Scope and Contents

Less than a quarter of a linear foot of materials documenting Bill Flye's U.S. Army service as a helicopter mechanic, crew chief, pilot, and gunner in Vietnam. The materials include photographs and images; website printouts; service records; electronic media; equipment inspection and maintenance worksheets; unit histories; mailing lists and rosters; various photocopies (e.g. leaflets/pamphlets, military payment certificates, images, clippings); slides; correspondence (originals, photocopies, and transcriptions); and ephemera. The materials are dated predominately 1968-1996, 2001 or are otherwise undated.

Biographical / Historical

William Mitchell Flye was born in Tampa, Florida in 1948. He volunteered for the United States Army May 24th, 1968. In 1968 Flye became active duty in Jacksonville, Florida. He spent one year serving in Vietnam from January 7th, 1969 – January 6th, 1970. During the Vietnam War Flye held the position of 67N20 UH-1 Helicopter RPMN and Helicopter Crew Chief and Gunner in Chu Lai. In 1974 Flye was stationed in Fort Carson, Colorado. His last duty assignment and major command was 283rd Aviation Company Fifth United States Army Command to which he was then transferred to USAR Control Group (Reinforcement) USAAC in St. Louis, Missouri. His reserve obligation termination date was April 14th, 1974. Flye received various awards throughout his service such as Purple Hearts, an Air Medal, and a Silver Star. He was honorably discharged as SP5 E5. After his military service Flye worked in the Oil and Gas Industry and as a Director of Marketing for Rolls Royce, Siemens, Caterpillar, and Solar Dresser-Brand.