BORN

1922

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

Sunset Northwest Funeral Home

6321 Bandera Road

San Antonio, Texas

Cora Einfeldt Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 10, 2013.

It is with distinct honor and a fitting tribute on this special day of commemoration and dedication, that we bring recognition to an outstanding American hero. She was a member of the Greatest Generation, The World War II Generation. This outstanding American is SENIOR MASTER SARGEANT (SMSGT). Cora M.Einfeldt, who in her death leaves an outstanding legacy in the U.S. Military for almost 40 years of service. She is not only a Veteran of World War II, but a veteran of the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. She began her military career at the age of 22 on Sept. 1, 1943 when she enlisted in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Soon after, she became part of the Women's Army Corps (WAC), when the US Army opened a branch for women in the military. When the US Air Force did the same, Cora was allowed to transfer and moved to Women in the Air Force (WAF), and retired after 30 years of outstanding service to her country only to continue as a reservist for almost 10 more years: ending as the first ever, female, 1st SGT of the 68th Tactical Airlift Squadron of the 433rd Alamo Wing, headquartered at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Houser of Hagerstown, Maryland. Ms Einfeldt attended Funkstown Elementary School and South Potomac Junior High and graduated from Hagerstown High in 1942. Unable to afford college, she worked for a while at Black and Decker in Baltimore and then enlisted in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps in 1943, taking Basic Training at Daytona Beach, Florida before entering Army Administrative School in Conway, Arkansas. A highly energetic, disciplined service member, she received numerous awards and citations for outstanding performance including the Army Commendation Medal. According to wing sources SMSgt Cora M. Einfeldt was the first woman in a Tactical Air Command and perhaps the US Air Force to be named as a first sergeant for an Air Force flying squadron. Once named "Outstanding Airman of Year", SMSGT, Cora Einfeldt was a superb leader and administrator who didn't take slack from anyone. She was known for maintaining high standards, even if it meant correcting Officers senior in rank to her. She was highly respected by her peers, her subordinates and her superiors. It was at Lackland Air Force Base that then Staff Sergeant Cora Houser (her maiden name) became the bride of Staff Sergeant George H. Einfeldt in a military wedding in the base chapel. They both cherished 50 years together sharing the same rank of SMSGT RETIRED, before George's passing. Her legacy will remain as breaking the glass ceiling for women in the Military. At age 91, her strength and stamina was of one half her age. Her friends will miss her dearly. In lieu of flowers contributions can be sent to the Animal Defense League of Texas, 11300 Nacogdoches Rd., San Antonio, TX 78217. As Cora and her husband had no children, she is survived by close friends and extended family. The visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 from 6:00 – 9:00 P.M. at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home, 6321 Bandera Rd. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 11:30 A.M. at the funeral home. The interment with military honors will follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery. To sign the online guestbook, please log on to www.sunsetnorthfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
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Not sure what to say?

March 20, 2013

Tara Reece-LaCourse

Both Cora & George were very well respected & loved by my mother, Eshter "Janice" Reece, who worked for Lackland FCU (later to become Air Force Credit Union), where Mr. Einfeldt served on the Board of Directors. The were an amazing & shining example to everyone that knew them. It is comforting to know they are forever together...

Posted by Tara Reece-LaCourse

March 14, 2013

Cary & Linda Jung

Cora our old friend, you were one of the first to greet us here in the neighborhood in May of 1978. We will miss seeing you on your walks and stopping by for our talks. You will always be in our thoughts, hearts and prayers Dear Friend. Your are now with your true Love George for ever. Cary, Billy, Donovyn and I have been truly blessed with your friendship and love and we will never forget you and George. God Bless my Friend.

March 14, 2013

Sam McAnally

For approximately three years ('78 - '81)I was the honored to be the CO of the 68th tactical squadron at Kelly AFB, and I was very lucky to have Cora Einfeldt for my first sergeant.

Cora possessed all of those great characteristics that Col. Gary Spence and Lt.Col. Morris Baxter have already mentioned. In addition she was the greatest assistant any CO could have. She was an important part of my and my family's lives both before and after her becoming my First Sergeant. She was both an asset a credit to the U.S. military and especially to the USAF!

My condolences to Cora's family and many friends. We will all miss her.

Sam D. McAnally
Colonel USAFR Ret. ([email protected])

March 14, 2013

My dearest beloved friend, Cora.
I will always remember You.
You were from Panama, Hawaii and Daytona,
And from all the countries you served.
You are every generations hope,
of all that we can be
All this land between the oceans,
Is that home that you defended.
You're My Mother, My Sister, My Friend.
No one ever has to ask,
It seemed you always knew.
Standing up for what is right
Is all that you could do.
Not one to look the other way
You chose to serve with pride,
And dared to cross the boundaries
Knowing God was on the other side.
And, I will always remember you.
For you remembered me,
How could I ever forget,
You, who always came through.
For duty, honor, country
I will always remember you.
How you taught us strength and courage
and the will to never fail,
And that through our every conflict
Somehow triumph would pravail.
You made your peace with history
And stand among the Brave.
No more the unsung hero
For you our banners wave.
And, I will always remember You.

