Colonel Harold John Zweifel

Colonel Harold "Dutch" John Zweifel, USAF Ret, age 91 passed away on November 5, 2010.  Col. Zweifel was born in New Glarus, Wisconsin July 31, 1919.  Dutch was educated in New Glarus High School, University of Wisconsin and several military Schools.  As a student at the University of Wisconsin, he enrolled in the Madison Flying School.  Upon graduation, he immediately joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and became a flying instructor.  His exceptionally colorful military career is as follows: 30 years as a regular USAF pilot, 1375 combat flying hours, numerous awards and decorations, to name a few: 4 Distinguished Flying Crosses, Bronze Star, 6 Air Medals. In 1960, Dutch established a speed record, distance/non-refueling in a C-135 from the Philippine Islands to Travis, AFB, CA. Distinguished himself for flying over 18,000 hours accident free.  A measure of this remarkable achievement is the fact that fewer than one percent of all air crew members have reached this level of experience. This is consistent to exercise sound judgment and deep personal pride, signed by Mr. R. Seamans, Secretary of the Air Force.

[Colonel Zweifel served in Vietnam as Squadron Commander of the 536^th TAS in 1967.]

The San Antonio FAA District Office selected and appointed him as designated airplane pilot examiner.  From 1977 to 1999, it is estimated that he conducted approximately 3,500 FAA practical flight tests and requalification flights plus approximately 3,000 FAA written tests.  As a local FAA representative said to Dutch, “You have received more written commendations than all other examiners put together, some from famous NASA Astronauts, well known San Antonio CEOs, lawyers, and future airline pilots.  Although he was very successful in the investment business, he wanted to support the FAA and the aviation industry, because as a young man before and in college, flying was his wish to God and his dream.

He was a member of the Coker Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge Kelly #1133, Scottish Rites, Alzafar Temple, Moose Lodge, and a retired Rotarian.  “We mourn Dutch's passing, but memories of his endless energy, humor, guidance, and leadership will sustain and guide us the rest of our lives.  We loved and respected him with all our hearts.”

Surviving are his wife of 67 years Maxine Williams from Stamford, TX, four children: Terrell, Randall, Robert, and Rebecca and six grandchildren, Ryan, Harris, Stephanie, Jason, Thomas, Tara, and Katie Zweifel.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, November 11, 2010, at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

A service was held at Porter Loring North Chapel on Friday November 12, 2010.

Interment with Full Military Honors followed at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.