Dave Ferguson - Arlington National Cemetery, Thursday Dec 8

[Vinnie P.]

Former National Team Leader, Lt. Col Dave Ferguson, will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday December 8 at 3PM. The funeral will start from the Administration Building and it is suggested if you plan on attending be there 30 minutes prior.

Further information can be found at the link below and if you scroll down and select the date you'll see the schedule. Dave appears on page 2 of December 8th.

http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/FuneralInformation/DailySchedule.aspx

[Michael F.]

Re: Dave Ferguson - Arlington National Cemetery, Thursday Dec 8

Didn't know him but may he rest in peace and we thank him for his service to his country. Prayers will be made for his family. What service was he in and what did he do?

[Dan M.]

Re: Dave Ferguson - Arlington National Cemetery, Thursday Dec 8

I met Dave out at Edwards Air Force Base when he was test pilot for the Lockheed YF-22 (now the F-22). Great guy and great pilot.

[Stuart F.]

Re: Dave Ferguson - Arlington National Cemetery, Thursday Dec 8

Thanks for the information Vinnie. Did not know Col. Ferguson personally, but knew of him. May he soar with the Eagles forever,

Stu Fox

[Doug L.]

Re: Dave Ferguson - Arlington National Cemetery, Thursday Dec 8

Col. Ferguson, USAF Ret., also flew combat missions in Vietnam as a "Wild Weasel". Weasels were "first in, last out". They led strike flights to their target and attempted to get SAM (surface to air missile) sites to fire at them. When SAM radar locked onto their F-105 the Weasel would launch an air-to-ground missile (AGM) at the SAM site. It was a deadly game of chicken. The SAM was coming at the Weasel at mach 3 while the AGM tracked toward the SAM launch site. If SAM operator shut down his radar the SAM went stupid. If he left it on it was a race to see which missile arrived first. Of the first 6 Weasel F-105s that were sent to Vietnam, all were shot down within the first month. Weasel drivers had by far the biggest cajones. They were the best and the bravest. Hand salute Dave.

[Loren L.]

Re: Dave Ferguson - Arlington National Cemetery, Thursday Dec 8

Test pilot, F117, YF22, "Director of Flight Operations" for Lockheed and access to a memo pad labeled "From the Skunkworks", I faced east at the appropriate time and saluted - An Incredible Gentleman.

[Vinnie P.]

Re: Dave Ferguson - Arlington National Cemetery, Thursday Dec 8

Just walked in the door after the round trip from LI to Arlington, quite a fitting tribute to a true American Hero. Full Military honors from horse drawn timbers carrying the casket to the gravesite, full military band, 21 gun salute, Jan and Dave's two daughters were very appreciative of all those in attendance, there was quite a turnout of family and friends, I would estimate over 100...may he rest in peace.