ARTERBURN MICHAEL R

CPT Michael R. Arterburn was a potential VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 09/27/2012 at the age of 67.3 from Suicide
Mount Airy, MD
Flight Classes 68-8 and 68-10
Date of Birth 06/22/1945
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with 121 AVN in 68-69
This information was provided by Douglas Michael Arterburn, SSN search Aug 2013

More detail on this person: CAPTAIN MICHAEL ROBERT ARTERBURN US ARMY- 1945-2012

Completed Military Flight Training from JUL 1968 to NOV 1969. Officer Rotary Wing Aviator Course 2C-1981B /68-8.

Deployed to Vietnam 28JUL68 to 26JUL69 with 121 Aviation Co-Assault Helicopter Company - Participated in the large operations within the Delta, such as Phantom KTO, U-Minh and two operations on Mt. Nui Coto.Awarded Army Air Medal and Bronze Star for participating in UMinh Forest Operation 22DEC-4JAN 1969.

Following Vietnam deployment, CPT Arterburn served as an Aviation Instructor at Hunter Army Airfield in 1969-1970. Completed Ranger School (Airborne Tab) Fort Lewis Washington 1971. Deployed to Korea 1972.

Medically retired (100%) from active duty late 1972 with permanent rank of Captain (O3). Attended Medical school and became Doctor of Optometrist in Washington State for remainder of his professional career. Father of three children and husband to Thelma (Tes) Arterburn for 41 years. Buried at Arlington National Cemetery Plot: Section 36A, Site 315

He died from a self-inflicted gun shot. His wife passed 9 months prior. He lived through a very tough life. He came back from Vietnam with throat cancer which caused him to eat through a stomach tube and breath thru a tracheotomy. He sacrificed every day for his country.

Information provided by CPT Douglas Michael Arterburn

Burial information: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA

This information was last updated 05/18/2016

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Date posted on this site: 10/23/2024