Johnny Tharp - Photo Archive
Archive items currently tagged Johnny Tharp in the Bell Family Archive.
22 archive items
1950
John J. Tharp Jr. Earns Pilot’s License at 17
March 1, 1950 newspaper article featuring 17-year-old John J. Tharp Jr. of Folly Beach after earning his pilot’s license. The photograph shows his sister, aviatrix Alma Tharp, giving him some last-minute advice before he takes off in the family airplane. The article describes John as the youngest member of the Breakfast Club and notes the family’s strong connection to aviation.
Family Photo
Graham Eli Tharp on the left Alma Center Johnny on the right
Alma Tharp Plans to Follow Brother into the Marines – 1950
July 9, 1950 newspaper article about Alma E. Tharp of Folly Beach and her brother, Private John J. Tharp. Both were young pilots—John soloed at 18, while Alma made her first solo flight at 17 and earned her private pilot’s license that same year. The article describes their friendly rivalry and Alma’s plans to follow her brother into the U.S. Marine Corps. They are pictured with their father, Graham E. Tharp, at the “Iron Mike” monument at Parris Island, South Carolina.
Siblings Photo
Alma on the Left Johnny on the right
1967
Marine Major John J. Tharp Serves with First Marine Aircraft Wing in Vietnam
Newspaper clipping reporting that Marine Major John J. Tharp, husband of the former Shirley L. Snipes of Hyde Park, Lancaster, South Carolina, was serving with the First Marine Aircraft Wing in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The First Marine Aircraft Wing conducted combat and support operations including attacks on enemy forces and installations, troop airlifts, medical evacuations, resupply missions, and close air support for U.S. Marines and allied ground forces. The unit also participated in civic-action projects assisting Vietnamese communities with construction of wells, culverts, bridges, and schools.
1968
Marine Major John J. Tharp Returns Home After Being Wounded in Vietnam — March 8, 1968
Globe newspaper article dated Friday, March 8, 1968, documenting the return of Marine Major John J. Tharp after he was wounded while serving as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. Major Tharp had deployed to Vietnam in March 1967 and served with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron HMM-165 aboard the USS Valley Forge. During a mission supporting Marines at the Huế Citadel, Tharp was piloting a CH-46 helicopter when enemy fire struck the aircraft and a round ricocheted into his leg. Despite being wounded, he turned the controls over to his copilot and was flown to Phu Bai, then evacuated through Cam Ranh Bay and Japan for further treatment. Major Tharp returned to the United States on February 28, 1968, approximately three weeks after being wounded. The accompanying photograph shows his reunion with his wife, Mrs. John J. Tharp, and their children, John Jr., age 7, and Lori, at the Marine Corps Air Facility, New River, North Carolina. The article recounts that before leaving for Vietnam, Tharp had reassured his family that he would return. His son John Jr. reportedly greeted him by saying, “No, Daddy, we just knew you would come home.”
1982
Rickey with his new Puch Dirt Bike
Christmas 1982 — Dickey on the back left, Sonja beside him, Rickey in front, Johnny Tharp second from right, and Buster at far right. Dickey and Sonja’s first Christmas after they began dating September 29, 1982.
