Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010

Bill Chandler served with covert recon

Local man worked in SR-71 squadron in Vietnam.

(Editor's note: The Chowchilla News, in cooperation with the Chowchilla Post 9896 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, will be carrying stories about local men who served during wartime. We think you will find the stories interesting and informative.)

William J. "Bill" Chandler, born in Waurika, Oklahoma, and educated at Arvin High School near Bakersfield, had little idea that he would be involved in one of the most secret and valuable military efforts of the Vietnam War.

After graduating from Arvin High in 1962, Bill attended Bakersfield College for two years, majoring in agriculture; In 1965, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonia, Texas, and was selected for specialized training as a photographic repairman.

After further duties and training in the states, Bill was selected for specialized duties and underwent a background check for a top secret security clearance. Bill was sent to the Far East for duty with Air Force units. He was assigned to the Tan Son Nhut Air Base near Saigon to work on classified photographic equipment used by reconnaissance aircraft to gather intelligence on Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces.

His tour in the Far East continued with an assignment to Japan at the Yokota Air Base. At Yokota, Bill worked at the time for the 67th Reconnaissance Technical Squadron in support of the SR-71 "Blackbird." At the time it was the best stealth aircraft in the world. Bill and his fellow members of the 67th literally worked night and day to keep the equipment in good shape as the SR-71 flew missions over North Vietnam, Laos, and mainland China.

After his tour in Southeast Asia, Bill was assigned to Beale AFB, Marysville, California. At Beale, he once more worked on photographic equipment for the SR-71 "Blackbird." In June 1969, Sergeant William J. Chandler was released from active duty and transferred to the Air Force Reserve.

For his military service, Bill was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, the Good Conduct Medal, and the republic of Vietnam Unit Cross of Gallantry with palm and frame.

From 1969-1973, Bill was employed by the Extek Microsystems Microfilm Corporation. He married Nancy in 1972. He was subsequently employed by the First National Bank of Arizona for microfiche banking records. He worked for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory on the MARS/Viking Project in 1975-77. Bill and his family moved to the Chowchilla area in 1977 where he continues to remain in farming operations. He also worked for the Chowchilla Water District from 2004-2009.

Bill is a Life Member of the Chowchilla VFW Post 9896 and a member of the Chowchilla Masonic Lodge and American Legion Post 148.

Bill and his wife, Nancy, who passed away several years ago, have two children.