Ben Amitai, Ehud (Udi)

Ehud (Udi), was born in Haifa on 27.11.1951 to Yehudit and Yisrael Son of Amitai. In January 1970, Udi was drafted into the IDF, and after successfully completing the pilots’ test he was placed in the IAF. When he completed his training in the course, he was certified as a pilot on interception planes. In 1972 he began his service in the regular army. From the beginning of his career as a pilot Udi won the assessment of his commanders. When the Yom Kippur War broke out, Udi participated in the air battles. Although he was a young pilot, he dropped several enemy planes and was highly regarded. After the war, his commander recommended that he be promoted to the rank of captain, because he “proved to be an excellent fighter, a courageous fighter, an excellent pilot, with an above average operational level.” In the squadron they called him “Son of”, shortening his surname. Due to his personal and professional skills, his commanders appreciated him, and when he received training and command positions, he was revealed to be a natural commander. During his service in the Israel Defense Forces, in 1978, Udi married his girlfriend Esti, and in late 1979 his eldest daughter, Maya. On the 15th of Shvat, 5751 (January 20, 1981), Major Ehud Son of Amiati fell in the line of duty and was put to rest in the military cemetery in Be’er Sheva. He left behind a wife, daughter, parents and three brothers. He was 29 when he died.