Lorrie Burchert
This memory is by both Cathy and Lorrie:
Al Iller is our father and our story echoes that of many other families. While in elementary school, our parents divorced, remarried, and as the years went by, we had less and less contact with our dad. Despite that, we both have fond memories of our early childhood years with him, his kind gentle ways & mischievous nature. When we misbehaved, he found it hard to punish us and would give us a light swat, saying "This hurts me more than you". Of course this didn't seem like punishment. That statement stuck with us and, as we grew older, we understood it to mean that in doing wrong we hurt not only ourselves but others.
Thanks to Dad's efforts, we reconnected with him as adults and savored our time with him in the ensuing years. Dad was born and raised in La Jolla, California, and it was important to him to share that city and his memories of it with us. During our two visits to La Jolla, he introduced us to his favorite haunts, including the house he grew up in, all while sharing stories about each one. Many of his stories were about how generous and kind the people in the community had been to him. We were able to meet with a few of them during our visits. Dad's ability to see and appreciate the good in people was inspiring.
Dad spoke little of his military service, other than to mention attending periodic gatherings with people he had served with. Additionally, he spoke of the joy he got from helping vets navigate the complicated VA paperwork necessary to receive benefits they earned. Some may be aware that our dad was awarded several military honors, but not many know of the circumstances. The following descriptions are edited versions a few of the U.S. Army's written commendations. Both these awards illustrate Dad's commitment to his fellow service members and his flying skills.
In 1968, while serving as a task force commander in Vietnam, Major Iller landed a heavily loaded helicopter gunship (HU-1) to rescue soldiers from a downed helicopter under fire. He left his aircraft and found one crew member dead and two members wounded. These men were taken aboard Major's Iller's helicopter and flown to a nearby site for medical attention. Throughout the rescue, Major Iller defended his position with air strikes against insurgents. Later that evening, Kon Tum City came under enemy fire, as well as misdirected friendly fire. Major Iller flew his helicopter, at low altitude (100 ft) and under fire, to the responsible compound and stopped the misdirected fire. For these actions, he was awarded the Silver Star.
In October of that same year Major Iller received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his part in saving crews of two downed scout helicopters (OH-6A). Again, flying in a helicopter gunship (UH-1C) at low altitude and under heavy fire, Major Iller provided cover for the downed scout helicopters. At his direction, two members of the downed helicopters, were rescued and an aero-rifle platoon and nearby company were inserted into the area. His actions contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission and rescue of two crewmen.
Dad chose to take early retirement from the Army in 1978 after 27 years of service and with a rank of Colonel. His mother, Alice Iller, was recovering from a stroke and was being cared for by Dad's wife, Marguerite, at a cost to her own health. Dad wanted to be present for both of them. This then began their chapter of life they called "On the Hill", a beautiful retreat in the mountains of northern Arkansas, outside Berryville. It was there, that Dad and Marguerite cared for his mother until her death and welcomed Marguerite's youngest daughter back into their household. Dad started a flight school, allowing him to both fly and make new friends. He also became a skilled woodworker, making everything from walking sticks to cradles for the family. Once they were old enough, Dad's four grandchildren spend time with their grandparents "On the Hill" making wonderful memories. Dad & Marguerite treasure the friends they made in Berryville and enjoyed being an integral part of the community.
Eventually, age and medical issues made life "On the Hill" impossible, so Dad, Marguerite and her daughter moved to a 55+ community in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where they lived until Marguerite's death in 2024. Shortly after that, Dad and Marguerite's daughter moved to a graduated care community. Though Dad was greatly saddened by Marguerite's death and was battling health crises of his own, he was determined to see that Marguerite's daughter was comfortably settled
into this new community, as he had promised Marguerite. He soldiered on for almost two years.
Because of Dad's persistence, my sister and I enjoyed a long and loving relationship with him after years of separation. This time allowed us to experience and see Dad's generosity, and kindness to all he met. Dad was a true hero, loyal to family, friends and country. We are so grateful for the time we had with him.
Cathy & Lorrie
Dad and Marguerite will be laid to rest with our brother at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California.