Gary W. Eldridge, Colonel, United States Army

Gary W. Eldridge
Colonel, United States Army

Gary W. Eldridge, a retired Army colonel who had been a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Springfield, Virginia, died of cancer September 8, 2001, at Woodbine Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Alexandria, Virginia.

Colonel Eldridge, a native of Pontiac, Michigan, served in the Army as an AH-1 Cobra helicopter pilot in Vietnam during the war there. Among his decorations were the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Air Medal.

He moved to Springfield in the early 1980s when he was assigned to the Pentagon, and retired from the Army in 1993 after 26 years of service.

He received a bachelor's degree from Golden Gate University and a master's degree in business administration from Auburn University.

Survivors include his wife, Donna Eldridge, and their son, Douglas L. Eldridge, both of Springfield; his parents; three brothers; and a sister.

ELDRIDGE, GARY
COL US ARMY
VETERAN SERVICE DATES: 09/29/1967 - 06/30/1993
DATE OF BIRTH: 07/24/1947
DATE OF DEATH: 09/08/2001
DATE OF INTERMENT: 10/04/2001
BURIED AT: SECTION 65 SITE 2046
Posted: 23 September 2006

Distinguished Flying Cross

Air Medal

Purple Heart Medal