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Contact Info
Home Town Rapid River
Last Address Maryville, TN
Date of Passing Jun 12, 2011
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Last Known Activity:
YNC Michael Wunder (SS) USN-RET, departed on his last patrol, on Sunday,12 June, 2011 at his home in Maryville, TN. He had battled serious health issues for many years, and had survived numerous serious close calls. Earlier that day he had been out enjoying time with friends and family on his recently purchased pontoon boat. So he lived life to the fullest, doing things he loved right up to the end.
He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He loved the Navy, hunting and fishing, his boats, watching baseball games, riding his motorcycle and listening to "Country Music". He was active in his church, and was a member of the USS CASIMIR PULASKI Reunion Group.
Following Mikes Navy retirement in 1984 he worked for the Sonalyst Corporation in New London, CT in the Human Resources Department. After his disability retirement from Sonalyst, Mike and his wife enjoyed visiting Germany where his sone was stationed with the US Army. He and his family had moved to Tennesee several years ago, after thier post Navy years near the New London CT, Sub Base. He and his wife and extended family were welcomed by the Christian Church in Maryville. They became active members of the church community
I had been friends with Mike since 1980, when we had met thru the friendship of our wives hile we were statrioned in Brunswick, Maine. We coached Little League Baseball together and shared a love of the game. He was my buddy and I miss him very much. This profile is my best way to remember a proud American, and fine US Navy Chief Petty Officer.
Fair Winds and Following Seas, my Shipmate! You were one of the best buddies I could have ever had!
The White Buffalo
Other Comments:
Had occasion to recall a quote from Mike recently, with the anniversary of some Novemeber ship losses in the Great Lakes. Took Mike to the Welland Canal to see the ships passing thru. Observing the giant Lake Frieghters, Mike stated, "You couldnt get me to sail the Great Lakes for all the money in the world.". This from a guy who did two tours on subs.
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Per the National Cemetery Administration.........
WUNDER, MICHAEL JOHN
YNC US NAVY
VIETNAM
DATE OF BIRTH: 12/11/1945
DATE OF DEATH: 06/12/2011
BURIED AT:
HAVEN HILL MEMORIAL GARDENS
MADISONVILLE, TN 37354
(423) 442-4404
Dixie Station, South Vietnam
From Month/Year
May / 1965
To Month/Year
August / 1966
Description Dixie Station was established in the South China Sea off the Mekong Delta May 15, 1965 to August 3, 1966 as a single-carrier counterpart to the multi-carrier Yankee Station, which was located further north near the mouth of the Gulf of Tonkin and was responsible for strikes on North Vietnamese targets.
My Participation in This Battle or Operation
From Month/Year
May / 1965
To Month/Year
August / 1966
Last Updated: Mar 16, 2020
Personal Memories
People You Remember USS Ranger combat cruise to the Gulf of Tonkin in 1966.
Memories Seeing Lt Dieter Dengler return to USS RANGER after his escape from a Patet Lao POW Camp.
