Retired Marine Lt. Col. Raymond Frank Latall, of Highland, died July 22, 2008, of cancer, at his residence. He was 79.

Born April 24, 1929, in Chicago, to Raymond Frank and Bernadine Hahn Latall, he graduated from Amundsen High School, in Chicago, in 1947.

He attended Wright Junior College, in Chicago, for two years where he studied architectural design.

He married Beverly Hoffman in 1985.

In the early 1950s, Latall enlisted in the U.S. Marines and became a fighter pilot. He was based in Korea and Vietnam during the Korean conflict and the Vietnam War where he was in combat. Vietnam was his fourth tour of duty overseas, all of which were in the Far East. After 28 years of service, he was discharged in the mid-1980s.

For his service, he was awarded the distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight against the enemy in the Battle of Hue. During that time, he was serving with the First Marine Aircraft Wing in the I Corps area of South Vietnam. He also was the recipient of the Purple Heart for injuries sustained during combat.

Family members recall that Latall completed more than 100 flight missions and was recommended for the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with the Palm -- the highest level of this honor awarded.

In 1951, he became a "working Marine" when his reserve unit was activated at Glenview Naval Base, in Glenview, Ill. Following flight training, Latall received his wings in October 1953.

He graduated from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College in Quantico, Va., in 1967.

He is remembered as a brave and courageous pilot for his heroic deeds as well as his pleasant manner.

In addition to his wife of 23 years, Beverly Latall, Latall is survived by a son and a daughter-in-law, Craig R. and Helen Latall, of Albuquerque, N.M.; a daughter, Lisa Latall, of Springfield, Va.; a step-son, Steven Knister, of Maryland; a step-daughter, Kriss, and her husband Michael McLaughlin, of Chesapeake Bay; a brother and a sister-in-law, Leroy and Vi Latall, of Michigan; as well as several grandchildren.

Graveside services will full military honors are slated for Aug. 21, 2008, 3 p.m., at Arlington National Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at www.slackfuneral.com.

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