Foddrill, left, next to Newhaus
NEWBURGH – Former US Navy Petty Officer Third Class Ed Foddrill of Pine Bush was honored Friday for his service in the Vietnam War. During a ceremony at American Legion Post 1420 in Newburgh on Friday, he received four medals and the AirCrew Badge.
“Mr. Foddrill answered the call to serve his country and deserves to be honored,” said Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus. “No amount of time can reduce the debt of gratitude we owe to brave men such as him. These decorations are certainly long overdue,” said the county executive, himself a Navy officer.
Foddrill continued a long history of military service by his family. A member of the Foddrill family fought in every major American war since the Revolution, when Charles Foddrill served under General George Washington in the Battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777, crossing the Delaware River with the Continental Army.
Ed Foddrill enlisted in the Navy at age 16 and left for basic training the day after graduating from high school. He flew air support for naval operations in Da Nang, Vietnam, taking off and landing on aircraft carriers and bases up to five times a day. His security clearance was so high, that he flew without a parachute, so if had to abort his mission, being captured would not be an option.
In addition to the AirCrew Badge, which recognizes advanced training and was presented with the US Navy Good Conduct Medal for honorable and faithful service, Foddrill also received the National Defense Service Medal for honorable service in a designated national emergency during a time of war or conflict, the Vietnam Service Medal with bronze star devices for participation in and direct support of military operations in Vietnam, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal for direct participation in major military operations.
