William (Bill) B. Dye Sr.

I started my Air Force career in hospital administration, changed to automotive maintenance then took a break from June 1966 to July 1967.

July 1967. Reenlisted in helicopter field went to school at Sheppard AFB, TX. for basic school H-19, Honor Grade, assigned to the school as mechanic on H-19 Trainer. This provided the opportunity to attend and complete the CH-3C, HH-43 and UH-1F schools.

Feb 1969 - Nov 1969, Assigned to the 20th SOS, Crew Chief/Gunner. Returned early return due to serious family illness, assigned Sheppard AFB, TX. on the UH-1F Flight line. 

Jan 1970 TDY to Hurlburt AFB for preparation for TDY to Vietnam with AFAT-4, training  and flying with Vietnamese co-pilots and gunner trainees.

May 1970, Returned to Sheppard.

July 1970 - Jan 1971 TDY to Hurlburt Field, FL., as Gunner instructor, returned to Sheppard AFB, TX.

June 1971 - Apr 1972, PCS to 20th SOS Cam Ranh Bay AB, RVN. Mission closed, returned  to Hurlburt Field, FL. as gunner trainer and await mission decisions. I Received word that HH-53's would be the mission aircraft, or we could cross train. I chose to go back to my medical administration field.  I mean nothing derogatory toward the crews or current missions of the 20th SOS. I just flew too long on the tree tops, on the skids or standing half out of the chopper that I felt trapped inside the HH-53.  I have seen some of the accomplishment of the 20th since 1973 and I was and will always be proud to be a Green Hornet and wish the new generation a successful mission.

"FREEDOM ISN'T FREE"

~SOMEONE PAYS FOR YOU AND ME~

"HELICOPTERS" - THE ONLY WAY TO FLY

~NEVER FORGOTTEN~