“I highly recommend this funeral home and crematorium; when I had to make and pay for my brother’s arrangements across state lines, Evelyn Montonya, in particular, demonstrated both compassion and professionalism and made a very sad and difficult situation much easier. Many thanks.”
My dad joined the army Air Force soon after peril harbor in 1941. He did so well as a cadet pilot, he was made an instructor pilot. He was a fighter pilot in ww2 and the Korean War. Born in 1923 and passing away in 2012, he flew F86s,F102s, and F104s during and after Korean War. I miss him greatly, as your Handley family must miss your USAF pilot. I just watched your Phil on a History Channel documentary, telling and showing his flying expertise in the Vietnam War. I served in the USAF during and after the Vietnam war. I’m 73 years old now and living in my great grandfather’s 1910 lower northern Michigan farmhouse.
God bless you all!
Such an amazing usaf pilot
My dad joined the army Air Force soon after peril harbor in 1941. He did so well as a cadet pilot, he was made an instructor pilot. He was a fighter pilot in ww2 and the Korean War. Born in 1923 and passing away in 2012, he flew F86s,F102s, and F104s during and after Korean War. I miss him greatly, as your Handley family must miss your USAF pilot. I just watched your Phil on a History Channel documentary, telling and showing his flying expertise in the Vietnam War. I served in the USAF during and after the Vietnam war. I’m 73 years old now and living in my great grandfather’s 1910 lower northern Michigan farmhouse.
God bless you all!
My dad joined the army Air Force soon after peril harbor in 1941. He did so well as a cadet pilot, he was made an instructor pilot. He was a fighter pilot in ww2 and the Korean War. Born in 1923 and passing away in 2012, he flew F86s,F102s, and F104s during and after Korean War. I miss him greatly, as your Handley family must miss your USAF pilot. I just watched your Phil on a History Channel documentary, telling and showing his flying expertise in the Vietnam War. I served in the USAF during and after the Vietnam war. I’m 73 years old now and living in my great grandfather’s 1910 lower northern Michigan farmhouse.
God bless you all!
DAVE KAMMERER
Handley,'s Other
Monday April 15, 2024
Such an amazing usaf pilot
My dad joined the army Air Force soon after peril harbor in 1941. He did so well as a cadet pilot, he was made an instructor pilot. He was a fighter pilot in ww2 and the Korean War. Born in 1923 and passing away in 2012, he flew F86s,F102s, and F104s during and after Korean War. I miss him greatly, as your Handley family must miss your USAF pilot. I just watched your Phil on a History Channel documentary, telling and showing his flying expertise in the Vietnam War. I served in the USAF during and after the Vietnam war. I’m 73 years old now and living in my great grandfather’s 1910 lower northern Michigan farmhouse.
God bless you all!
I ve read today about Major Handley. My condolences to his family. I admire him and since today I will never forget Major Handley tauchts.
José Carlos Rodríguez Otero
Monday February 20, 2023
I ve read today about Major Handley. My condolences to his family. I admire him and since today I will never forget Major Handley tauchts.
My belated condolences to Major Handley’s family. A true patriot, exceptional fighter pilot and honorable family man. The only man in world aerial combat history to record a supersonic gun kill (Vietnam June 2, 1972 in his F4E Phantom fighter during the rescue of a fellow airman). RIP Major, you fought the good fight and lived a great life. This grateful American thanks you for your service of safeguarding our freedom.
David Robles
Thursday October 13, 2022
My belated condolences to Major Handley’s family. A true patriot, exceptional fighter pilot and honorable family man. The only man in world aerial combat history to record a supersonic gun kill (Vietnam June 2, 1972 in his F4E Phantom fighter during the rescue of a fellow airman). RIP Major, you fought the good fight and lived a great life. This grateful American thanks you for your service of safeguarding our freedom.
I was a young f15 student at Luke in 1981 when hands had about 5 of us rapt as he related a ghost story that he swore was true regarding an accident at Nellis. I’ll never forget that story. Thinking about it prompted me to look up hands and I found this obituary. Rest In Peace sir.
