Lieutenant Colonel Wilmer A. Plate, United States Air Force (retired), who passed away in Jacksonville, is being honored posthumously. He served as a B24 Liberator bomber pilot in the 489th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force, European Theater during World War II. Between May and August 1944, he completed 31 combat missions, logging 200 combat hours. Over his 30-year service, Colonel Plate accumulated over 1,000 flying hours. His awards include the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, four Air Medals, and two Air Force Commendation Medals. He retired from active service in December 1971.

Colonel Plate was married to Allen Plate for 71 years until her passing in 2011. During an unaccompanied tour in Goose Bay, NL, he had a yellow rose delivered to their home every Saturday. He maintained a sense of humor and was known for storytelling. At 99 years old, he worked out at the Air Force Base gym with a personal trainer two to three times a week and enjoyed ice cream regularly.

Lieutenant Colonel Wilmer Plate's narrative for the Legion of Merit, awarded during his time as Chief Warrant Officer, highlights his exemplary conduct and service. He distinguished himself through professional skill, exceptional management ability, and extensive knowledge and experience. His contributions were instrumental in the successful fulfillment of space capsule recovery missions for the Space and Missile Systems Organization and National Defense. These accomplishments mark a distinguished career and reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.