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In his memory:
Cdr. Norman R. Green USN Ret.
VFP-62 circa 1965-67
Updated: May 25, 2023
[Webmaster's Note: This page is under construction and will be updated as tributes from family, friends, and former Navy members are received. Contact Webmaster on the link below.]
Memories and Tributes
Obituary
Our beloved father Norman Richard Green Jr. passed away peacefully in his home on April 1st of 2023 at the age of 82.
Norman was delivered on April 11th 1940 to Norman R. Green Sr. and Elanor A. Bach in Camden, New Jersey. His father operated a printing press for the local newspaper and mother was a telephone operator, in his words they weren't exactly rich growing up. Norman managed to find his great success in life with a little help from the United States Navy where he achieved the rank of Commander flying missions over the skies of Vietnam, but mostly from his beloved wife Jean A. Green to which he is now reunited.
He will be missed dearly by family he leaves behind - his sons Richard and Jeremy, his grandchildren Lilyana and Conner, his sister Patty, cousins, nieces and nephews, and the very much extended family of comrades and friends he made along the way.
We salute you Norm, Cheers!
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Ken Jack, webmaster: I met Norm for the first time during our 2008 VFP-62 squadron reunion in Mobile Bay, AL. Down through the years we exchanged emails, photos and memories of VFP-62, He gave me details and photos for our "Vietnam Operations" page and later, I assisted him while he was writing a never published, memoir of his life in the navy.
In 2020 when I was writing my second book, "Eyes of the Fleet Over Vietnam," Norm provided most of the information for Chapter 5, "VFP-62 Enters the Vietnam War."
Norm wrote about his dodging surface-to-air missiles, being chased by North Vietnmese MIG-21 fighters, and being hit by enemy anti-aircraft ammunition. His RF-8G Crusader's wing was seriously damaged (see photos below) and only through great pilot skill did he manage to get back to the carrier and land safely.
He also wrote a poignant memorial for his close friend, roommate, and fellow pilot, Lt.(jg) Norm Bundy, who crashed mysteriously on a combat mission. I've read it many times and always tear up. While he had a tough exterior, his writing betrayed the sensitive side of him---and his loyalty to fallen warriors and veterans.
During patriotic holidays, Norm would send me photos of his motorcycle buddies and him posting wreaths on veterans' graves. Norm was a Naval Academy graduate. Finally, early this year I conducted a squadron fundraiser to keep this website on the internet for ten more years, Norm was the first to send a generous check.
He was a good man and pilot. I will miss him very much. R.I.P. Norm.
I met Norm when his fellow squadron mates came to our museum. He later flew the A-7 with VA-37. We have one of their Corsairs at our museum. Norm was just an exceptional human being!
Kyle Kirby
Webmaster: In 1967 Norm transitioned to A-7 Corsair II attack aircraft and spent three years as a VA-174 instuctor, then two years as a flight deck officer aboard the USS Saratoga (CVA-60) circa 1970. In 1972 he joined VA-37 flying A-7 combat missions over Vietnam. His last combat mission was on January 8, 1973.
Lt.(then) Green's AAA-damaged RF-8G wing, while flying back to the carrier after being hit over North Vietnam.
A close look at the combat-damaged RF-8G on the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt's hangar deck.
For more information on Cdr. Green and VFP-62's Vietnam deployment go to "Vietnam Operations" page (link on any major page).
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Updated 3/9/18
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