Family of Wilmer Adam Anderson visits Arnold AFB

  • Published
  • By Deidre Ortiz
  • AEDC/PA
The family of the late Wilmer Adam Anderson, an AEDC concrete laborer, visited Arnold Air Force Base to see the memorial outside the Administration and Engineering Building that is dedicated to individuals who have lost their lives in service to AEDC.

Anderson was one of four AEDC team members who tragically lost their lives in an accident on Dec. 17, 1962, at the J-4 liquid rocket test cell.

Three of Anderson’s five children, Marilyn Anderson Morton, Melissa Gesell and Danny Anderson, came to the site Nov. 16 to pay respects to their father and share memories of the time they had together. All were young at the time of their father’s passing, with the eldest being 15 years old. Joining these three were two of Anderson’s grandchildren, Bridgette Boner and Julie Gesell.

AEDC Commander Col. Scott Cain was present for the memorial visit to give his condolences. He also spoke with the family about the importance of the J-4 crew’s work and how the facility has gone on to play a huge role in the development of today’s missile capabilities.