Col. Walter F. Kutschera, USAF Ret
Walter was 93 when he passed away June 27, 2012 of natural causes at his residence in Brownsburg Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He is survived by his daughter, Gudrun (Kent) Carlson, grandson, Kurt (Margaret) Carlson, great-granddaughter, Olivia Carlson, and nephews Robert Kutschera and William Kutschera. He was born in Revere, Pennsylvania and grew up in Middle Village, New York. Active in Boy Scouts and hiking, he majored in Forestry at Syracuse University. In June 20, 1940 he enlisted in the U.S. Army as an aviation cadet. He became Commander of the 429th Squadron, 2nd Bombardment Group. He flew over 35 successful combat missions in a B-17, bombing enemy targets in Africa, Italy, the Balkans, Austria, and Germany during WWII. He was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry during a bombing mission over the enemy aircraft factory at Steyr, Austria on February 24, 1944. In 1957 he married Marlena. They had 51 years together enjoying the Air Force life stationed in Georgia, Alabama, and Turkey, and followed by retirement in Naples, FL. Shortly after his wife's death in 2008, Walter moved to Brownsburg, IN to be close to family. A brief memorial service will be held in Matthews Mortuary, 690 East 56th Street, Brownsburg, IN, on Friday, July 6 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, please make a small donation to a military charity.