Beaufort’s Bruce Vance, 85, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in Chicago in 1954. After Boot camp at Parris Island, Combat Training and training in Aviation Ordinance, he was assigned to a squadron in Hawaii, deploying to Okinawa and the Philippines. In 1965, he was sent to Da Nang, Vietnam. After returning he became a Warrant Officer in Yuma with tours in Camp Pendleton, a second tour in Da Nang, El Toro, Hawaii, Yuma, Iwakuni and then MCAS Beaufort as Group Ordinance Officer. His final tour was in Norfolk on the senior aviation staff. He retired in 1985 as a Lieutenant Colonel with more than 31 years service. After returning to Beaufort he works at St. Peter’s Catholic Church.
– Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 9. For nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.
