Francis Guttenberger

GUTTENBERGER, Francis (Mel) Lieutenant Commander, USN (Ret) -- 82, passed away peacefully February 8, 2003. Beloved husband of Ethel Hatyina for 57 years, brother of Norbert and Dolores, father of Mark and Nancy and grandfather of Robert and Tyler. He was born and raised in Chicago, IL, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, and entered the Naval Service on September 23, 1942. He was commisssioned an Ensign in January 1944 and designated a Naval Aviator. As a Naval Aviator he flew numerous combat missions in the Pacific Theater from the the flight deck of the USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) flying the TBM Avenger Torpedo Bomber. He was awarded the Navy Cross while still an Ensign for extraordinary heroism despite intense enemy fire during the carrier strike against the Japanese Battleship Yamato on April 7, 1945. His torpedo was 1 of 13 released in a concerted strike by the squadron which scored at leat 9 direct simultaneous hits leading to her sinking. His other medals include: 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 5 Air Medals, 1 President Unit Citation and 2 Pacific Theater ribbons. He retired in March 1964 from the naval Service as a Lieutenant Commander. Shortly after retiring from the Navy, when Silicon Valley was in its infancy, he entered into the elctronics industry and was well sought-out by competing companies to head production control departments. Additionally he took up the challenging game of golf; he never tired of it, as his collection of his golf clubs is a testament to his never-ending love of his hobby. Mel was always active and will be dearly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren and friends. He was inspirational, an outstanding mentor and a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. His final resting place will be Arlington National Cemetery, VA. Friends are invited to attend Memorial Services Thursday, February 13, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. at LIMA FAMILY SUNNYVALE MORTUARY, 1315 Hollenbeck Ave., Sunnyvale.