Tribute Wall
Tuesday
22
October
Graveside
10:00 am
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Ft. Jackson National Cemetery
4170 Percival Rd.
Columbia, South Carolina, United States
Tuesday
22
October
Memorial Service
12:00 pm
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
St. John's Episcopal Church
2827 Wheat Street
Columbia, South Carolina, United States
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Lt Col ( Ret) Thomas Bethart posted a condolence
Friday, December 6, 2024
Q: How did you meet Lt. Gen. USAF Ret. E.G.?
A: I was at Loring AFB, Caribou, Maine, assigned to the Security Police squadron as the Operations Officer when I first met General Shuler , then Colonel Shuler, the newly assigned wing commander by one day. Very early that morning on his arrival, we had an incident occur with one of posted security guards in the nuclear bomber alert area - an extremely sensitive area. The young sentry apparently bored, decided to shoot out the pilot side cockpit window with a sling shot using steel balls as ammunition. This incident caused emergency reports to go from Loring, to Headquarters SAC, the Pentagon and the White House since nuclear weapons were involved.
At about 0830 that morning, I received a radio call from Central Security Control to report immediately to the bomber alert area and contact the new wing commander - I was moving fast and “sweating” the whole way there!! On arrival, I spotted the wing commander, bent over at the waist looking on the ground looking for something. I approached , saluting and said, “ Sir, Captain Bethart reporting as requested.” He didn’t even look up…I thought boy I’m in trouble now! Without looking at me he said, “I’m looking for those damn steel balls.” I said, “Sir, last night we formed up search parties and policed the entire area to ensure we recovered all of them.” I could tell he was very irritated by the whole situation. He then stood straight, turned looked at me and said, “ That’s very good!” I noticed him looking at my Citadel ring and a smile came over his face and he said, “Captain Bethart , what class were you at The Citadel?” I knew at that moment I was no longer in hot water! I replied, “Class of 1972, Sir.” We then walked to the entry control point and exited the area. That was my first contact with General Shuler but not my last. To say the least, he made an extremely powerful impression on me during that first meeting. His charisma and leadership presence made an immeasurable impact on my career.
Remember the Philippine Revolution in the 1980s and Fernando and Imelda Marcos’ fleeing their country for the United States? That international incident was the prelude to my second meeting with General Shuler.
I was a Major at that time and tasked to escort the Marcos’ valuable property via C-141 to Guam. Due to the extreme value of their personal effects, I elected and received approval to be armed during the flight - this is important for later in this memory. I departed Clark AFB for Guam about a day behind Marcos.
Upon arrival at Guam in the early evening, I was met at the aircraft by an Air Force full colonel, who wanted to immediately escort me to the base command center. However, I requested a security police sentry to be posted on the aircraft and upon his arrival I briefed him that absolutely no one was to enter the aircraft. Then the colonel and I departed for the base command center.
On arriving at the command center, I went inside and was immediately greeted by an Army one star general and an AF two star general who looked up and sternly said, “who let that armed Major into my command center?” I came to attention and thought I have just stepped into a bucket of fecal matter! The Army one star had a look on his face that could kill. The two star then paused and said, “Tom Bethart is that you?” I replied, “Yes Sir, it sure is great to see you again General Shuler!” He said, “Please stand by I will be with you soonest.” After that exchange I relaxed and promptly forgot about the Army one star! But General Shuler wasn’t through with me yet!
Once General Shuler had a moment, he came over to me and said, “Tom, I know you were told you would only be going to Guam but I want you to do something for me. I want you to continue to escort your aircraft on to Hickim AFB, Hawaii, as soon as we get the aircraft ready with fuel and a new crew.” I answered, “ No problem, Sir. It’s your world and I just live in it!” True to General Shuler he smiled and shook my hand. I then asked him, “Sir, I will need orders.” He interrupted me and said, “You have Verbal Orders of the Command.”
I just missed seeing General Shuler when he commanded the 8th AF at Barksdale AFB. His change of command happened just a few months before I arrived from Korea for my assignment to Headquarters 8AF.
Here is one sweet memory I have of him - my brother told me this one. General Shuler was walking one of the hallways in Headquarters Strategic Air Command (SAC) at Omaha, NE. As my Lt Col brother walked past him, General Shuler stopped him and asked him if he had a brother named Tom Bethart. Shocked, my brother Ed nervously answered, “ Yes, Sir, he is at Hq 8th AF.” My brother immediately called and said, “Why the hell didn’t you tell me that you knew Lt General Buck Shuler? I had lost track of where General Shuler was assigned was what I told him. I was absolutely blown away by General Schuler’s uncanny ability to remember names!
