Winon "Win" Earl

Winon “Win” Earl Corley Capt./USMC-LCDR/USCGR 1930-2022 Winon “Old Mustang” flew his last combat mission today and parked his F4U-4B in that beautiful hangar in the sky. Winon was born in Walnut Hill, FL on January 12, 1930 to Liston E. and Lorena Morgan Corley. Growing up in a small farming community with his grandparents and many aunts and uncles (who showed him the “right way”); Winon developed strong conservative values of honoring family and country. After graduating from Pensacola High in 1948, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps; completing “Boot Camp” at Parris Island, SC and finishing Aviation Electronic School at Memphis, TN In June 1949 Winon, now a Naval Aviation Cadet, started Navy Flight Training. One of the most important and cherished events in Winon’s life happened, on October 28, 1950 he married Helen Earlene Sims; they were too young, but crazy in love. (Helen passed away November 3, 2015 after 65 years of precious memories). Helen pinned Winon’s Marine Aviator Wings on May 14, 1951, now commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant U.S. Marine Corps. Afterwards they took a delayed honeymoon, driving to MCAS El Toro, CA. Winon was assigned VMF451 and transitioned to F4U-4B for six months. April 1952 Winon went overseas to Korea; assigned VMF-323 at K-6. He was wounded on a combat air mission on May 14, 1952 (One year after commission). He flew 61 missions; was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal and with two gold stars, two Purple Hearts, Coast Guard Commendation Awards and others. After returning state side, Winon and Helen were stationed at the following locations: Jan-Aug 1952, Mcas Opa Locka, FL; May-June 1953 completed helicopter training at NAS Ellyson Field; Aug-Dec 1953 HMR 261 Mcas Cherry Pt, NC; Jan 1953 – June 1956, NAS Whiting Field and NAS Ellyson Field, FL; July 1956 – to June 1959, HMR263 and HMR461 honorably discharged USMCR as Capt. In July of 1959 he started a second career at U.S. Coast Guard Station Salem, MA; July 1963 – June 66 U. S. Coast Guard Savannah, GA; June 66 – 68, U.S. CG Mobile, AL Retired after 20 years as LCDR USCGR; June 68 – Jun 70 Test Pilot Sikorski Aircraft Stratford, CN; June 70 – June 1975 U.S. Army, Fort Rucker, AL developed Flight Training Programs; 1975-1980 Seville Corps, Pensacola, FL developed Flight Training Programs. Winon flew nearly 10,000 flight hours in many types of fixed wing airplanes and helicopters. After retiring Winon carved Shore Birds out of hundred year old Florida Short Leaf Pine wood and created beautiful antique style furniture. Hellen often said “I know Winon has read every book in the Pensacola Library”. Winon loved his family and country and “fought the good fight” while enjoying life fully. He leaves three children; L. Jeffery (Linda) Corley, Angela D. Corley, and Kimberly L. Corley; seven grandchildren, Heather Fremiko (Mike), Winon M. Corley, Maggie Daughtry (Ben), Adrianna Ross (Andrew), Dewey Archer III (Jewel), Meghan Frey and Joshua Frey (Alexis) and five great grandchildren. Graveside services will be held at 2PM on Mon., Mar. 14, 2022 with full U.S. Marine Corps Military Honors in Barrancas National Cemetery NAS, Pensacola, FL. Please meet at Olive Baptist Church Warrington Campus, 103 W. Winthrop Ave., Pensacola, FL 32507 at 1:30PM for procession to Barrancas National Cemetery. Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements. You may express condolences online at www.fcfhs.com.

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Winon "Win" Earl

January 12, 1930 - March 6, 2022