More detail on this person: Massive heart
attack.Ed Behne had a massive heart attack on 9
September 2006 and passed from this life. He was
a Life Member of VHPA and was a regular at
reunions. Ed was total Texan and will always be
remembered for his wonderful laugh. His friends in
and out of the military knew him as "A Man Of Pure
Integrity". This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site:
03/10/2024
Copyright © 1998 - 2024 Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association
Edward L. Behne, born 2 January 1941, Abilene,
Texas. Joined the Army 10 November 1959.
Assignments were Fort Hood, Texas; Bamberg /
Aschaffenburg, Germany; Fort Wolters, Texas ;
Fort Rucker, Alabama ( Flight Class 67-11). Three
consecutive tours in Vietnam, 1967-1970 with the
same unit: `A' Company, 25th Aviation Battalion,
25th Infantry Division. His most memorable
experiences were during the 1968 TET Offensive.
His awards include two Silver Stars, two
Distinguished Flying Crosses, Legion of Merit, Six
Bronze Stars, 80 Air Medals, two Army
Commendation Medals and the Vietnamese Cross
of Gallantry. He retired from the Army 31 December
1979 as a Major.
Ed Behne was the founder of Tex-Air Helicopters,
Inc in Houston, and was its President until the
company was sold recently.
From: Kenneth Mulholland
MAJOR EDWARD LEE BEHNE born Jan 2, 1941
joined the army 10 Nov 1959. He flew three
consecutive tours in Vietnam, 1967-1970 with
"Little Bears," 'A' Company, 25th Battalion, 25th
Infantry Division (Flight class 67-11). He flew
UH-1 Hueys and received two Distinguished Flying
Crosses, one Legion of Merit, VN Cross of
Gallantry with Silver Star and Palm, two Silver
Stars, six Bronse Stars, VN Service Medal (9
campaigns), two Meritorious Unit Citations and 80
Air Medals. His most memorable military
experiences were during the 1968 TET Offensive.
He is the second most highly decorated pilot
having served in the US Army in Vietnam. He
retired as Major from the Army in 1979. In 1988,
he founded Tex-Air Helicopters, Inc. with one
helicopter. With Ed's unique laugh and a
handshake, Tex-Air grew to a fleet of 41
helicopters! In 2003, he sold Tex-Air and retired
to his passion, his most loved Hill Country ranch,
where worked, hunted, entertained many friends
and spent time with family. Ed Behne was history.
He is a legend. He was a "A Man of Pure
Integrity." He is survived by his wife; Mary Lynne
Behne, two sons; Mark and Mike Behne, four step
children; Jimmy Gonzalez, Mark Gonzalez, Tanya
Roland and Robert Hughey, brother; Richard Behne,
sister, Gwen Pascal, grand daughter; Josephine
Behne, and 14 step- grandchildren. Visitation will
be held Friday, Sept. 15, 2006 from 1:00 3:00 p.m.
at Forest Park East Funeral Home. Services will
follow at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel of Forest Park
East Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations
in honor of Ed Behne may be made to: Vietnam
Helicopter Pilots Association, General Fund, 5530
Birdcage St., Ste. 200, Citrus Heights, CA
Published in the Houston Chronicle from 9/13/2006
- 9/14/2006.