CW4 Ret. Cecil Harman Wilt

Chief Warrant Officer CW-4 Retired  US Army  Cecil H. Wilt,

On May 11, 2019 Cecil took his last solo flight after a short illness.  Cecil was a loving husband, son, brother and uncle.  He was a man who never met a stranger, and treated everyone as if they were his family.  His hobbies were bowling and fishing.  He did love to fish but what he enjoyed the most was “giving the fish away.”  He could always come up with a story for you.  He was very proud of his service to his Country and his deepest love for his family and flying.

Retired United States Army Chief Warrant Officer Four (W-4)

Born near Rowlesburg, WV, 4 May 1942 to the late Harman & Lavada Wilt.

Schooling:  Collinwood High School, 1960, Cleveland, OH; Many military schools, graduating as a Warrant Officer 1 in 1966 from US Army Aviation Helicopter School, Fort Rucker, AL and became fixed wing qualified in 1974; graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University at Fort Rucker with a degree in aviation management in 1977.

Military Career:  Enlisted in the Army in 1960 as an Infantryman, served in Germany, two tours in Vietnam, a tour in Korea with many stateside assignments; retired in 1981 with more than 20 years of honorable service; after retiring, he worked as a Flight Simulator Instructor at Simmons Army Airfield.  

Awards & Decorations: Received numerous awards & decorations to include Bronze Star Medal,  Aviation Badge; National Defense Service Medal; Good Conduct Medal; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Air Medal l-40 (one with V-Device); Army Commendation Medal (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster); Army Forces Reserve Medal; Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm (2nd Award); Meritorious Service Medal; Senior Army Aviator Badge.  In 1967, he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for conspicuous gallantry while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty.    Of this award he was very proud.  But it took years to convince him to get a personalized license plate reflecting that award.  

Married the love of his life Catherine Clark in January 1965 at Fort Ord, CA.

Survivors:  Brother:   Clifford (Nancy), Tampa, FL; Sisters:  Helen Jones, Yulee, FL; Freda Proudfoot, Philippi, WV;  three brothers deceased  Everett (Vivian), Chargin Falls, OH, Harold (Judi) and Ross (Rosemary) of Mentor, OH; two deceased brothers-in-law   Earl Jones, Belington , WV, and Lee Proudfoot, Philippi, WV.  Several nieces and nephews.

Memberships:  Distinguished Flying Cross Society, Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association; 82nd Airborne Division Association.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at Sullivan’s Funeral Home from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  Memorial services will be conducted on Thursday, May 16, 2019 10:00 am at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery.

Please make memorials to Community Home Care and Hospice Foundation, 2800 Breezewood Avenue, Suite 106, Fayetteville, NC  28303 or 82nd Airborne Division, Fayetteville Chapter,  606 Johnson Street, Fayetteville, NC  28303

Services entrusted to Sullivan’s Highland Funeral Home.