Operation Shufly Marine Vietnam Veteran Honored

Former Marine recognized for his service in Vietnam War
11:18 PM, Jun 30, 2012
Written by
Rachel Stalley

Art Levandowski of St. Cloud was one of four Marines recognized for work in Operation Shufly during 2012 Marine Week held June 11-17 in Cleveland. He was recognized with a pin from Lt. Gen. Steven Hummer during ceremonies. / Photo courtesy of Deb Isaacson

St. Cloud resident Art Levandowski was one of four veterans honored during 2012 Marine Week held June 11-17 in Cleveland.

Levandowski, a 1962 graduate of St. Cloud Cathedral High School, was recognized for being part of Operation Shufly, the first operational Marine Corp. activation unit deployed to Vietnam.

Levandowski enlisted in the Marines out of high school and was stationed in San Diego and Memphis before he and a friend volunteered to go into Vietnam. He was a helicopter mechanic in squadron HMM 261, only one of five squadrons in Vietnam from 1962-63.

“We thought it would be great to adventure,” Levandowski said. “We felt like we were indestructible at that age.”
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