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Archives at The Museum of Flight


Beyl, Donald F., 1923-2001

 Person

Biographical Note

Donald F. Beyl was born in New Richmond, Wisconsin on October 27, 1923. Beyl enlisted in the United States Naval Cadet program shortly after his high school graduation. In January 1944, Beyl was commissioned as Ensign, U.S. Naval Aviator and fought in World War II as a carrier based pilot in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters.

Beyl was released from active service in 1946 and started a flying school in Amery, Wisconsin. In 1948, Beyl was recalled to active duty and served two years in the Mediterranean area. After this tour, he remained in the Naval Reserve and flew all types of aircraft until 1961.

In 1961, Beyl left the Naval Reserve and joined the Air Force Reserve. Beyl initially served with the 934th Tactical Airlift Group. He was assigned to other groups over the years, until he was recalled to active service again in 1968. Beyl served in Vietnam where he flew eighty-two night combat missions. In 1970, Beyl was promoted to Colonel and was still serving in the military as of 1975.

Donald F. Beyl died on March 30, 2001.

Source:

Biography derived from collection material, donor information, and Ancestry.com.

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

David F. Beyl and Donald D. Beyl Logbooks

 Collection — Box: One
Identifier: 2009-09-22
Contents of the Collection The David F. Beyl and Donald D. Beyl log books is a small collection of nine (9) United States Naval Aviator and civilian pilot logbooks belonging to brothers David and Donald Beyl, ranging from 1943-1987. Four (4) of the logbooks belonged to David D. Beyl and span approximately from 1954 to 1978, covering David's US Navy service. The other five (5) logbooks belonged to his brother, Donald F. Beyl, and cover his military and civilian flight history, ranging from 1943-1987. ...

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