William Henry Luther, a veteran of the war in Vietnam and longtime resident of Edgecliff Village, Texas, passed away on
December 10, 2023 in his home. Bill, as he was known to most, was born on November 7, 1939 to Kirk Charles Luther
and Elizabeth (Betty) Jane Luther in Berwyn, Illinois. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1956 and was first deployed to
Korea where he served with a medical unit.
Bill went through Officer Candidate School and learned to fly helicopters at Fort Wolters Texas. His pilot’s license earned him three combat tours in Vietnam during the 60s. Fighting in some of the bloodiest battles along with the 1st Air Cavalry Division he flew during the TET Offensive, City of Hue, Khe Sahn, and the invasion of the A’Shau Valley.
The U.S. Army recognized Bill for his heroics and honorable service with a Silver Star (one of the highest honors to be bestowed upon a combat veteran) the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star (1st OLC), the Purple Heart, the Air Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/ DVC 60, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/PALM, Senior Army Aviation Badge, Army Aviator Badge, Armed Forces Reservice Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Civil Actions Medal(Unit Citation), Valorous Unit Citation and the Meritorious Service Medal. Bill was the true definition of a warrior and retired from military service with the rank of Major after 22 years, 5 months and 5 days from Fort Jackson, South Carolina.
Bill married Jackie Mae Riddle on July 22, 1967 at Fort Rucker, Alabama, and together they raised two children, Robert and Tracey.
