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Marine Corps Air Station (Helicopter) New River, North Carolina
EVERYONE who knew General Keith Barr McCutcheon came to respect and admire him as one of the finest officers and leaders in Marine Corps history.
General McCutcheon was a personable leader of men, an innovative pioneer in aviation and a fine aviator in his own right. He would have been our Assistant Commandant had he not lost a final round to cancer on July 13, 1971, at the age of 55.
On June 8, 1972, beneath a clear blue sky delicately traced with wispy clouds and jet contrails, 24 Marine Corps generals and more than 100 other military and civilian dignitaries gathered at MCAS New River, N. C., to pay homage to the late General McCutcheon.
In ceremonies before the Station Operations building, General McCutcheon's fellow Marines dedicated a flying field in his name, his widow unveiled a plaque in his honor, and at the Station Chapel, a colorful stained glass memorial window was presented, and an oil painting of the general, by LtCol Albert W. Leahy, was unveiled.
General Earl E. Anderson, the Assistant Commandant, opened the ceremonies with his personal recollections of the man they were honoring.
"General McCutcheon was a pioneer aviator," General Anderson recalled. "By his great determination, by his aggressiveness, by his innovative spirit, he produced so many longlasting programs for we who follow him in Marine Corps aviation.
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