Batcat
The United
States Air Force
553rd
Reconnaissance Wing
Korat Royal Thai
Air Force Base
A Special Promotion Occurred
at the Pentagon in Washington D.C.
June 1, 2018 with Batcat participation
Special Promotion area added 10/21/18, Last updated 11/08/18.
If you find errors or omissions, or have questions please contact
webmaster Larry Westin via email at
westin@westin553.net. Thank you.
Background about the Special Pentagon Promotion
with Batcat participation
On April 25, 1969 the 553rd Reconnaissance Wing, 554th Reconnaissance Squadron lost a Lockheed
EC-121R airplane as it departed for an operational combat mission. The airplane, USAF serial number
67-21493 flying with call sign Batcat 21, was crewed by Batcat crew 39. The airplane encountered a
natural weather phenomenon which was not understood in 1969, but is known today as a microburst on
take off, and crashed. All 18 Batcat airman on board the aircraft lost their lives. One crew member who was
killed on that mission was Lt. Col. William C. McCormick Jr, whose aircrew position was navigator.
Batcat Lt. Col. William C. McCormick Jr who was killed with the loss of Batcat 21
Lt. Col. William C. McCormick Jr. was survived by his daughter, Leslie McCormick, and a son William
C. McCormick III. Leslie McCormick married and had three sons, Kristopher Greiner, Mike Greiner and Aaron
Greiner. Mike Greiner later married Jennifer Warren who is today in the USAF assigned to the Pentagon. Major
Jennifer Warren was promoted to Lt. Col. at a ceremony at the Air Force Memorial on June 1, 2018.
Lt. Col. McCormick Jr's family had a pair of the Lt. Col. insignia he wore during his service.
It would be the service dress silver oak leaves Lt. Col. insignia worn by Lt. Col. McCormick Jr.
which were pinned on Jennifer Warren at her promotion ceremony June 1, 2018. One of the
guests who attended Lt. Col. Jennifer Warren's promotion ceremony was Col. (Ret.) Charlotte
(Holder) Clinger who was a Batcat with the 553rd Reconnaissance Wing assigned to Intelligence at
the time of the loss of Batcat 21.
Jennifer Warren (left) - Batcat Charlotte Clinger (right) together hold a Batcat Plaque
at her promotion ceremony held at the Air Force Memorial which overlooks the Nation's Capital
The promotion of Jennifer Warren to Lt. Col. in Images
taken during the ceremony at the Air Force Memorial
The
official party enters the Air Force Memorial grounds, Major Jennifer Warren on left, narrator on the right.
Color about 224K. Added 10/21/18.
The The
narrator begins the ceremony. American and Air Force flags on the right. Color about 161K.
Added 10/21/18.
Here is
another view of the narrator. Note the Washington monument on the left, the Capitol on the right
in the background. Color about 127K. Added 10/21/18.
The The
Official Remarks during the ceremony. Note the Washington monument on the left, and the Capitol on
the right in the background. Color about 107K. Added 10/21/18.
Here is another
view of the Official Remarks during the ceremony as an airplane overhead departs Ronald Reagan
Washington National Airport. Color about 112K. Added 10/21/18.
William McCormick III on the left, and Mike Greiner on the right
pin Lt. Col. McCormick Jr's Lt. Col. insignia on Jennifer Warren
Jennifer Warren
being given the oath making her promotion to Lieutenant Colonel official. Color about 125K.
Added 10/21/18.
Jennifer Warren
gives her remarks to the audience at the Air Force Memorial. Color about 70K.
Added 10/21/18.
Jennifer
Warren presents William McCormick III with a special Batcat plaque at the Air Force Memorial. Color about 126K.
Added 10/21/18.
Jennifer Warren speaks to the audience recognizing Batcat Col. Charlotte Clinger on the right
Jennifer Warren addresses the standing audience. On the scooter is Ralph Palasek who served with William McCormick Jr.
the USAF. Color about 207K. Added 10/21/18.
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