The last time I saw General Shuler was, I believe, during my 45th Citadel Class of 72 Reunion. This time, I spotted him in the crowd outside of the Citadel Football Stadium. I truly regret not knowing that he was so involved with the National Museum of the Eighth Air Force. My father, brother and myself were all assigned to the Mighty 8th thus establishing a family legacy.
Knowing General Buck Shuler is one the top three highlights of my Air Force career. I will miss him very much, but more importantly our Nation will miss him more. I would follow him to hell and back anytime any place!
My most sincere condolences to Annette, Buck, Frank, Gray and their families!
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Duke & Maria Evans lit a candle
Friday, November 1, 2024
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Gen "Buck" Shuler was a truly inspiring leader and gentleman. I worked for several General Officers, and he was my favorite. Smart, approachable and kind, he and Mrs. Shuler made our assignment to HQ SAC enjoyable as well as educational. He epitomized the ideal Air Force Officer- a Warrior who set the example to all around him.
I was saddened to learn of his passing, but know he surely rests in the arms of our Lord.
God bless you, General Shuler, and Mrs. Shuler, and thank you for being a part of our lives!
Colonel (Ret.) Duke and Maria Evans
USAF
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Sandra and Bruce Host posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
It is with sadness that we learned of Buck’s death. We are fortunate to have shared great times as classmates at the Naval Command and Staff College and now fond memories, with the Shuler family. Buck and Bruce were often mistaken for brothers as Annette and I for sisters. That was ironic in that our sentiment for each other and our young families was tie that bound us rather that our physical similarities.
We deeply regret that our subsequent paths took us in different directions… but the period of life we experienced as close friends will always remain our best years!
Our sincerest condolences to Annette, Buck, Frank, Gray and their families.
With love for them all,
Sandra and Bruce Host
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Fredrik Holmerson posted a condolence
Monday, October 28, 2024
Dear American family.
We have with great sadness received the news that Buck has passed away. Our deepest condolences from me, Marie, mum and dad.
We will forever remember the good and happy memories we have shared together. We are so grateful for all of them, in Sweden, Germany and the visits at your home. The spirit of Buck will live beside us.
I will never forget the time you opened up your home for me at a young age, living abroad for the first time and the warmth you gave me. That will forever have a place in my heart.
Our special thoughts and prayers to you Annette during this difficult time.
We send our prayers, lots of love and strength your way.
We want you to know that when we talk about our US family, it's always with joy, love and great pride.
Sincerely
Fredrik, Marie, Eva and Lars Holmerson with our families
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John Newman posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Condolences from all the members of the 12th Tactical Fighter Wing Association.
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Norman Wells lit a candle
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
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I offer my sincerest condolences his widow, Annette, and the family on the loss of someone I considered a great man.
General Shuler was quite simply one of the finest people I ever met. His mild and easy manner belied his importance and rank as a man who once bore huge, if not unimaginable, responsibilities within Eighth Air Force and Strategic Air Command.
When he came to England some 30 years ago while planning the Mighty Eighth Museum in Savannah, many of the people he met could not reconcile Buck’s modesty and charm with what they expected of a three-star general officer, and he won many admirers this side of the Atlantic. As one among them, I was very privileged not just to become his friend, but also to accept his invitation to be the museum’s “UK Ambassador”.
He was especially respectful of the veterans of the wartime Eighth Air Force that he met, regardless of their rank; and his vision, hard work, construction knowledge, diplomacy, and spiritual faith were central to the realisation of a permanent tribute that's rightly admired worldwide: the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force. He will also be remembered, alongside Major General Lewis Lyle, as one of its founding fathers.
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Nancy Grassey posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
My late husband, Paul, and I were proud to have known Gen. Shuler and his wife,Annette, through our association at the 8th Air Force Museum. Condolences to the family. Nancy Grassey
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Rogers Reynolds posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Classic Southern Gentleman. Just got to know Buch when they came to Covenant Place. Enjoyed getting to know him and reading his book. Thanks Buck for all of your accomplishments and your service to this great country. This comes from the coffee club at Covenant. "His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me."
