Posted by Sandi Caffey on November 7, 2023:

In Loving Memory of Maj. Gen. Henry B. Stelling, Jr. (USAF Ret.) Class of 1948 USMA July 9, 1924 - September 20, 2021 Major General Henry B. Stelling, Jr. (Hank) West Point Class of 1948, died peacefully September 20, 2021 at home in Costa Mesa, California at the age of 97. Hank's 32-year military career as a commissioned officer spanned atomic weapons electronic assembly; navigator/bombardier; pioneer in space reconnaissance; Pentagon advocate for the Space Shuttle and GPS; and airborne electronics systems R&D. General Stelling was a Cold War warrior; proud of his role to prevent tensions escalating to hot wars and the potential for mutual assured destruction. Graduating high school in 1942, Hank attended UC Berkeley. In 1943, he was called for active duty to the Armored Command, Ft. Knox, KY. While in the Army he received a congressional appointment to the U.S. Military Academy with a start date of June 1944. He graduated June 1948 and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. Over his military career, he also earned an MBA from the University of Southern California; an MS in International Affairs at The George Washington University while attending the National War College. Hank's military decorations and awards include the Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award ribbon. Retiring from the Air Force in 1980, Hank worked for Rockwell International as a Vice President. After retiring in 1991 from Rockwell, Hank and Lucille (his wife of 67 years) enjoyed traveling, playing golf and bridge, attending USMA reunions and hosting family gatherings. Hank is survived by four children and spouses: Henry B. III and Darlene, Sandra Stelling Caffey and Glen, Mark C. and Amy, and Sharon Stelling Qualls and Gary, six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. General Stelling was interred, along side of his wife Lucille who passed in 2016, with full military honors on October 25, 2021 at the Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, California.

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