CW4 Billy Joe Fulbright

Description:

CW4 Fulbrighrt enlisted in the US Army and completed basic training at Camp Fannis, Texas in 1944. He served in the Philippine's during WW II  as a member of the Japanese Occupation Force following their surrender in 1945. In 1946 he completed Airborne and Glider-men training and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division in 1948. In 1950 CW4 Fulbright began his career in aviation by completing fixed wing flight training as an enlisted soldier. In 1946 he completed Airborne and Glider-men training and was assigned to the 82nd wing flight training as an elisted soldeier. In 1954 CW4 Fulbright completed the Warrant Officers Candidate Program,and was selected to be one of ten students to establish the CH -21 rotary wing training program, and then served as an instructor in the aircraft. 

In 1963, he was an instrumental in forming a CV-2 (Caribou) Transition Course at Fort Benning, GA and transitioned pilots in both fixed wing and rotary wind aircraft for the 11th Air Assault Division (Test) that was formed to test the theory and practicality of the air mobile concept. In 1965, the 11th Air Assault Division was reflagged the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) and deployed to Vietnam. 

In 1967, CW4 Fulbright was selected for training in the Navy P-2V (Neptune) patrol bomber. He supervised bringing six of the four engine P-2V aircraft out of storage to install "top-secret" radio research equipment. He then became the standarization pilot for tthe newly formed 1st Aviation Radio research Company and deployed with the company to Vietnam for his second tour. 

Upon retirement from the Army in 1975, CW4 Fulbright with 30 years of servie, CW4 Fulbright was rated in 25 different airframes and had over 8,700 flight hours in numerous fixed wing and rotary-wing aircraft, with 1,250 of those being combat hours. Considered to be a Pioneer in Army Aviation, CW4 Fulbright was inducted into the U.S. Army Aviation Hall of Fame at Fort Rucker, AL in 2001. 

After retirement, he immediately began a 17 year civillian career as chief pilot for Air Logistics Incorporated . His career was in direct support of petroleum industry in the Gulf of Mexico where he flew in 6 different airframes. He retired in 1992 with over 16,000 total flight hours. 

More Info:

CWO4 Billy Joe Fulbright (deceased), hometown, Batesville, Arkansas. His awards include: Mertious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, the Air Medals, (w/ 30th Oak Leaf Clusters), the Vietnam Service Medal (w/4 stars), the Rebublic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the National Service Medal (w/Oak Leaf Cluster),  the Japan Occupation Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, the WW II Victory Ribbon, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry (with Palm), the Master Army Aviator Badge, the Senior Parachutist Badge,and the Glider Badge.