More detail on this person: Killed in an Arrow Air Airline crash when returning from rotation
while on acitve duty.I just had a wonderful telephone conversation with Malinda Parris. We covered
many topics. I really have a good feeling inside after talking to her about Rudy & my serving with
him in Nam. Rudy was killed in the crash in Gander Newfoundland in December of 1985. At that time
he was a Warrant Officer CW3. I did not directly ask her about the CAV newsletter, but after talking
with her I have no doubt they are still reading it. Malinda told me that their son, who is now 33
years old, has started learning more about his father & collecting items relevant to him & the
Vietnam war. Among his most prized items of his father's is Rudy's flight helmet from Vietnam. I
hope I am relating this correctly as I feel somewhat overcome with emotion. Rudy is buried at FT.
Scott, Kansas cemetary near Pittsburg. I gave Malinda the website addressed for WAVV &
centaurs.org & told her where she could find a picture of him. She comes up from Kentucky about once
a year to Ft. Scott. I also gave her my e-mail address to stay in touch. When she comes to Wichita
my wife & I are going to meet her to talk over dinner. I feel very honored to have visited with her
especially after my long search trying to find Rudy.
From: Mike Olson
D troop 3/4 Cav was Centaur. He was my section leader in Cobra Platoon D/3/4 during his 69-70 tour.
He was RIF in 1973 and was able to rejoin as an Army Warrant Officer in late 70's or early 80's. In
1986, I contacted his home to learn than of his death on Arrow Air. Cary J. Bacon July 2000.
Burial information: Fort Scott National Cemetery, Fort Scott, KS
This information was last updated 03/19/2020
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Date posted on this site: 01/11/2025
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