Robert Farris
UH-1 and AH-1 G Pilot, Vietnam War Veteran, U.S. Airways Pilot, Distinguished Flying Cross
Robert Farris took his first flight as a passenger on his way to Army Helicopter Training in 1969. After training he did a one year tour of duty in the Vietnam War where he flew the UH-1 and AH-!G helicopters. While in Vietnam he participated in both the Cambodian offensive and Operation Lam Son 719 into Laos. Warrant Officer Farris was awarded the Silver Star Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Combat Medal, and National Defense Medal for his accomplishments. Warrant officer Farris flew over 900 hours in combat in Southeast Asia.
After returning from Vietnam he flew in the Delaware Army National guard while finishing his degree in Civil Engineering. In 1974, after a transfer to the Pennsylvania Air National Guard in Willow Grove, PA Bob was commissioned a 2nd Lt. and went to Air Force Pilot Training at Vance AFB in Enid, OK. After Pilot Training Lt. Farris flew the unit's aircraft O-2, the A-37, and the A-10 Warthog; he flew the A-10 up until his military retirement in 1992 at the rank of Major.
Bob began his commercial flying career in January 1978 with Allegheny Airlines while still flying with the Pennsylvania Air National Guard as a citizen-soldier. In 1985 Bob checked out as Captain on the DC-9. During his career at Allegheny Airlines (which later morphed into US Airways after deregulation) Bob flew as Captain on the Boeing 737-200,300 and 400, and later the Airbus A-319, 320, and 321. He retired in August 2013 as an International Captain on the wide-body Airbus A-330. While at US Airways Bob held positions with ALPA (the Airline Pilots Association) as the chairman of Professional Standards for several years, and also managed monthly pilot bid closings while based in Philadelphia.
Captain Bob Farris had a retirement party in Philadelphia in October 2013. The party was held at the Simeone Automobile Museum in Philadelphia near PHL International Airport because of Bob's longtime love of automobiles. Many pilots from across the country attended to recognize and applaud his contributions to aviation. The many aviators included Commercial, Military, Civilian pilots and several original Tuskegee Airmen including his friend and mentor Roscoe "Coach" Draper.
