GOSHEN—Former U.S. Navy Petty Officer Ed Foddrill received four medals and the AirCrew Badge on Nov. 6 for his service during the Vietnam War. County Executive Steve Neuhaus was joined by Congressman Sean Maloney and local veterans at a ceremony at American Legion Post 1420 in Newburgh.
“Mr. Foddrill answered the call to serve his country,” Neuhaus said. “These decorations are certainly long overdue. As a Navy officer, I was honored to be part of today’s ceremony and to have a chance to get to know Mr. Foddrill.”
The AirCrew Badge recognizes advanced training and was presented with the U.S. Navy Good Conduct Medal for honorable and faithful service.
Foddrill also received the National Defense Service Medal for honorable service in a designated national emergency during a time of war or conflict, the Vietnam Service Medal with bronze star devices for participation in and direct support of military operations in Vietnam, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal for direct participation in major military operations.
History of Service
Foddrill’s duty in Vietnam continued a long family history of military service. A member of the Foddrill family has fought in every major American war since the Revolution, when Charles Foddrill served under General George Washington in the Battle at Brandywine on Sept 11, 1777, crossing the Delaware River with the Continental Army.
Ed Foddrill enlisted in the Navy at 16 and left for basic training the day after graduating from high school. He flew air support for Naval Operations in DaNang, Vietnam, taking off and landing on aircraft carriers and bases up to five times a day. His security clearance was so high that he flew without a parachute, so if he had to abort his mission, being captured would not be an option.
After his military service, Foddrill worked in facilities operations across the Hudson Valley. He spent 10 years serving as volunteer chair of United Way’s Day of Caring, which completed more than 300 local projects.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand planned the event and worked with the Navy to get Foddrill the medals more than 40 years after he earned them.
“This is a very humbling experience.” Foddrill said. “This is for all the men who died in Vietnam. God Bless America.”
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