By Senator Holley
ENROLLED, SJR7,
MOURNING THE DEATH OF MR. MICHAEL J. NOVOSEL, SR.
WHEREAS, recorded with a sense of deep sorrow and loss is the death of Mr. Michael J. Novosel, Sr., on April 2, 2006, at the age of 83 years; and
WHEREAS, born September 3, 1922, in Etna, Pennsylvania, Michael Novosel was the son of Michael and Kate Segina Novosel; he graduated from Etna High School in 1940 and joined the Army Air Corps in 1941; and
WHEREAS, Michael Novosel earned his way into the Flight Cadet Training Program in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and became a bomber pilot and later an instructor; he flew a B-29 Superfortress as a command pilot during World War II, conducted a flyover of the ceremonies on the USS Missouri when Japan surrendered, and eventually joined the Air Force Reserve; and
WHEREAS, Michael Novosel was brought back to duty during the Korean War but did not go overseas; he served as an airline pilot and flight instructor with Southern Airways until he returned to combat flying during the Vietnam War; he commanded a medical evacuation helicopter, risking his life to save the lives of 29 soldiers in Kien Tuong Province, and was decorated with the Congressional Medal of Honor; and
WHEREAS, Michael Novosel, Sr., and his son, Michael Novosel, Jr., flew in combat at the same time, making them the first father and son pair to fly together in combat; after 44 years of military service, he retired in 1984 and is the author of "Dustoff: The Memoir of an Army Aviator," which detailed his military service; and
WHEREAS, left to cherish the memory of Michael Novosel are his two sons, John Novosel and Michael J. Novosel, Jr.; two daughters, Jeannie Vineyard and Patti Clevenger; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and brother, Frank Novosel; he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Ethel Graham Novosel; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, BOTH HOUSES THEREOF CONCURRING, That in sadness and regret the death of Mr. Michael J. Novosel, Sr., is hereby recorded, and sincerest sympathy is extended to his family for whom a copy of this resolution shall be provided.