Larry Lathrop
Thursday October 13, 2022
I was a young f15 student at Luke in 1981 when hands had about 5 of us rapt as he related a ghost story that he swore was true regarding an accident at Nellis. I’ll never forget that story. Thinking about it prompted me to look up hands and I found this obituary. Rest In Peace sir.
We flew the same bird in different services, and shared a love for the F-4 and a respect for each other. I will keep his spirit alive with my memories and tales.
Ad Astra, Phil!
Bob Storck
Thursday October 13, 2022
We flew the same bird in different services, and shared a love for the F-4 and a respect for each other. I will keep his spirit alive with my memories and tales.
Ad Astra, Phil!
I just learned Col.Phil Handley’s flying West haphazardly on i-net. I met him over twenty years ago when I was a member of the Air Force Association, Midland, TX chapter.
My late condolences to his family and USAF community.Rest in peace Col.Phil.
S A Steve Haktanir
Thursday October 13, 2022
I just learned Col.Phil Handley's flying West haphazardly on i-net. I met him over twenty years ago when I was a member of the Air Force Association, Midland, TX chapter.
My late condolences to his family and USAF community.Rest in peace Col.Phil.
I worked for colonel Handley at bitburg Air Force base for months in 1973 as his admin clerk what l noticed so special about him way his kindness toward everyone and as an enlisted person he always invited me and Sylvia, my wife to his parties a truly great man and always a giant among men and fighter pilots
Dave Falica
Thursday October 13, 2022
I worked for colonel Handley at bitburg Air Force base for months in 1973 as his admin clerk what l noticed so special about him way his kindness toward everyone and as an enlisted person he always invited me and Sylvia, my wife to his parties a truly great man and always a giant among men and fighter pilots
An amazing man that I truly worshipped…Rest Well Mr.Phil… you were one of the best!
Collin Jones
Thursday October 13, 2022
An amazing man that I truly worshipped...Rest Well Mr.Phil... you were one of the best!
I never met Col. Handley, but I read of his exploits and his bravery. He protected his wingman, and no one could ask more of a pilot. Rest in peace, Sir.
Carlo Tomasulo
Thursday October 13, 2022
I never met Col. Handley, but I read of his exploits and his bravery. He protected his wingman, and no one could ask more of a pilot. Rest in peace, Sir.
I met Phil in 1960 when we assigned to C-130As at Evreux-Fauville AB, France. The base, NW of Paris was a hardship tour for all us single guys. Phil & I & 5 other Herc pilots were the original “Chateau Gang”. Ref: Nickle
on the Grass”. We served together until 1965, when Phil was assigned to fighters. We kept in touch and I was glad to learn of his successes. I know his family is very proud of him, I send my condolences to Solvejg and family.
Thomas Sparr
Thursday October 13, 2022
I met Phil in 1960 when we assigned to C-130As at Evreux-Fauville AB, France. The base, NW of Paris was a hardship tour for all us single guys. Phil & I & 5 other Herc pilots were the original "Chateau Gang". Ref: Nickle
on the Grass". We served together until 1965, when Phil was assigned to fighters. We kept in touch and I was glad to learn of his successes. I know his family is very proud of him, I send my condolences to Solvejg and family.
“Hands” was one of most influential leaders I met in my 20 year Air Force career. At Bitburg Air Base, as we were developing tactics for our new generation F-15 Eagle, “Hands,” as Commander of the “Big 22,” turned his Squadron into a formidable air-to-air force. When most commanders concentrated on administration and were personally somewhat removed from the basic mission, Phil Handley was probably the best air-to-air pilot in his Squadron and, possibly, our entire Wing of 100 pilots. Many of the great flying lessons we learned in the 36th TFW were passed on with the words “Hands taught me that.” His concentration on aerial excellence was inspiring to all of us, especially at a time when Air Force leadership was increasingly preoccupied with non-flying duties, or “queep,” as the pilots referred to it. I was again privileged to be in his Wing, and to fly with him, when he was Commander of the 405th Tactical Training Wing at Luke AFB. He never lost sight of our mission; to train the world’s best fighter pilots, and he didn’t let any of us forget that mission. Entire generations of fighter pilots who never met “Hands” owe a great debt to his legacy. His book “Nickel on the Grass,” is a fascinating look at his experiences and his outlook on life. He never bragged about his aerial prowess, he demonstrated it; and he lived an incredible life journey with a enormous sense of gratitude and wonder. His family should be extremely proud. “A Nickel on the Grass” for you, Colonel Phil Handley, our leader, mentor and friend.
