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:
01/11/2025
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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.