AW2 Joseph Scott Pfleghaar HS-12  SH-3H BUNO: 3/12/66-11/9/87 Hometown: Buffalo, MN

Joan M. Pfleghaar(Joe's mother):
My name is Joan Pfleghaar and my son is Joseph Pfleghaar. This is a very nice tribute to those Sailors, who have lost their life, serving our country. My husband and I were fortunate to have recently visited the memorial in Pensacola, Florida in January. There isn't a day that doesn't go by that his spirit isn't with me! Not one day !I am truly blessed for that, thank God! Thank you again for remembering him!

Carol Pfleghaar (Joe's sister):
I think this website is a wonderful tribute and would like to send you a picture of my brother. I eventually would like to add something for his link but am unable to at this time because I am speechless already of the wonderful tribute you have created for these Sailor's families. It brought me to tears! Thank you!
I have forwarded the website addres onto some of Joe's comrades that we still keep in touch even after all those years! My hopes are that they will also see the honor that you have bestowed and to contribute anything they can to it!
It is amazing what a family Navy personnel are. I almost signed on the line when I was in high school but chickened out at the time. I think a part of me was scared because of what happened to Joe. I was in high school at the time of the accident. I have aften said in the years past and still do to this day that it is/was one of my biggest regrets to not have joined the Navy when the recruiters were at my home.
Thank you once again and God bless you!
1LT Tom Boucher (former AW2):
In reference to the memorial for our fallen AWs; I was in HS-12 when Joe Pfleghaar went in. I believe he was in Speargun 610. LCDR Caldewell and LTJG Bowers were the pilots. AW2 Mike Davis was the swimmer. If I remember correctly, the helicopter was experiencing uncontrolled rolling moments to the right. While troubleshooting the problem, the aircraft rolled and could not be recovered. It was in the Phillipean Sea. He will be missed. I have often thought of my fellow Spearguns and times we shared.

AW1 Rob Bixby:
Joe was a great friend. I remember him turning the shop into an Appocolypse Now cult. The guys would get together and watch it over and over, they even had T-shirts made up saying things like "Charlie Don't Surf." He knew how to get people smiling and motivated. The night of the accident, he had come to me begging to take my flight because we had worked things out so he could take care of some problems concerning his fiancee during our recent port visit to Subic. It's a tragedy whenever someone as full of life as Joe was dies. But, he was doing the job he always did with a passion I seldom witnessed in my 20 years. Fly safe Joe, wherever you are.