More detail on this person: Michael Dale Rawlinson, age 72, passed away in San Antonio on Monday, August 23, 2021. Born August 30, 1948, in Nacogdoches, Texas to Perry Dale Rawlinson and Marie Arrington Rawlinson. During his childhood years, Michael lived in Hemphill, TX, Longview TX, Fort Worth TX, El Dorado AR, Laredo TX, and Lufkin TX. He attended Martin High School in Laredo and graduated from Lufkin High School in 1966. Michael attended Stephen F. Austin College, but after two years in June 1969 Michael enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Warrant Officer Flight Training Candidate to pursue his lifelong desire to be a pilot. He attended Basic Training at Fort Polk LA followed by Rotary Wing Primary Flight Training at Ft. Wolters TX. After completion of Primary Training, he attended training at Ft. Rucker AL as a member of Class 70-17. In June 1970, he graduated 3rd in his class and selected Medevac After completing training, Michael was assigned to US Forces in Vietnam, arriving in country in September 1970 and was assigned to the 571 Medical Detachment at Phu Bai, Vietnam. This unit was responsible for medical evacuation support for all USARV and ARVIN forces in Northern I Corps. During his year in country, he participated in numerous field standbys at Quang Tri, RVN. During Operation Lam Son 719, he flew his helicopter taking severe enemy fire for a rescue mission. He was able to pilot his helicopter back with no loss of life. His strength, determination, and his flying skills earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross, Combat Medical Badge, 14 Air Medals, and the Vietnamese Technical Service Medal. After finishing his tour in Vietnam in September of 1971, Michael elected to transfer overseas to The Federal Republic of Germany. Enroute, he completed the UH-1 Instructor Pilot course at Ft. Rucker AL. He was assigned to D Troop, 3/7 Calvary in Schweinfurt FRG. There he was assigned to fly the Infantry Platoon. This unit was a forward unit tasked with delaying any East German attack through the Fulda Gap, a large valley that crossed the border and created a virtual highway for tank warfare. Later he was assigned to the Weapons Platoon, flying UH1M models equipped with SSLL wire guided missiles. He participated in developing Nap-of -the-Earth flying doctrine and techniques during this time. The Squadron spent over 6 months of each year participating in field exercises throughout Europe. After three years in the 3/7 Calvary, Michael extended his tour in Germany and was transferred to the 2nd Platoon of the 421 Medical Company also located in Schweinfurt FRG. He continued to participate in numerous field exercises, providing medical evacuation support for both the US Army and local communities. After a total of 5 ½ years in Germany, Michael was transferred to the 1st Infantry Division at Ft. Ord CA. There he was assigned to the 237th Medical Detachment (MAST) with the mission to provide medical evacuation support to Ft. Ord and Northern California civilian authorities. While at Ft. Ord, he completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Chapman College. After completing a three-year tour at Ft. Ord, Michael requested and was granted a transfer to the 25th Aviation Battalion headquartered at Stuttgart International Airport in Echterdingen FRG. The mission was to provide aviation support to 7th Corps units without integral aviation assets. There was a Fixed Wing Section, a Rotary wing section flying UH-1s and OH-58s for VIP support and a CH-47 Medium Lift Company. While assigned to Stuttgart, Michael completed his Master of Science degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California. He was eventually assigned as the Standardization Instructor Pilot for the Battalion. After his tour in Germany, Michael was transferred back to CONUS to be assigned to the US Army Aeromedical Center as a Crash Rescue Pilot in support of the pilot training mission. While at the Aeromedical Center, he completed the Rotary Wing Instrument Flight Examiner Course. Due to a family medical emergency, he was transferred to Ft. Sam Houston TX after only two years at Ft. Rucker. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Award upon his departure. At. Ft. Sam Houston TX, Michael was assigned to the Centralized Aviation Readiness Team (CART) with the mission to provide training support to Army Reserve and National Guard units within the 8 state 5th Army area. While at this assignment, Michael was sent to the US Army Safety Center to be trained as a Safety Officer, graduating as the Distinguished Graduate of his class. Upon his return, he continued to provide both training and safety assistance to the supported units. After 5 years at this assignment, Michael elected to retire from the US Army and did so on August 31, 1990, after 21 years of service. After retiring, he worked as a Safety Training contractor, teaching classes for Army Reserve, National Guard, and other government agencies. He completed the OSHA instructors course given at the OSHA Institute in Des Plains IL. After two years, he was offered a job as Risk Manager for the Archdiocese of San Antonio, responsible for 210 churches throughout South Texas. During his tenure, Workers Compensation and Liability claims were significantly reduced. After serving in this position for 15 years, Michael retired and continued to act as an insurance loss prevention consult for 5 years before permanently retiring. Michael is preceded in death by his parents, Perry and Marie Rawlinson, and his son, Christian Walter Rawlinson. He is survived by his beloved wife, Yvette Rawlinson; his children: Mario Anthony Alonzo and his wife, Jennifer, Desiree Curtis and her husband, Will, Celeste R. Carrasco, and Anneke Rawlinson and her partner, Javier Guerra; his grandchildren: Christian Joshua Alonzo, Julius S. Sosa, Jordan Anthony Alonzo, Aurora H. Curtis, and Isabella R. Curtis; his sisters: Mariana Bakke and her husband, Dave, Gayla Maynard and her husband, Jeff, and Joy Killam and her husband, Steve; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. ROSARY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2021 7:00 P.M. PORTER LORING MORTUARY 1101 MCCULLOUGH AVE., 78212 MASS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2021 11:00 A.M. ST. DOMINIC CATHOLIC CHURCH 5919 INGRAM RD., 78228
Burial information: Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, TX
This information was last updated 09/05/2021
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Date posted on this site: 10/13/2025
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