Page 99 - DFCS NEWS MAGAZINE 2020-1

In 1962, he was assigned to Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, as the Chief of Maintenance for the 54th Air Rescue Squadron. He was reassigned to Los Angeles Air Force Base located in El Segundo, California, as the staff maintenance advisor to General Bernard (Bennie) Schriever, Commander, Air Force Ballistic Missile Division.
In 1971, after 30 years of service, he retired from the Air Force as a Chief Warrant Officer 4. He was awarded the Legion of Merit upon his retirement. Sixteen months later he retired from the Air Force Reserve as a Lieutenant Colonel, due to retaining his commission in the Army of the United States.
During his thirty-year career of outstanding service to his country, he was awarded the following medals: French Legion of Honor, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Air Medal with Three Oak Leaves, Air Force Commendation Medal with One Oak Leaf, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European Africa Middle Eastern Campaign with Four Battle Stars, World War Two Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal with One Bronze Star, Air Force Longevity Service Medal with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Silver Hour Glass.
Wilmer authored three books. The first one was for family only. Then, using his extraordinary life experiences as a basis, Will penned a memoir, “The Storm Clouds of War: Reflections of a World War II Bomber Pilot”. This book was published in September 2014, when Wilmer was only 95 years old! His words will give future generations insight into the challenges faced by our Greatest Generation. The third book, a compilation of short stories and vignettes will be published this year. Besides writing, Will also enjoyed boating, water skiing (until he was nearly 80 years old), fishing, RVing, golfing, and wood working. In addition, at the age of 99, Will still worked out with a personal trainer at the Air Force Base Gym twice a week. He said he came with a 100-year warranty but did need some maintenance work occasionally. He lived until the early hours of his hundredth year, so he is getting credit from his family and friends for making it to his 100-year goal!
He received his High School diploma from Crane High School in 2016! While he tested out of two years of college to qualify for pilot training, he did not take his GED test until after he retired from the Air Force. He said that he always felt like he was missing something without his high school diploma. The town of Crane and local media from Midland/Odessa made quite a big deal about their oldest graduate!
Also in 2016, he was decorated as a Knight of the French Legion of Honor for his part in freeing France during WWII. This medal is equal to the United States Medal of Honor.
Even with all his accomplishments, nothing was more important to Wilmer than his family. He demonstrated a powerful and loving dedication to his wife, Helen. He was also a dedicated father, father-in-law, grandfather, uncle, and friend to all.
Will enjoyed everything life had to offer, including going for lunch and playing games with his family and friends, as well as helping his community and chatting on social media. He spoke with Veterans of all wars, made presentations to school children from elementary to high school, and was quick to start a conversation wherever he may be. It was obvious with his speech, mannerisms and gentle way that he was truly from another generation. There aren’t many like him left. Will was a life enthusiast with a great sense of humor. He made a lasting impact on everyone he met.
He will always be remembered for his stories, his smile and the twinkle in his eye.
Wilmer is survived by his daughters; Eleanor Isaacsen (Bruce) of Hemet, CA, Mary Engel (Richard) of Jacksonville. Grandchildren; Karla Wheeler, Sharon Isaacsen, Eric Engel (Athena), Dustin Engel and Captain Heidi Engel, twelve great- grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Helen (Logue) Plate, father William Plate, mother Lucy (Riedesel) Plate, brothers Francis and Henry, sister Eleanor and grandson Bruce Isaacsen.
Internment with full military honors was conducted at Arlington National Cemetery February 12, 2020. The DFC Society camaraderie entered here as George Nardone of the local DFCS Wilbur Wright Nation’s Capital Region Chapter also attended.
Wilmer Plate holding his Crane High School Graduation Certificate 2016
99 / DFCS News Magazine / SUMMER 2020