DICKIE P. FREE

A Karamürsel Survivor

 

 

 

then

 

 

 

 

2011

 

I was born April 2, 1938 in Monahans, Texas.  On August 14, 1958, I joined the US Air Force and underwent basic training at

Lackland AFB, Texas until November 9, 1958.  My first assignment was with the Air Police 77010, 6550 Apron, Patrick AFB,

Florida, ARDC, from November 19, 1958, to November 11, 1959 where I became a 77130 and made A2C June 1, 1959.  Next I

was assigned to Tuslog Det 3,  Karamursel Air Station (Mainsite) a NATO base, Security Command., Turkey, from December 9,

1959, to May 30, 1961.  On July 6, 1960, I became 77150.  From July 2, 1961, to August 13, 1962, I was assigned to the 464th

Apron, Pope AFB, North Carolina, TAC.  This completed my active duty obligation.  I was then assigned to Kelly AFB from

August 14, 1962, to August 13, 1964, for reserve duty.  I was honorably discharged from the Air Force Reserve.  Highlights of

my career include watching Atlas missiles launching from Cape Canaveral while stationed at Patrick AFB, Florida, the Turkish

Revolution in 1960; and many very real alerts. President John F. Kennedy’s visits to Pope AFB and Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

 I worked a 15-hour day without food or a restroom break.  I was a desk sergeant and flight commander for about 18 months at

Karamursel AFS, Turkey, and a desk sergeant at Pope AFB, North Carolina.  I was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, National

Defense Service Medal, and USAF Longevity Service Award.  In addition, I am authorized to wear the USAF Presidential Unit

Citation 1961-2, 464th Air Wing, Pope AFB, North Carolina (awarded during World War II.  I am presently living in Corpus

Christi, Texas.