WIEGAND-KARL

A native of Liverpool, New York, Karl was an active youth with athletics playing a major role in his development.  An avid Yankees fan, Karl also became an accomplished lacrosse player excelling in both high school and at the University of Delaware.

     Youngest in a family that loved being together, he returned to his home town after college. After working for a short time with his father in construction, he followed in his Dad’s footsteps and joined the Navy.  There he found a second home and was commissioned on August 14, 1981.  Then, after pursuing a love of flying that was instilled in him by his mother, Karl was designated as a naval aviator on November 19, 1982.

     As an accomplished helicopter pilot, Karl served on the USS Nimitz, USS Coral Sea, and the USS Abraham Lincoln before his final assignment on the USS America.  Over the years, he logged a total of 2,578 flight hours.  Karl also served in Operation Desert Storm and was nominated for two air medals in support of that effort.  Additionally, he received many decorations:  Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Battle “E” ribbon, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.  Lieutenant Commander Wiegand was killed October 9, 1991 in a helicopter accident during routine maneuvers aboard the USS America off Bermuda along with three crew members of HS-11 Dragonslayer 611.

     Karl will live in the memories of his wife of four years Tam Le, his parents Carlton and Marion Wiegand, his sisters Patricia DeLong (Robert) and Lynn Wiegand-Rahn (Ed), his niece Michelle DeLong Byalick, and a nephew Rob DeLong. He will be fondly treasured as a typical kid with a quiet demeanor who loved to read, continually learn, and solve problems.  Over the years, he remained a modest man of few words who led by example and displayed patience and self-confidence in his work.  Fellow officers referred to him as a true patriot, respected as a man and a pilot who was always concerned about his men.  Repeatedly, crew members would ask to fly with Karl. These qualities exemplify the legacy of Karl John Wiegand.