Colonel James Wyatt passed away April 27, 2009. According to the article he served 26 years in the USAF. He did two tours in Vietnam, in the second as Wing Commander of the AC-130 Gunship Squadron in Korat, Thailand. Awards during his distinguished career include Legion of Merit, Silver Star with one oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster and many other awards.  Military ceremony was held at Bay Pines Cemetery on Friday, May 8. In lieu of flowers donation to www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Col Jim was our 14th Spectre Commander and a true "Dad" to the squadron while in SEA.  Here are just a few of the things folks said on news of his passing:  "

Col W. was an enlisted mans officer, he keep more that one of us out of trouble. Saw he a few years ago at the BX at McDill AFB. Nothing would do until the wife and I had lunch with him, rehashed old times."

"Col. Jim was one hell of a guy."

"Please pay my respects to the family. I really thought a lot of him."

"Really sad to hear about Col Jim passing away. He was a good man and a good Commander. He was also partial to the Gunners and cut us a lot of slack when we got "rowdy" sweet Gin owed his stripes to him when he emptied out the USO in Korat . He said "boys will be boys!"

The Spectre Association was represented at COL Jim's Memorial service and gave the family a squadron Coin and a Video of Gunships in Vietnam to try to show they what their brave father did in the war.  COL Jim should be very proud of his wonderful family who made us Spectre guys feel at home with them. 
More photos of the ceremony below.