Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Van
Edgar
Chandler
March 5, 1925

–

March 11, 1998

Born:

Waxahachie

, 

Texas

Home:

Waxahachie

, 

Texas

During World War II, Van Chandler became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. After the war he transferred to the new U.S. Air Force, and returned to combat as an F-86 pilot in Korea, where he was credited with THREE more aerial victories. He also served in Vietnam before retiring in 1974 as a U.S. Air Force Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    31st Tactical Fighter Wing

    Action Date:

    January 29, 1970

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel Van Edgar Chandler (AFSN: AO-705545), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-100 pilot, 31st Tactical Fighter Wing, in action near Hoi Lam, Republic of Vietnam, on 29 January 1970. On that date, Colonel Chandler participated in an air strike against a hostile gun site. Restricted to a single run-in heading by high terrain and adverse weather conditions, Colonel Chandler made repeated low single ordnance deliveries which silenced the gun sites. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Chandler reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    25th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    51st Fighter Group

    Action Date:

    Korean War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major Van Edgar Chandler (AFSN: AO-705545), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-86 Fighter Pilot of the 25th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Group, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Korea in January and February 1952.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    31st Tactical Fighter Wing

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Van Edgar Chandler (AFSN: AO-705545), United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Commander for Operations, 31st Tactical Fighter Wing, in Southeast Asia, in 1970.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Van Edgar Chandler (AFSN: AO-705545), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States, culminating as Deputy for Operations, 23rd NORAD Continental Air Defense Region, Duluth International Airport, Minnesota, from June 1972 to August 1974. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Chandler culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    336th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    4th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Van Edgar Chandler (AFSN: AO-705545), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-51B Fighter Pilot of the 336th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.