Charles James Wendorf III

February 14, 1939 - May 28, 2023

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Obituary For Charles James Wendorf III

Charles James Wendorf III, 87, of Prescott, AZ, passed away on Sunday, May 28th, 2023 in Jacksonville, NC.

There are no services scheduled at this time.

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Johnson Funeral Home of Jacksonville is honored to serve Charles' family during this most difficult time.

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  • June 24, 2023

    To The Family of LTC Wendorf: My husband and I read the obituary on LTC Wendorf. You don't get to read an amazing account of history like that of LTC Wendorf. I remember my Dad talking about "Operation Chrome Dome" and the loss of hydrogen bombs on multiple occasions. My Dad always read books on history. He never watched any sports but every Wednesday and Saturday he be at the local library getting books on history. My Dad probably read every history book. He was well versed about "Operation Chrome Dome." I know my Dad would have loved talking to LTC Wendorf. I lived in Utica, NY, not too far from Griffiss AFB, Rome, NY. How I remember the BUFFS flying near us and the sounds at night when maintenance did engine checks. I joined the AF as a nurse and was assigned to SAC so I am well aware of KC135's and B52's. I try to tell people about the mission of B52's and also about submarine chasers (P3/P8) and people have no clue what I am talking about nor do they care. Like Rich, I would have loved to sit down with LTC Wendorf and hear his stories of flying the mighty B52 known also as the BUFF. To this day the B52 is still flying. But let me have my husband, Rich, write to you as he was a gunner on B52's. By the way, I did send LTC Wendorf obit to a long-time friend who was a pilot on B52's. He, too, pulled alert during the Cold War. I was a gunner on G's & H's from 1982-1990, stationed at Carswell AFB, TX and Castle AFB, CA. I pulled many hours of SAC ground nuclear alert. Through the years of flying B-52's we were told the history of Chrome Dome and accidents that ultimately was the mission's demise. I read up on the history of the "Palomares incident" as I couldn't remember the details. I'm sure that was an everlasting memory for LTC Wendorf. I would have loved to sit down and listen to his story. I try to tell others about my time in the B-52 and they just don't understand what we did or the camaraderie of the crews. I'm sure LTC Wendorf would have agreed. I know he will be missed dearly as he was "living history." He has slipped the surly bonds of earth, and touched the face of God. Rich and Charlene Mizner

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