Harry V. Weldon, age 88, US Navy Cdr ret, died at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, October 3, 2007 following a short illness. He was born March 20, 1919, in Boston, MA, to the late Harry and Elizabeth Weldon. He was a graduate of Tufts University and a highly decorated WW II fighter pilot serving with valor and distinction in the Pacific. From 1941 to 1945, Lt. Weldon flew countless combat sorties from the decks of the carriers Essex and Bon Homme Richard, earning two Distinguished Flying Crosses and eight campaign ribbons. Lt. Weldon was also a veteran of the Korean conflict. In peacetime, he continued his Navy career serving as a test pilot and project officer for the development of the pressurized flight suit which was selected for use in the historic X-15 flight program. Returning to the location where he earned his wings as a young cadet aviator, he was appointed commanding officer of the Naval Air Cadet Training Program, Pensacola, FL in 1958, and in that capacity, was the recipient of the Navy?s first all-jet training squadron. Following retirement from the Navy in 1963, Mr. Weldon spent the rest of his career years pursuing his love of aviation as a senior executive in the emerging private jet industry. He is survived by his loving wife Ritchie; daughter Wendy Swearingen of Aiken, SC; son Michael Weldon of Richmond, VA; stepsons Col. Gus Perna of Ft Belvoir, VA; Charles Perna of Stanhope, NJ; Frank Perna of Rockaway, NJ; step-daughter Mary Perna of Mt Arlington, NJ; sister Margret O?Conner of Boston, MA; and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his eldest son, Harry V. Weldon III. Mr. Weldon will be interred in Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund Attn: Contributions, One Intrepid Square, West 46th Street and 12th Avenue New York, New York 10036, or, www.fallenheroesfund.org.