|
Bismarck Tribune – 27, Apr 1972
 The pilot and three military policemen were killed Wednesday when the helicopter they were riding in apparently malfunctioned and crashed near Garrison in a farm field, exploding and burning on impact, Air Force officials said.
The security police were being ferried about central North Dakota on a routine inspection of underground missile sites when the incident occurred authorities said.
The victims were 1st Lt. David O. Henneke, 24, San Antonio TX, the pilot; Sgt. Jerome A. Ciereszewski 24, Dover, OH; Airman 1st Class Frederick G. Smith, 19, Arlington WA; and Airman 1st Class William F. Urban 22, Long Beach, CA.
If you have any memories of Bill, please post a comment below.
Here is an image of the original article, regarding the crash,
as it appeared in the Bismarck Tribune:
|
Bob Snell
Bill Urban was a very good friend of mine from elementry school through graduating from Millikan. He was one of the nicest guys you could ever know. Unfortunately I lost contact with him after graduating and I believe he died in the military. If anyone has any other information I would like to know how he died.
Patrick Lombardi
Patrick Lombardi
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/179732560I believe this may be your friend, Bill Urban.
Bob Snell
Thank you very much Patrick, I was sure he died while serving our country. About 40 years ago I was taking an adult education wood working class at Millikan at night. By chance Bill's dad was in my class and I could tell just talking about Bill with him was very hard so I didn't ask him for details. I'm very glad that you found out about his passing.
Bruce Colby Hendrick
I knew Bill Urban both as a classmate at Millikan and as a co-worker at that popular Millikan hangout, Bob's Big Boy on Bellflower Blvd. Bill was one of the nicest people I've ever met, quiet but with a sly sense of humor. Someone to count on.
After graduation we briefly attended LBCC together but Bill soon left City College to work full time at Bob's while I remained a part-time worker. When the first Draft Lottery left Bill with a very bad number he decided to enlist in the Air Force. The last time I saw Bill was at his house at a lovely party his family gave him before heading out to basic training. While his marker indicates he served in Vietnam, at the time of his death Bill was serving stateside as a military policeman and died in a helicopter crash in North Dakota. See above news article for details.
While his name is not to be found on the Vietnam Wall that conflict was indirectly responsible for the tragic death of one of Millikan's best. I was honored to serve as a pallbearer for Bill. RIP, my friend. You are missed.
Michael Goldenberg
That which is remembered does not die.