Joseph B. Starker

Brigadier General Joseph B. Starker was a United States Army aviator who served in the conflicts in Korea and Vietnam. He commanded the 11th [Combat Aviation Battalion], 17th Aviation Group, and Combat Developments Experimentation Command. He was struck and killed by a drunk driver while serving as the Assistant Division Commander, 1st Cavalry Division.

Army aviator

As a member of the Howze Board, Starker helped develop the concept of the Air Cavalry Combat Brigade. Later, he was key in the design, organization and testing of the Air Cavalry Combat Brigade. General William E. DePuy, then commander of the 1st Infantry Division, wanted to assign aviation elements to support ground infantry units fighting in Vietnam. Starker's 11th Aviation Battalion was assigned as the test vehicle of this new fighting concept; initially with one assault helicopter company assigned to each U.S. brigade.

Awards

During Brigadier General Starker's distinguished career, he earned the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal with Valor device and the Air Medal with Valor device.