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LARIMER "LARRY" CUSHMAN McFARLANE died at his home in Fulton, New York, on 2 April 1984. Larry had fought off the effects of cancer for months.
He and his wife, Pat, retired from the Air Force on 31 December 1975. They built a new home in Fulton where he was vice president of The Morrill Press, Inc., a manufacturer of flexible packaging materials which is headed by his brother, David.
Larry entered West Point in 1950 after attending Manlius Military Academy near Syracuse. Graduating with the Class of 1954, he entered USAF pilot training as a 2nd lieutenant. His early flying assignments were in Military Airlift Command at Travis Air Force Base, Hawaii, and Donaldson Air Force Base, South Carolina. He flew global support missions into such crisis areas as Lebanon, Africa, and the Berlin Corridor.
Larry earned a master's degree in industrial engineering at Purdue University in 1963 and was then assigned to staff duty at Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, with the Electronic Systems Division of the Air Force Systems Command (AFSC). He next moved to AFSC Headquarters at Andrews Air Force Base and then to the Pentagon with the Air Staff Secretariat.
After USAF Survival School in 1967, Larry attended Combat Crew Training in helicopters at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. Then he left for Vietnam to fly rescue missions with the "Jolly Green Giants" out of Ban Me Thuot, South Vietnam, and then at Udorn, Royal Thai Air Base. His flying skill and bravery earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medals, the Bronze Star, and other decorations. He flew many dangerous sorties into enemy-held areas during night rescue missions in Southeast Asian jungles.
Returning to the Pentagon, he resumed staff duty. Larry's last USAF position was director of manpower and organization for USAF's Headquarters Command at Bolling Air Force Base. He also helped plan and served as adjutant for the parade ceremonies at the retirement of USAF Chief of Staff General John D. Ryan.
After his own retirement in 1975, Larry took his place with brother Dave in directing the family printing business in Fulton, New York. Larry was proud of his family and continually worked at providing them a comfortable, happy home. He landscaped the large lot surrounding their home as he had done at several Air Force locations. He gave strong support to three daughters' careers" Candice and Linda served as staff members for U.S. congressmen in Washington, DC; Patty is employed in Syracuse, New York. Son David attends the University of Rochester.
After leaving the Air Force, Larry kept his flying skills sharp by frequently piloting a plane on business trips and travel. He was very active in civil affairs and was a member of the Rotary Club, the YMCA, and the United Methodist Church in Fulton. His conduct throughout his military career, his private life, and with all who knew him, was ruled by Duty, Honor, Country.
Fulfilling his personal desire, Larry was interred in the West Point Cemetery on 6 April 1984.
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