Scope and Contents

Approximately two linear feet of uniforms and patches collected by Kelly Bateman document the activities of Vietnam War era security police and K9 units in Southeast Asia, Korea, the Pacific, CONUS (Continental Unites States), and Alaska.

Biographical / Historical

Kelly Bateman was born in 1947 in Dallas, Texas. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1968. Bateman served four years of active duty service with one year in Southeast Asia. He was assigned to Detachment 193 Incirlik Airbase, Turkey from 1968 - 1970, Ubon, Royal Thailand Air Force Base from 1970 - 1971, and 96th Security Police Dyess Air Force Base, Texas 1971 - 1972. Bateman held the position of K-9 Military Dog Handler at the rank of Sergeant. He participated in Operation Rolling Thunder. For his service in Vietnam, Bateman received the following awards and citations: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat V device. He received an honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1972. Bateman is currently an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans Association, Vietnam Dog Handler Association, and Vietnam Security Police Association. After his service, Bateman worked for AT&T in Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio.