William  Wamel  was  born  on  May  3, 1920 in  El Paso,  Texas  and  passed  away  on   December  11, 2005 in Costa Mesa, CA.   He  had a  distinguished  26 year career as a Marine Corps pilot.  His  career  included  participation with the "Cactus Air Force" at  Henderson Field on Guadalcanal  in World War II  as well  as duty  as  a  night  interceptor  during  the   Korean  conflict  and  a  tour  as a  helicopter  pilot  in Vietnam. 

On April 27, 1964,  he was one of  sixteen pilots to earn Distinguished Flying Crosses, the first Marine helicopter  pilots to receive  this award in  the Viet- nam conflict.   Their  awards  were the  result  of  a large  strike into  a Viet Cong  infested  area known as Do Xa that can be viewed here.

A  lifelong  tennis  player, he was the first to import Yonex  Tennis  and  Badminton equipment into the United States.

He  is  survived  by  his  wife  Mona,  son   Kendall, daughter-in-law  Therese and grandson William, all residents of Costa Mesa, CA.

Donations  may  be  sent  to  Boy's  Republic, 3493 Grand Avenue, Chino Hills, CA 91709.

Expressions of condolence can be mailed to:
Mona B. Wamel
363 Ravello Lane
Costa Mesa, CA 92627-1425