Colonel E. Pearce Fleming, Jr. provided enlightened leadership and foresight in key aviation duties during the decades of the '50's and '60's serving consecutively as an Aviation Officer in U.S. Army Europe, and in Headquarters of the Commander-in-Chief, Pacific, where he was particularly influential in insuring the freedom of action enjoyed by all Army Aviation units in Vietnam.

When Colonel Fleming assumed command of the U.S. Army Primary Helicopter School at Fort Wolters, TX, in 1965, the graduates were programmed at 100 each month utilizing 126 helicopters, one heliport, and four stagefields. On his departure in 1967, the program's graduates totaled 575 each month utilizing 1,150 helicopters, three heliports, and 26 stagefields to accomplish this mammoth training requirement.

In terms of graduates and aircraft, Fort Wolters became the largest flight training school on one installation in the history of aviation.

An innovative trainer, manager, leader, and commander, Colonel Fleming's remarkable achievements at Fort Wolters contributed immeasurably to the success of Army Aviation pilot training during the tumultuous years of the Vietnam War. His final assignment was as Deputy Director of Army Aviation from which he retired after 31 years of exemplary service.

 

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