VETERAN OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES

RICHARD L. BYERLEY II

U. S. Air Force   -   Rank E-4

1966 – 1970  -   Combat

South East Asia (Vietnam)

Military Honors and Awards:

USAF Commendation 1968 Medal

South Vietnam Commendation Medal, 1968

I went into the service at age 17 after graduating from Huntertown High School.   I was in the United States Air Force from 1966-1970.   South Vietnam was my home from December 1967 to December 1968, during the North Vietnam TET Offensive.   The U.S. Armed Forces fought for South Vietnam.   For the six months during TET, we were rocketed and mortared by the North Vietnamese, Viet Cong, every night.   I was at Danang, AB, South Vietnam.

I was a crew chief on an F-4C Fighter/Bomber aircraft.   I had three planes lost in North Vietnam, a total of six pilots.

I was privileged to earn the U. S. Air Force Commendation medal in 1968.   Being in the service was an educating and great experience!