Dear Golden Eagles,

I am saddened to report to you that Lieutenant Colonel Harold A. Langstaff, USMC (Ret.) made his last takeoff on Friday, April 8, 2011 in Sacramento, California. Ruthie, his loving wife of 64 years; son Gary and his wife Claudia of Fresno, CA; son Gordon of Davis, CA; daughter Nancy and husband Jake Krakauer of Pleasanton, CA; and four grandchildren survive him. Committal Service will be held at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road, Dixon, CA at 2 pm on Monday, April 25, 2011.

LtCol Hap Langstaff joined the Marine Corps in June 1941, entered flight training in September, and was designated a naval aviator on July 23, 1942. After completing additional fighter training and carrier qualifications, he reported to VMF-215, 1st Marine Air Wing and flew F4F’s and F4U’s in support of the Guadalcanal Campaign. He flew113 combat missions from April 1943-April 1944, and was credited with shooting down three Japanese Zeros in the Solomons. Hap was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and eight Air Medals for his heroic actions. Following a tour back in the States, he returned to the Pacific with VMF-321 flying F6F’s, and took part in the Japanese Occupation from August 1945-February 1946.

After six years ashore following WWII, during which time he attended both the University of Michigan and Stanford University and earned a Master’s degree, as well as completing a tour with VMF-114, Hap returned to combat in Korea. He flew 75 combat missions with VMF-311 in F9F-5’s.

Hap commanded VMF-314 in ’56-’57, and VMF-115 from ’57-’59. While commanding VMF-314 he flew as a member of the squadron aerial gunnery team which won the All Navy/Marine Weapons meet. The squadron also won the Commandant’s Trophy. While commanding VMF-115, the squadron deployed to Formosa for six months following the Quemoy Incident and provided night and all-weather patrols along the Chinese coast.

LtCol Hapstaff served as the Director of Aviation Technical Training in the Division of Aviation, Headquarters, USMC from ’59-’62, and retired from active duty in June 1962.

Hap was an aggressive and skilled fighter pilot who led by example. He flew over 6400 accident-free hours in an era when this accomplishment was a rare exception, and included combat operations in two wars. He was an active and proud Golden Eagle whose loyal presence at our annual reunions was always a welcome sight.

We have lost another of our honored heroes of WWII, and one who saw combat in Korea, as well. He will be missed.

Sadly,

Bill Gureck, Pilot