Carlton R. Damonte, Lt. Colonel, USAF (Retired)
October 10, 1936 – June 11, 2023

Albuquerque, New Mexico – On Sunday, June 11, 2023 Carl Damonte made his last flight west. He was born in Windsor Locks, CT on Saturday, Oct. 10, 1936, to Joseph and Florence Landers Damonte.

Educated in local schools, he attended the University of Conn. for two years prior to entering the USAF as an Aviation Cadet in 1956. After fixed wing and helicopter pilot training, he went on to serve his country in assignments around the world for a total of 28 years. During the Vietnam War, he served as a combat rescue helicopter pilot, JOLLY GREEN, flying missions into North Vietnam and Laos. For one mission, resulting in extensive battle damage to his aircraft and wounded crew members, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with V. Other awards include the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal w/30lc, the Air Medal w/1olc, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the RVN Gallantry Cross w/palm and more.

He was preceded in death by both parents, and an older brother and sister. He was predeceased on May 20, 2023, by his loving wife of 64 years, Marketta, just 10 days short of their 65th wedding anniversary. He leaves behind three children, Teresa Perry, Joseph Damonte, and Mary Cade; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A viewing with military honors will be held at FRENCH- Wyoming from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 29, 2023. Burial will be at the veteran’s cemetery in Angel Fire, NM at noon on Friday, June 30, 2023.

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Capt. Damonte served a tour in the Vietnam War as a HH-3E helicopter pilot with Det. 7, 38^th ARRS in the 1967-1968 time frame.