letter to Lou Ives
Last Gasp Goatery & Antique Farm Machinery
22 May 1992
I had to unearth about 10 feet of crud to fine these old AvCad things, but the search was worthwhile. I needed to clean out that particular rat hole anyway. Hope they will be of interest to the gang.
Sure enjoyed the get together in Virginia Beach and most grateful for the AMA taking this old worn out Cadet under their “wings.” Making the next hootenanny in New Orleans somewhat doubtful as we will be in Coronado, working on our house there. Thanks again for the wonderful hospitality ! ! !
Check “6” and take care . . . . .
/s/ Carl (TEX) Birdwell
BRADYVILLE, Tenn. – Retired Capt. Carl “Tex” Birdwell, Jr., 68, died April 12 [year?] at his home.
Birdwell enlisted in the Navy in 1945 under the V-5 Aviation Cadet program. He was commissioned in 1948.
During his 30-year career, Birdwell completed aeronautical engineering degrees at the Naval Post Graduate School and the California Institute of Technology.
As a pilot he logged more than 7,000 hours of flight time and 800 carrier landings.
Birdwell was the first Navy aviator to attend the Air Force Research Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base in Rosamond, Calif.
Among his awards are one silver star, the Legion of Merit, a Distinguished Flying Cross with three gold stars, one Bronze Star and the Air Medal.
Following his retirement Birdwell moved to Bradyville, Tenn., and taught at the University of Tennessee Space Institute.
He is survived by his wife, Jean Mary Birdwell; three sons, Carl S. Birdwell of Alexandria, Va., Hugh H. Birdwell of Coronado, Calif., and Robert C. Birdwell of Nashville, Tenn.; one brother and sister-in-law, John and Joyce Birdwell of College Station, Texas; one sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Tex Earp of Farmington, N.M.; and four grandchildren.