ZALE LOUIS M

CPT Louis "Mike" M. Zale was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 10/08/2023 at the age of 78.2
Mesa, AZ
Flight Classes 68-15 and 68-26
Date of Birth 08/09/1945
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with 134 AHC in 68-69
Call sign in Vietnam DEMON 89
This information was provided by Jan Zale

More detail on this person: Louis Michael "Mike" Zale, Jr. soared to his final resting place on October 8, 2023. As a family, we thank him for holding our spots until we get there. His principles and virtues will live on in our lives and beyond. Our humbly ambitious and fiercely loving patriarch embraced life's challenges with determination, dignity, and grace, especially his final struggle with Parkinson's. Throughout his years of study and work, Mike found the resolution to enlist in the Army, graduate from OCS and flight school, raise a family, and explore his inclinations with enthusiasm, chief amongst them bluegrass music. Aside from his guitar and banjo plucking prowess, Mike was an acclaimed helicopter pilot, serving tours in Vietnam and Korea. After his seven years in the military, Mike continued his helicopter legacy for over 45 years. He worked for various helicopter companies in a variety of critical roles, which included serving as certified flight instructor, production test pilot, developing training programs and pilot flight manuals, and being a designated engineering representative for the FAA. He retired in 2014 after 29 years with MD Helicopters. Mike had many accomplishments that made him special, not just to us, but also the world. But what made him a once-in-a-lifetime human was how he left an impression in everyone's mind and on everyone's heart. Be it working around the globe, playing bluegrass music, or being a friend to many, especially fellow Vietnam Helicopter Pilots and most recently, his Banner Neuro-Wellness Fitness buddies, he always found time to share a smile, look you in the eyes, and ask you with nostalgic sincerity "how are you?" Mike had that rare quality of authenticity. And he is missed. His legacy will live on through his wife, Jan Zale; his daughter Amanda Comstock (Mel), granddaughter Emily Zale Comstock; and his son Louis Michael Zale III (Tanya) and step-grandson Alejandro Carillo. Catholic mass will be held in his honor at 1:00 pm on October 16th at St. George's Catholic Church in Apache Junction, AZ. I

This information was last updated 10/31/2023

Please send additions or corrections to: HQ@vhpa.org VHPA Headquarters

Return to the Helicopter Pilot DAT name list

Return to VHPA web site

Date posted on this site: 10/13/2025