Mr. Belville was born in Huntington, West Virginia to Homer Belville and Garlos McIntyre Belville on Easter Sunday, March 31, 1918. He graduated from Marysville High School in Marysville, Ohio in 1936. Four days after his graduation, he purchased his first airplane, an OX5 Waco 10. Mr. Belville worked as an airplane flightline mechanic in Port Columbus, Ohio. He worked as a private pilot, stunt pilot and crop duster on the side for four years before working for Culver Aircraft. He was also on loan to Aeronca Aircraft Co. as a test pilot.
Mr. Belville enlisted in the U. S. Army Air Corps during World War II and obtained the rank of Major. He served in the European theater and Africa flying single and multi-engine planes, including the Beech 18, B-25, C-45, C-47, and P-51 Mustang. He also flew a glider from France into Germany behind enemy lines during Operation Varsity to deliver troops and equipment.
Mr. Belville survived multiple severe injuries sustained from being shot down in combat, losing an engine to anti-aircraft fire during a glider tow, and from his C-47 being stuck by another C-47. He participated in Operation Varsity to liberate Holland. He also participated in flying Holocaust survivors from Germany into Belgium and Luxembourg. Mr. Belville was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross Combat Air Medal with numerous clusters, among other decorations. His Air Force uniform is currently on display at the Greene County Historical Museum in Xenia, Ohio.
After World War II, Mr. Belville continued to work for the aircraft industry as a flightline mechanic, instructor, design engineer on experimental aircraft and as a test pilot. He was personally invited by Howard Hughes to be a test pilot for him in Culver City, California. Mr. Belville worked at Wright Patterson Air Force Base on military and civilian projects before retiring from the U.S. Air Force Reserves and Civil Service. Mr. Belville remained active traveling with family and organizing World War II reunions.
Mr. Belville was married to Virginia Julian for six years and had one son, David Lance, in 1946 before her passing. He was later married to Patricia Silvy for thirty-six years before her passing. Mr. Belville is also preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Garlos McIntyre Belville.
Mr. Belville is survived by his son, David (Beatrice) Belville, two grandchildren, Robert (Kathryn) Belville and Robyn (Travis) Melton, and by three great-grandchildren, Lucy (Drew) Bruce, Melissa Costlow, and Carson Belville.
Family will receive family and friends at The Church at Liberty Square in Cartersville, Georgia on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 from 12:00-2:00 pm. A celebration of life service will be held on November 19, 2019 at 2:00 pm at The Church at Liberty Square in Cartersville, Georgia with Rev. Jacob King officiating. Military Honors will be rendered. Interment will be held in a family graveside service in Xenia, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Cartersville America Legion in loving memory of Carl G. Belville. Owen Funeral Home in Cartersville, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.
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