ALFORD ANDREW N

LTC Andrew N. Alford was a potential VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 03/14/2005 at the age of 74.6
Niceville, FL
Flight Class 58-7
Date of Birth 07/25/1930
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with 179 ASHC in 67, 242 ASHC in 68
Call sign in Vietnam MULESKINNER 6
This information was provided by Barry Geller

More detail on this person: Retired Lt. Col. Andrew N. Alford, age 74, of Niceville [Okaloosa Co.], Fla., after an extended illness passed away March 14, 2005, at his home. His loving family was by his side.

He was born on July 25, 1930, in Bogalusa, La. During his lifetime he had numerous athletic and military achievements. Growing up in Bogalusa he was a graduate of Bogalusa High School. He excelled in football, baseball and track. He was a member of the undefeated, 12-0, State Champion Bogalusa Lumberjack Foot ball Team.

After high school he received a full football scholarship to attend Louisiana State University. While at LSU he was a standout on the football team, as well as the boxing team. He was named an outstanding player in the 1953 Blue-Gray Classic All-Star Game, which was coached by Paul "Bear" Bryant. After receiving his degree from LSU, he entertained offers to either play football or box professionally. He chose a career in the U.S. Army.

While his accomplishments are too numerous to list, they include but are not limited to the following: Infantry, Ranger, Airborne, Aviator, Vietnam War 1967-1968, TET Offensive, Company Commander 242nd Assault Helicopter Company, Cu Chi, Vietnam, two Purple Hearts, two Distinguished Flying Crosses with 1st oak leaf cluster; 20 Air Medals, and the Bronze Star Medal.

He retired from the U.S. Army in 1974. He then joined the Niceville football coaching staff as offensive line and weight training coach. During this time he obtained his master's degree in counseling and guidance from Troy State University. In 1975, he transferred to Ruckel Junior High School as guidance counselor, teacher and head football coach. After several years at Ruckel Junior High School he retired to enjoy time with is family, playing tennis and fishing.

Mr. Alford was a 32nd degree Mason and Baptist by faith.

He was predeceased by his parents, Andrew and Ina Alford of Bogalusa; and one son, Keith Braden (Brad) Alford of Niceville.

Mr. Alford is survived by his wife, Venita B. Alford; sons, Andrew Alford, Kevin Alford and Michael Alford, all of Niceville; grandsons, Keith Alford of Ashford, Nathan Alford of Sumter, S.C., Kevin Alford, Matthew Alford and Bobby Porter, all of Niceville; and great-grandchildren, Hudson Shelly, Haisten Shelly, both of Ashford, and Katie Marie of Sumter.

The family will receive friends at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 17, at McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home in Niceville. Funeral services will follow at 3 p.m. at the funeral home.

This information was last updated 05/18/2016

Please send additions or corrections to: HQ@vhpa.org VHPA Headquarters

Return to the Helicopter Pilot DAT name list

Return to VHPA web site

Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024


Copyright © 1998 - 2024 Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association