Lieutenant Colonel Victor Reynolds Bird 1962

Benevolent Warrior

To be a benevolent warrior is to do justice, to show kindness, and to walk humbly among both those you saved and fought against.

Vic was commissioned in the infantry in June 1962 upon graduation from Colorado State University. He spent 25 years of active duty as a United States Army Infantry Officer. His overseas assignments included Republic of Korea (13 months), Vietnam two tours, 2 years, and Germany 6 years. His stateside assignments included Georgia, Missouri, California, Kansas, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Idaho.

His Awards and Decorations include: Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal w/3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal w/2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Vietnam Service Medal w/6 campaign stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal First Class, Combat Infantry Badge, Parachutist Badge.

Vic received the Legion of Merit for his work from 1968 though 1969 when he served as the District Serve Senior Advisor in the Bin Luc District, Long An Province, in the Republic of Vietnam.

Because of his extensive knowledge of military procedures and his understanding of technical situations he was responsible for training over 1,000 Regional and Popular Force troops in his District. He fought alongside the troops he trained in over 100 combat operations.

His remarkable efforts aborted enemy fire directed against his District and effectively neutralized the Viet Cong infrastructure. As a result of his tact, diplomacy and deep concern for and understanding of the Vietnamese people, the relationships between the United States personnel and the citizens of the District were greatly enhanced.

His advice and assistance to the District Revolutionary Development Council were influential in making it a responsive community organization. Also, he initiated over 40 development projects including school repairs, agricultural assistance, and road, disciplinary and market construction.

Through his enthusiasm, initiative and diligence, he consistently overcame the hazards of combat and the difficulties arising from language and cultural differences and mastered varied responsibilities and advisory work.

Vic’s exceptionable ability as a leader, commander and advisor, his superior problems solving skills and understanding of military techniques and his unwavering desire to produce favorable results made him a truly superior officer and advisor.

Vic was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action on March 6, 1969.

When his unit came under attack by a company-sized hostile sized force, employing mortars, rockets, rifle grenades and automatic weapons. Vic immediately requested mortar and heavy artillery support from nearby American units. Bravely exposing himself to a continuous barrage of hostile fire, he adjusted the artillery support to inflict heavy casualties upon the enemy.

When he saw the Vietnamese Company Commander wounded by a rifle grenade and, using his ability to speak Vietnamese, assumed control of the company. Exposed to intense hostile fire, he ran from position to position, encouraging his men. Throughout his personal bravery, outstanding leadership and gallant example, He inspired his Vietnamese comrades to regroup and set up defensive positions.

He continued to direct the soldiers in the defense of their positions, giving orders which enabled the unit to halt the enemy advance. Under intense hostile fire, Vic bravely led a group of soldiers toward the enemy position to evacuate his wounded and assist in their medical treatment.

Vic was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal

When in late April 1975, the North Vietnamese Army was approaching Saigon, the capitol of South Vietnam was about to fall. President Gerald Ford ordered all American civilians to evacuate along with South Vietnamese refugees.

What followed was a massive airlift with U.S. Marine and Air Force helicopters of about 1,000 American civilians and 7,000 refugees.

The refugees first went to relocation processing centers in Guam, the Philippines, Thailand, Wake Island and Hawaii before being flown to the resettlement centers in the United.

Vic was responsible for the planning effort which resulted in the rapid and successful preparation of the Southeast Asia refugee center at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County Pennsylvania in May 1975.

When they arrived at Fort Indiantown Gap, the refugees were taken to an auditorium where they waited to be photographed, interviewed and assigned living quarters. Adults received juice, babies were fed, and Red Cross nurses provided first aid.

Later they were given medical exams, fingerprinted and given Social Security numbers. Children attended a school at the post. Representatives from various federal agencies met with the refugees to begin integrating them into society.

Refugees were matched with sponsors who agreed to provide food, clothing and shelter until the refugee could become self-sufficient. Sponsors also helped the Vietnamese find jobs and get their children registered in school.

For eight months in 1975, Fort Indiantown Gap housed more than 20,000 Vietnamese and Cambodian refugees.

Today (2021), 46 years later, there are over 1.3 million immigrants from Vietnam. They and their 300,000 or so children, along with their culture and cuisine, have become yet another inextricable strand that make-up the American fabric. Vic’s actions have directly benefitted 3 generations of Vietnamese families.