Joseph H. Rawlins, 87, of Zelienople died Wednesday at UPMC Passavant Hospital, McCandless Township.

Born Nov. 24, 1916, in Marianna, Washington County, he was the son of Joseph and Voila E. Beighey Rawlins.

A World War II Army Air Corps veteran, he flew C-46 cargo planes over the Himalayas or "The Hump" nearly 200 times and rescued 14 wounded soldiers, one by one, in an L-19 converted Piper Cub plane. His heroics earned him two Distinguished Flying Cross awards and the Air Medal; and in 1944, his picture appeared in National Geographic.

He was the last surviving founding member of the Zelienople Municipal Airport's Condor Aero Club, which he helped form in 1957. In March of this year, Chapter 8578 of the Experimental Aircraft Association at Zelienople Municipal Airport awarded him with a plaque and a lifetime honorary membership.

Mr. Rawlins was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and American Legion Post 474, both in Zelienople.

He retired from Mine Safety Appliances, enjoyed collecting coins and was an avid flying enthusiast.

Surviving are his wife, Hazel M. Geohring Rawlins; three grandchildren, Lorraine A. Rinaman of New Castle, John E. Rinaman of Zelienople and Ken L. Rinaman; eight great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Babette Rinaman; a grandson, Gary J. Rinaman; two sisters, Doris and Ruth; and a brother, Edward.

RAWLINS - Friends of Joseph H. Rawlins, who died Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2004, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today atBOYLAN FUNERAL HOME, 324 E. Grandview Ave., Zelienople. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home with the Rev. William Brewer, his church pastor, officiating.Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.Online condolences and information are available at www.boylanfuneralhome.com.