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Doug Rogers posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Dear Mrs. Shuler and family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy in your loss of General Shuler. He was deeply admired for his many qualities and for his service to our nation. He was an outstanding commander of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, and our community fondly remembers your family's time of service at Barksdale AFB. May you have peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Very respectfully,
Doug Rogers
Eighth Air Force Consultation Committee
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John D Proe posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Buck and I went way back to the Class of 59 at The Citadel. We water bombed Terry Cordell and had many good times. Over the years the friendship continued although the contacts decreased. Buck was always an upright and straight gentleman. As our ranks thin, Iwill miss him. He was one of the good guys.
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Lane Callaway posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Deepest condolences. It was my honor to work with the General for the benefit of the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum. Quite a gentleman, superb military officer, and civic leader who made a positive difference. As the 40th Commander of Eighth Air Force, he made history that is still relevant today. Lane Callaway, Historian of Eighth Air Force
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Brent and Jill Bracewell posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
It was my humble honor to serve on the Board of the National Museum of the Mighty 8th Air Force with Buck. Although Buck was a retired Lieutenant General, former 8th Air Force Commander, and one of the key players in making the Museum a reality, he always humbly treated all of us as peers; though we stood in awe of him and his accomplishments. He put his God, Family, Country, and love of the Citadel and Mighty 8th above himself, faithfully serving each, and walked and lived life in a manor we should strive to emulate. Many condolences to the family and please know we hurt with you. He will be dearly missed.
Brent and Jill Bracewell
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Arthur R. Schmauder posted a condolence
Monday, October 21, 2024
It is a great shock to me to hear pf genera Shuler's passing. I tried to visit him in Sumpter four years ago when he was not feeling well. He asked then that I not attempt a visit because of his condition. But I understood that he had recovered from that illness.
My first contact with Buck took place over thirty years ago when he recommended that I attend the civilian visit to the Air Force
gathering in Montgomery. lFollowing that, Buck appointed me to the Mighty Eighth Museum Board of Directors . Following my tenure there, Buck appointed me to the Board of the Museum Foundation.
Buck"s leadership and guidance made the Mighty Eighth Museum a reality. I shall ever be indebted to him for all of the kindness he showed to me.
Arthur R. Schmauder
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Mickey Youmans posted a condolence
Monday, October 21, 2024
It was an Honor and a pleasure to have the opportunity to meet and assist General Shuler. God Bless General Shuler & his family.
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Harold Mills posted a condolence
Monday, October 21, 2024
My deepest sympathy to Buck’s family. We were in a coffee group for years in Columbia where we discussed the issues of the day and enjoyed each others company.,General Shuler was the consummate professional officer and Southern gentleman. It was an honor to know such a great man.
Harold Mills, Colonel, USAF (Ret)
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Mary Radcliff posted a condolence
Sunday, October 20, 2024
I am deeply saddened to hear about Buck's passing. Even though it has been years since we last saw each other, his spirit made a significant impact on me. He was truly a larger-than-life figure, yet he possessed a gentle kindness that was remarkable. One of my fondest memories is sitting next to him on the rocking chair in the barn, working together on a crossword puzzle. I've always enjoyed doing them, despite not being very good at them. Instead of simply giving me the answers, he would provide me with even more hints, and there were times when I would have to admit, “Alright Buck, I don’t know! Just tell me!” He would chuckle and eventually reveal the answer, leaving me in awe of his vast knowledge.
I like to imagine him in heaven, sharing a laugh with Marion and Big George. I know how much you all will miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this challenging time, and I hope you find strength and comfort in the love surrounding you. I wanted to also send special condolences to Annette. We love you dearly, Annette. Thank you for making the long journey to Mobile all those years ago; your visits brought so much joy to Marion. She told me that she considered you more of a sister than a cousin. And George and I will forever treasure the moments we got to share with you and Buck. Love to all, Mary Ross
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Jimmi Taylor posted a condolence
Sunday, October 20, 2024
Dear Mrs. Shuler,
I was heartbroken to hear about General Shuler's passing. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this incredibly difficult time. I wish you comfort and strength as you navigate through this profound loss.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Jimmi Taylor
Gen. Shuler’s former Admin. Assistant
Pooler, Ga.
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Vicki M. Singleton lit a candle
Sunday, October 20, 2024
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Mrs. Shuler, Frank and Allison and family, Gray and Christine, Anna Hays and Maury, I am so sorry to hear about General Shuler. May God comfort you all at this very difficult time! You are all in my prayers. -Vicki Singleton, Chris Singleton, Katherine Grace and Victoria Singleton
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The family of Lt. Gen. USAF Ret. E.G. Shuler, Jr. uploaded a photo
Sunday, October 20, 2024
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