Lt. Col. Robert B. McGhee (Ret)

Robert B. McGhee, of Salado, died April 20, 2009 at his home.

He was born on November 23, 1921 in Muskegon, Michigan to Robert L. and Wenonah (Butterworth) McGhee. Bob was well known in the community for his selfless efforts in the Salado Lions Club. He won the Tom P. Kirkham, Jr. Leadership Award in 1997 and Lion of the Year award 1991-1992. Bob had several careers in his lifetime including the U. S. Army, aircraft safety consultant and real estate. He loved boating and fishing and was a licensed U. S. Coast Guard Captain.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Theresa, of Salado and children, Mrs. Robert (Judy) Thompson, of San Antonio; John “Mac” McGhee of Pipe Creek, TX; Mrs. Thirl (Sharon) Johnson, of Dallas; and Dana Allen, of The Grove; 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, and 3 nephews and one niece. His sister, Helen, resides in Kenai, Alaska. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Dee and two grandchildren. Bob and Theresa are members of the First United Methodist Church in Salado.
Col. McGhee served in the U. S. Army for 28 years including combat action in World War II and Korea. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Silver Star and the Bronze Star for valor with one oak leaf cluster. He was awarded the Purple Heart with one oak leaf cluster, The Army Commendation Medal, European and Korean Presidential Commendation Medals, as well as various U.S. and Korean Service Medals. He enlisted as a Private in Troop B, 106 Cavalry Regiment (Horse Mounted), Michigan National Guard, 2 March 1938. He retired as Chief of Operations and Training, Aviation Division, Fourth U.S. Army, 31 March 1966.
His service during WWII involved the invasion of North Africa, airborne invasion of Holland as a Glider Trooper, the Battle of The Bulge in the Ardennes Forest and an airborne invasion of Germany at the Rhine River. He was in Korea for the breakout of the Pusan Perimeter in mid 1950. He served in postwar Panama, Germany, and throughout the USA.
He was a Master parachute jumper and Senior Army Aviator pilot of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. He was the pilot who flew into the jungles of Ecuador to recover the bodies of five martyred Missionaries working among cannibal Aucas Indians. These exploits were recorded in the book “Through Gates of Splendor” and the movie, “The Tip of the Spear”. He had the honor of flying Able, Baker and Charlie (the first monkeys in space) from Ft. Knox, KY to Florida. He was a member of the Order of Daedalians having logged 13200 hours flight time.
A memorial service will be 1 p.m. April 23, at Salado United Methodist Church, 650 Royal Street. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the Lions Crippled Children’s Hospital in Kerrville, TX.