About
Vietnam War (1955-1975)
Vernon Fletcher Hovey lll was born in Schenectady, New York, on June 16, 1946. He grew up in the town of Niskayuna in Schenectady County, New York, and graduated from Niskayuna High School in 1964 and Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont, in 1968. Shortly after graduating from college, Vernon joined the United States Army.
On March 7, 1970, Vernon began his tour of duty in Vietnam. He was a first lieutenant serving with Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. He was a helicopter pilot for the United States Army. On June 5, 1970, while commanding an observation helicopter, supporting ground operations in the province of Thua Thien, enemy fire brought Vernon's aircraft down, killing him. Vernon was awarded, posthumously, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and the Combat Infantryman's Badge. He is buried in the Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Niskayuna, New York.
Sources: The Schenectady Gazette, Find A Grave, Ancestry