Biedebach, Commander Herbert E., U.S. Navy (Retired), passed away on January 13, 2009, after a long illness. He served his country as a naval officer and naval aviator for 27 years in a variety of demanding assignments during World War II and the Cold War. Following retirement in 1967 he became an investment executive for Paine Webber in the Santa Ana office until 1996. Born January 24, 1922 in Pasadena, California, Commander Biedebach entered the Navy, was commissioned, and became a Lighter-Than-Air Airship Commander flying convoy anti-submarine patrols in the protection of Atlantic coastal merchant shipping. In 1949 he entered flight training at Pensacola, Florida, going on to serve in aviation squadrons and aboard aircraft carriers. As a senior naval aviator he directed the combat information center aboard the USS Franklin Delano Roosevelt (CV-42), then became a principal operations officer and briefer for the Commander-in-Chief U. S. Pacific Fleet and the Chief of Naval Operations at the Pentagon. Upon retirement he joined the Paine Webber Investment Company. Commander Biedebach remained an active participant in military and community organizations and became President of the Naval Airship Association. In that capacity he was instrumental in establishing the Lighter-Than-Air Airship exhibit at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola. He dedicated his later life to the interests of naval aviation and the proper recognition of all those who served in its squadrons. Commander Biedebach is survived by his wife, Sallie Coles Biedebach; his sister, Betsy Behny; his children, Bruce, Betsy, David, Cindy Coles Sullivan, and Melissa Coles and their spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Brian. Military Services for Commander Biedebach will be held Friday, February 6th at Riverside National Cemetery at 11 am. Donations in his memory can be made to the following association or to a charity of your choice: Naval Airship Association, Inc. c/o Peter F. Brouwer 1950 SW Cycle Street, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34952-1778