Salomon, Orion (Uri)

Son of Ruth and Jacob, was born on the 18 of Shevat, January 20, 1957 in Pardes Hannah. Prior to joining the IDF, Orion joined the Nahal Brigade, but left the core to serve in the IAF. In January 1975 he was drafted, sent to a pre-pilot course and completed successfully. In October 1975, Orion was promoted to the rank of corporal, and in April 1976 he was sent to a pilot course, where he completed the course and was promoted to the rank of sergeant. The opinion of his commanders was: “Orion is a good pilot, an officer with high potential.” When he completed his training as a pilot, he was initially transferred to serve as a pilot in the squadron and took part in its operations. On the 28th of Shvat 5740 (February 15, 1980), he set out with a trainee for low-level navigation and assault-kidnapping in the Negev. Because of the cloudy skies, Orion stopped training and tried to return to the airport, but on their way they hit the mountain range and the plane crashed. Orion was killed along with his apprentice. He was 23 years old. He was laid to rest in the military section of the cemetery in Pardes Hannah. Orion left behind his parents and two brothers. The commander of his unit wrote in a letter of condolence to his family: “Orion went on his last flight in a good mood, with self-confidence, as he usually did. The flight school lost a young and dynamic instructor, who had desire and a very good chance of succeeding and educating good air crews, and Uri was loved by all of us, his commanders, his friends and his students. ” After he fell, Orion was promoted to captain.