Bob Keeney "Keeneye"
Thursday October 13, 2022
“Hands” was one of most influential leaders I met in my 20 year Air Force career. At Bitburg Air Base, as we were developing tactics for our new generation F-15 Eagle, “Hands,” as Commander of the “Big 22,” turned his Squadron into a formidable air-to-air force. When most commanders concentrated on administration and were personally somewhat removed from the basic mission, Phil Handley was probably the best air-to-air pilot in his Squadron and, possibly, our entire Wing of 100 pilots. Many of the great flying lessons we learned in the 36th TFW were passed on with the words “Hands taught me that.” His concentration on aerial excellence was inspiring to all of us, especially at a time when Air Force leadership was increasingly preoccupied with non-flying duties, or “queep,” as the pilots referred to it. I was again privileged to be in his Wing, and to fly with him, when he was Commander of the 405th Tactical Training Wing at Luke AFB. He never lost sight of our mission; to train the world’s best fighter pilots, and he didn’t let any of us forget that mission. Entire generations of fighter pilots who never met “Hands” owe a great debt to his legacy. His book “Nickel on the Grass,” is a fascinating look at his experiences and his outlook on life. He never bragged about his aerial prowess, he demonstrated it; and he lived an incredible life journey with a enormous sense of gratitude and wonder. His family should be extremely proud. “A Nickel on the Grass” for you, Colonel Phil Handley, our leader, mentor and friend.
I met Hands in Big Spring, Texas. I knew of him because of his remarkable career in the Air Force, too include achieving the highest airspeed air-to-air gun kill in the history of aviation.
A master of his craft, a powerful writer and a dedicated proud patriot, “Hands” was an inspiration to all who knew him. We are diminished by his passing and this great nation lost a true fighter pilot and hero.
Kent D Johnson
Thursday October 13, 2022
I met Hands in Big Spring, Texas. I knew of him because of his remarkable career in the Air Force, too include achieving the highest airspeed air-to-air gun kill in the history of aviation.
A master of his craft, a powerful writer and a dedicated proud patriot, "Hands" was an inspiration to all who knew him. We are diminished by his passing and this great nation lost a true fighter pilot and hero.
We met Phil and Solvejg at the Army War College and became instant friends. Phil was a dedicated American patriot, a true gentleman, loyal to his friends, and a loving husband and father.
He was also a great fighter pilot. When he met a North Vietnamese fighter pilot in the air over North Vietnam, it became immediately clear that Phil was not only a much better pilot but also a master of air to air tactics. It was no contest. Less known are his contributions in the area of Military Operational Art. At the height of the Cold War, he wrote the highly rated NATO air campaign plan against the Pact forces.
He was the very best. He will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.
Aadu and Mary Sue Karemaa
Thursday October 13, 2022
We met Phil and Solvejg at the Army War College and became instant friends. Phil was a dedicated American patriot, a true gentleman, loyal to his friends, and a loving husband and father.
He was also a great fighter pilot. When he met a North Vietnamese fighter pilot in the air over North Vietnam, it became immediately clear that Phil was not only a much better pilot but also a master of air to air tactics. It was no contest. Less known are his contributions in the area of Military Operational Art. At the height of the Cold War, he wrote the highly rated NATO air campaign plan against the Pact forces.
He was the very best. He will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.
We knew Phil and Solvejg at Elgin and Bitburg. Our sincere condolences to the Handley Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Charlie & Betty Williams
Thursday October 13, 2022
We knew Phil and Solvejg at Elgin and Bitburg. Our sincere condolences to the Handley Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
My sympathies to you and your family Phil was a great neighbor and friend we had a few games of golf together.
Ken & Lonnie Peichel
Thursday October 13, 2022
My sympathies to you and your family Phil was a great neighbor and friend we had a few games of golf together.