Birth date: Apr 22, 1915 Death date: Aug 18, 2009
Maj. Gen. Charles R. Bond, Jr. (Ret.), died in his nursing home room at the Presbyterian Village North of Dallas on August 18, 2009. Charlie, a AVG fighter pilot ace, was one of the remaining pilots of the famous American Voluntee Read Obituary
Tom and I would like the Bond family, especially Jack, to know we are thinking of you. We learned of Charlie's passing last night and know he will be greatly missed. My grandpa was Joseph Vernon Bond, Charlie's uncle and my dad's cousin. My dad talked about Charlie fondly through the years and was very proud of his accomplishments as am I. I'm honored to be related to such a fine man and family. Judy Bond Joy
Cindy and family- We did not know your father, but it is wonderful to read about his impressive life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love, Karen and Ken
High Flight Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds, – and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of – wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there, I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air…. Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace Where never lark nor even eagle flew – And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God. John Gillespie Magee Jr. 1941
To all of Charlie's family, you have my deepest sympathy. I am truly honored to have known Charlie through the Flying Tiger Association. I will always remember his infectious laugh and easy smile. I guess my strongest memory of him is from the 1996 AVG reunion in Dallas, where the US government finally bestowed recognition on the brave band of Americans of the American Volunteer Group. Lt. Gen Ronald Fogleman pinned the Distinguished Flying Cross on Charlie, and he just beamed like a searchlight. He commented that to have this honor after all these years, and have it presented by the Air Force Chief of Staff, was just wonderful, "I can quit now." We all know that Charlie didn't quit then, and he will always remain an exceptional example of what all Americans should strive to be. Charlie will always be one of my heroes. John Copeland
We were sorry to hear of the passing of Charles and send prayers and thoughts of comfort to the family during this time. I (Randall) met Charles through Keith Andre's CPA firm several years ago.
Very sorry to hear General Bond passed away. My condolences with all the family. I had the pleasure of meeting General Bond when he lived in Austin and him knowing of my AVG interest presented me with his book and some photos. He will be missed but his deeds will never be forgotten. Tom Shane
Wonderful to have seen him last fall and shared in his memories with Buster! Uncle Bob(He will miss his oldest and best friend!Robert B. Keeton) send his heartfelt condolences.
When someone passes on, there comes an opportunity for survivors to reconnect. I saw General Bond's obituary in the Washington Post ~ and traced Becky the next day. We've since had an hour long catch-up phone call. She and I were contemporaries in Vicenza, Italy, where my father, Col E. B. Rasmessen, served with General Bond in 5 ATAF. My parents had high regard for both General and Mrs. Bond. I'm sure the Bonds and Rasmessens have joined up by now, talking about the Air Force and remembering the good old days in Italy. My thoughts and prayers are with the Bond family.
Charlie Bond will always be a true hero … to our family and to the whole country. He was a great warrior and a classy gentleman. I remember that he flew to California to attend the birthday party for his best friend, Dick Rossi on his 80th birthday. He honored us all. Lydia and Tony Rossi August 21, 2009
I was privileged to meet Gen. Bond at a Sunday service at Northwest Bible Church in July of 1990. In our short conversation, he briefly told me of his military service – and of his book, "A Flying Tiger's Diary" – which I later bought and he signed. This was a fascinating story of a very brave and courageous pilot and serviceman during World War II. My deepest sympathy in the loss of your highly regarded loved one.
