USAF ROTORHEAD Members

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 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.

~ Final Flight 19 December 2017 ~

William B. (Bill) Dye, USAF (Retired)
May 22, 1939 – December 19, 2017

William B. Dye passed away on December 19, 2017.

Graveside Service: Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at 2:15 pm at the DFW National Cemetery, Dallas. Visitation: Tuesday, December 26, 2017 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Lucas Funeral Home, Hurst. A procession to the National Cemetery will leave the funeral home on Wednesday, promptly at 1:15 pm for those who’d like to join.

Bill joined the Air Force in 1956 and voluntarily served 3 tours in Vietnam with the 20th SOS Squadron, “Green Hornets”. He received several awards including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, and the RVN Gallantry Cross with Palm. Bill was a 3rd degree black belt in Kei Shin Kan Karate and was trained in Japan. He was a police officer in Nesquehoning, PA, as well as a Mason. Bill’s hobbies included hunting, playing guitar, and working on cars. Bill was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, who will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him. Including his favorite pup, Charlie

Bill was preceded in death by his sister Freda Harris.

He is survived by loving wife of 43 years, Margaret “Peggie” Dye; daughter, Coleen Ullman and husband, Page; sons, Randall “Randy” Dye and wife Darla and Bill Dye and wife, Amy; grandchildren, Amber Bradley, Richard Clary, Faith Nicolle Urban, Dustin Williams, Randall Dye II, Jennifer Dye, Eva Dye, Logan Brasher, and Cassidy Brasher; great grandchildren, Solomon, Jasmine, Samantha, Blake, Aubree, Payton, Haley, Cooper, Tucker, Bailey, Paisley, Caleb, Gage, Conner,; sister, Della Woodlee; brothers, Larry Dye and Gary Dye; and many other extended family and friends.

~ GUEST BOOK ~

2017, December 22
Bill was a good friend and a fellow USAF RotorHead and Vietnam 20th SOS “Green Hornet” Brother. He will always be remembered for his outstanding service to our country and great friendship. God rest his soul. God comfort and protect the Dye family.
~
Jim Burns, SMSgt. USAF (retired)

Integrity, Honor, and Respect
Some of the best things cannot be bought, they must be earned

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