Landgraf participated in Operation Prime Chance in February 1988. He established logistic concepts that are used today for deployments and training. His leadership and guidance developed the officers that are currently in the Systems and Integration Management Office.

CW3 Landgraf’s awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (w/3 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (w/4 OLC), Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, and the Senior Aviator Badge. He was posthumously awarded the Legion of Merit.

CW3 Landgraf died on 20 May 1988 when his AH-6, #276, crashed near Portland, Tennessee. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; his son, Robert and his daughter, Rebecca. He is laid to rest in Clarksville, Tennessee at Greenwood Cemetery. Landgraf Hangar on GEN Brown Compound was dedicated in honor of CW3 Landgraf.

Rebecca Landgraf Ashworth has these remarkable words to say about her dad:

This is hard, but if I had to say anything about my dad, it would be that he was my HERO.

My Dad was born into a family of two older brothers and his twin sister in Peru, Illinois. There he grew up loving cars and sports. I reached out to my Uncle Jack in Illinois to find out some history and really refresh my memory about Dad’s sports involvement. It will be 31 years ago in May that I lost him.

My Uncle shared his High School almanac with me; I found several pictures and mentions of my Dad. He loved all sports, baseball being one of his favorites. Years ago Uncle Jack would

send me the paper cut-outs where my Dad was mentioned for “No Hitters.” But for some time

Uncle Jack would find them in the 10, 20, 25 years ago section and share them with me.

I remember growing up and my Dad always being involved in my interest in sports. I wanted to play football but he said “No” so I cheered instead. When it came time for softball, I said “No,” I tried out for the boys’ baseball team instead. I can’t say I was great, but I worked hard and had a blast. He would practice with me in the afternoons and tell me who all the famous first basemen were so I could watch them on TV and maybe pick up some tips.

My Dad was always there, practicing, coaching, cheering, but most of all supporting. He was a very proud Soldier, but his family was first. While he may have been tougher on me than my teammates, I always knew he saw more in me than I did. One of the best memories I have is when we lived in Georgia. Dad would take us to Fulton County Stadium to watch the Atlanta Braves. Now those are NOT the same Braves as today. We would be the only people in the section; perhaps a hundred might be there in all. We had full run of the section and while I ran around with my brother, I remember seeing Dad relax and enjoy his love of the game. That was an annual tradition as long as we lived in Georgia. The stadium is now a parking lot but my memories will live forever.

He played varsity baseball, football, and basketball for the St .Bede Bruins in High School and started College but left for Vietnam before finishing. I am sure he would have shined in college too.