Scope and Contents

The collection consists of scrapbooks and slides donated to the archive by Tim Fortner. The scrapbooks document Fortner’s service in the Marines from his boot camp graduation in 1967 through his discharge in 1970. The scrapbooks include extensive photographs of Fortner’s service in Vietnam, including his time with HMM-262 at Ai Tu Marine Air Base (aka, Quang Tri Combat Base) from 1968 to 1969. Also included in the scrapbooks are newspaper clippings of various stories about Fortner or his unit, citations and documents for medals and promotions, and certificates of completion for various training courses Fortner completed during his military service.

Biographical / Historical

Tim Fortner was born in Sacramento, California in 1948. He volunteered for the U.S. Marine Corps in 1966. He served with HMM-302 from 1967-1968, HMM-262 from 1968-1969 in Vietnam, and Headquarters & Headquarters Squadron at the Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma, AZ from 1969-1970. He was an Avionics NCO, completing duties as a door gunner and air crewman on CH-46D helicopters. In Vietnam, he was stationed at Ai Tu/Quang Tri Combat Base. He served in numerous operations including Kentucky, Scotland II, Nevada Eagle, Dawson River, Marshal Mountain, Taylor Canyon, Dewey Canyon, Purple Martin, Davis Party, Montana Mauler, Virginia Ridge, Apache Snow, Cameron Falls, and Utah Mesa. His awards include the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm and the Air Medal with Bronze Star.

Fortner was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant in December 1969. His post-military career included constructing tennis courts and administrating professional racing championships. He is a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, Marines-Together We Served, and USMC Combat Helicopter Association.