Andrew L Olson Was born September 20, 1946 in Long Beach, California. His family moved to Lindsborg, Kansas where Andy went to high school then joined the Kansas National Guard in February of 1965. He was assigned to E Troop, 114th Cavalry, 69th Infantry Brigade in McPherson, Kansas. In May 1968, his brigade mobilized for active service and went to Ft Carson Colorado for training. Andy served in a 4.2 mortar platoon until 1969. Soon after, he received orders to South Vietnam. Upon arriving in Vietnam Andy was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division operating out of Hue Phu Bai. Andy was shuttled by helicopter from LZ Sally to join C Company, 1st of the 502nd Infantry Battalion as an in Infantry man.

 

His company conducted operations in South Vietnam in the Asha Valley. Andy saw is first combat assault three weeks later, he remained in the Asha Valley until being relocated to Tam Key for other operations. During these operations in wet miserable conditions Andy received injuries that eventually required his evacuation to a Hospital in Japan to heal. He rejoined his unit in September.

 

Upon his return, Andy continued his service in the National Guard. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion of the 137th Infantry Regiment then was reassigned to an Army Reserve unit, D Troop, 322nd Cavalry as a Drill Instructor and was promoted to senior track commander. Andy taught advanced individual training to Cavalry Scouts as well as BNCOC, ANCOC And SNCOC reserve NCO development schools. Following this assignment, Andy was reassigned to the 5047th United States Army Reserve Training Battalion. There he was promoted to Master Sergeant and eventually retired with 27 years of service. Following his service Andy worked as a major appliance repairmen.

 

Andy's awards include the Air Medal , ARCOM with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal, NDSR, Army NCO Professional Ribbon (4th Award), Army Service Military Ribbon and the Combat Infantry Badge.