JARRELL "Jerry" HENSON

HENSON Jarrell N. Henson "Jerry" CDR USN (Ret) On April 16, 2018 Jerry lost his courageous battle with Parkinson's disease at the age of 81. Jerry is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Kathleen; his son Neal (Michele); daughter Kelly (Chris); and granddaughters Kit, Daniella and Antonia. He was predeceased by his brother, Vernon, who passed at the age of 12. Jerry was born in White Oak, Texas, the second of two sons to Palmer and Lydia Henson. Growing up in East Texas, he lettered in five sports and was the class salutatorian his senior year at Leverett's Chapel HS. He went on to receive his BS in Education from Texas A&M University as well as taking post-graduate courses in Educational Administration prior to entering the Navy. Jerry entered the Navy Flight Program at Pensacola, FL in June of 1960 and later received his MBA in management from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. Jerry retired as a Commander after 21 years of service in the Navy. During which time he is credited with 15 years in operational Naval tactical recon squadrons, to include the first RA5C Vigilante squadron commissioned and command of one of the last squadrons in service. During his time operating off Yankee Station CDR Henson completed 72 aerial combat missions in North Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and South Vietnam. He also amassed 59 months assigned to forward-deployed aircraft carriers in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, Pacific and Indian Oceans; following which, he refused to set foot on another ship! CDR Henson received distinction as the first Naval Flight Officer selected for aviation command of a Reconnaissance Attack Squadron at sea. He served as the Assistant Chief of Staff to Vice Admiral Harry Train on the USS Albany, Gaeta, Italy before returning stateside to the Navy Command Center in the Pentagon where he remained until his retirement. CDR Henson (Ret) continued with the Naval Operations Staff for the next 22 years in the Navy Reconnaissance Center. As a civilian in the OPNAV staff Jerry coordinated peacetime aerial reconnaissance missions, positions and policy on programs for counterdrug operations and support for civilian law enforcement agencies within military operating areas. He was in the Naval Operations Center on September 11, 2001 when the terrorist-controlled aircraft struck the Pentagon, directly in line with his office. Trapped under the debris, CDR Henson (Ret) was rescued by two courageous military officers, providing his grateful family with 16 additional years together. CDR Jerry Henson (Ret) was awarded the Defense of Freedom medal by the Secretary of Defense. A service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, date to be announced. www.fmfh.comwww.fmfh.com