Loving memories,
Esther Ortiz

March 13, 2013

Lupe Young

Esther,

My deepest condolences! I know how important she was in your life and she loved you so much as well. You were the best neighbor and her rock! God will give you the strength to get through this sad and difficult time. Stay strong!

March 13, 2013

The Lee Ortiz Family

Cora was such an important part of our lives for so many years. She loved our family as if we were her own. We will never forget watching you wade in the waters of the Pacific Ocean on our unforgettable trip in2008. Thank you Cora for watching over and loving our son while he lived with Esther. You are with George and In the loving arms of God. We love and miss you!

March 13, 2013

Sandra Aleman

I only knew Cora for a short time but I could tell she was a special person with a gentle soul. Her smile lite up when she tried to play with my little dog Miko (Miko liked her because she stood on her hind legs and danced for her.) My sister Cynthia enjoyed hearing Cora talk about her military history. She was kind lady who will be missed but always remembered in our hearts. Rest in peace dear Cora.

March 12, 2013

Gary Spence

Cora was a special person that those of us in the 68th Tactical Airlift Squadron, loved, respected and admired. She ensured requirements were complied with, military dress met standards and “counseling” was administered as required. She had that special air of authority that all cherished, respected, and understood because her requirements were fair.

Those of us who worked with her full time respected her leadership qualities knowing she was as tough on herself as others, and always maintained military decorum. If you asked Cora to do something, you could bet money it would be accomplished ASAP and would be completed in a professional manner. If she told someone to do something, she would insure it was done, and then proceed to help them if needed.

But above all, she demonstrated her love for the Air Force and her country; and served both tirelessly.

And as her and her husband George aged, she cared for him when he was unable to care for himself.

Cora had that special twinkle in her eye and grin on her face that was treasured by superiors, peers and subordinates.

Cora leaves a void in our hearts and is held in special place of honor and esteem that will be missed by all.

May God's wings carry her to a hollowed place with our Savior!

Cora, I will miss you dearly.

Sincerely,



Gary W. Spence
Colonel, USAFR, Retired

March 12, 2013

As our squadron first sergeant, she was outstanding and a joy to be around. Her word was law, however, and she did not fear anyone. I remember a situation when we were leaving Howard AB, Panama after a two week deployment. There was a disagreement with Passenger Service and they called the Air Police to surround our aircraft. Cora was a passenger on the aircraft. She exited the aircraft and told the Air Police to leave and they did. The disagreement was taken care of and we departed for Kelly AFB.
LtCol Morris Baxter, USAFR(Ret)
Hondo

March 12, 2013

Gloria Palacios

Cora was very special to her neighbors Esther, who treated her with love and kindness all the time and Ms. Lily (yorkie RIP) was the sparkle of her eye. I was blessed to have known Cora while I lived next door with Esther and Ms. Lily and saw her many wonderful leadership skills, she was a very special Lady. God Bless her, she now resides in with our George and our l loving Lord.

March 12, 2013

C Rodriguez

Cora was my mother's neighbor. I only met her a few times but on each occassion I had the sense I was in the presence of someone very special and after reading this obituary I see I was right. I know my mom will miss many of her small kind gestures - placing the newspaper on our porch each morning and cutting the weeds when they became overgrown. Her strength and energy were to be admired. May she rest in peace.

March 11, 2013

Elisa Rodriguez

Cora- May you Rest in Peace. Mom and i will miss your friendship and we will miss seeing you walking around the neighborhood and helping wherever you could.
It will not be the same without you.Mom is going to miss you alot.It was pleasure to know you.

March 11, 2013

Franklin Olvera

I grew up right next to Cora and George at 319 Leming and eventually moved with my family in 1970 to the Leon Valley area. I have such fond memories of going over to see Cora and George and always looked forward to getting into their candy jar. Great 1960's fun and would not have been so memorable were it not for Cora.

March 11, 2013

RIP soldier. What a great tribute.

COL Irene V. Dickerson
Bagram, Afghanistan

March 10, 2013

Hector Jimenez

Thank you for being my neighbor for 14 years. We lived in a safer neighborhood because of you. It is sad to realize I will no longer see you walking around the neighborhood or that we no longer get to talk about the Spurs that you liked so much. It is comforting to know that you are now in a better place. Missing you already, your friend and neighbor, Hector.

March 10, 2013

Our dear friendship with Cora and George goes back to the 1960s at Lackland and will continue always in our hearts and memories with love.
Col. Lola Ball & Col. Bettie Edmonds
Boerne, TX

March 10, 2013

Bill Umphlett, CMSgt Retired

Many years of friendship with Cora in the 433rd as well as with George at Wilford Hall Hospital. They will always be in my memory and happy thoughts.

March 10, 2013

We have many good memories of our time at Lackland with both Cora and Geroge. They were outstanding and a credit to the Air Force. True friends. Jay & Barara Swonger, Abilene Tx

March 9, 2013

Karen Kretzer

May you rest in peace with your beloved husband George...

March 9, 2013

Karen Kretzer

In Memory of Cora Mae, I will cherish my memories of the precious time I spent over the years with both Cora and George. I love and miss you both, but take comfort in knowing that you are both together again.....

Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results

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6321 Bandera Road, San Antonio, TX 78238

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