Helena native, Vietnam veteran among state’s most decorated

Helena native, Vietnam veteran among state’s most decorated
By CURT SYNNESS Independent Record
Bill Willing had been in the central highlands of Vietnam less than a week in early April of 1970 when the 21-year old gunship commander from Helena decided there was no way he was going to survive the war.

“My first week in country, we were involved in the Battle of Dak Seang, and I just knew I wouldn’t make it out alive,” said Ret. Col. Bill Willing in a recent telephone interview from his home in Anaconda.

Willing, of course, did survive. In fact, he went on to become what no less an authority than retired Maj. Gen. Gene Prendergast describes as one of the Montana National Guard’s most highly decorated Vietnam combat veterans.

And anyone who drives to the Helena Regional Airport is bound to see a memento of his career — Willing is the pilot who flew the helicopter that became known as the “helicopter on a stick” from San Antonio to Helena.

Willing’s 55 military decorations are too numerous to list, but a few of the more notable ones include the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and the Army Commendation Medal.

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Vietnam veteran among states most decorated