Info - Herbert Beasley
Personal Biography
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I was born in Blytheville, Arkansas, on April 25, 1946, to Herbert and Ruby Beasley. I have one brother, George, six years my senior. In 1952 we moved to Arlington Heights, Illinois.
In 1964 I graduated from Arlington High School. Volunteered for three years of service and on October 12, 1964, boarded a train from Chicago to Ft. Knox, KY. for infantry basic training.
After Christmas leave headed to Ft. Gordon, GA. for AIT (advance Infantry training).
After AIT I received orders to report to D Troop 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division. After a 5 day cruise I landed in Hawaii on March 10, 1965.
In April I volunteered for “Operation Shotgun” a highly classified program to train door gunners for service in Vietnam. After 3 weeks of training, 26 4th Cav. Troopers were on our way to join A/501st Avn. Bn., Bien Hoa, Vietnam.
On June 10th we flew our first Combat Mission. In Phuoc Long Province, the Dong Xoai Special Forces Camp had been overrun by VC and NVA forces. Our cherries were broken. A day I will never forget. On September 7, we returned to Hawaii.
I was a Squad Leader in the Aero Rifle Platoon when we returned to Vietnam. In late April early May, First SGT. Petty asked me if I wanted to fly as a door gunner; he wanted men with experience. He told me that the move would most likely cost me a promotion. I took off my acting E-5 strips (not enough time in grade to be promoted from E-4). Put my SP/4 E-4 rank back on and returned to flying. That’s how much I loved flying. I never made E5.
After leaving Vietnam in March 1967, I was stationed at Ft. Hood, TX. Company A, 1st Bn., 50th Infantry, 2nd Armor Div. I was discharged on October 12, 1967.
I was the recipient of the: Air Medal, with “V” Device and 11 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal, with “V” Device, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Expedition Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, with 2 Campaign Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Army Aircrew Badge, Expert Marksman Badge, with Rifle and Machine Gun Bars, and Sharpshooter Badge, with Grenade Bar. For service with 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam. Also authorized to wear the President Unit Citation and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, with Palm.
A Life Member of 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Chapter Association, Life Member 25th Infantry Division Association, and a Life Member of the A/501st Aviation Battalion, 71st Assault Helicopter Company Association, and a member of the American Legion for over 42 years.
I was in the plumbing business for 12 years and later worked as a grounds keeper for High School Dist. #214. After 27 years I retired in 2007.
For the last 38 years I’ve lived in Hanover Park, Illinois.
I have one daughter from my first marriage, Nannette, born Aug. 28, 1972. After 18 years of marriage I was divorced in 1987.
In 1989 I married my second wife, Debra. We were married 23 years. Debra pasted away on July 10, 2012, at the young age of 59. She was my heart and soul. I miss her dearly.
SP4 Herbert D. Beasley