T.R. joined the U. S. Army in 1965 and served in combat in Vietnam in 1966 and 1967 in the 173rd Airborne Brigade as an infantryman and the 197th Armed Helicopter Company as a door gunner where he participated in 624 combat missions T.R.’s military honors include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal for Valor, and Air Medal with 16 Oak Leaf Clusters. T.R.’s Distinguished Flying Cross citation: “For heroism, while participating in aerial flight … Pierce distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on the night of 11 December 1966 while serving as door gunner of a helicopter on a “Firefly” team near Can Giouc. Alerted to enemy river traffic …, the team set out to put a stop to it. They quickly discovered and attacked a group of Viet Cong sampans, but were met with intense antiaircraft fire. Undaunted by the … danger, Pierce leaned out of his aircraft, pouring machine gun fire into the enemy emplacements, and nullifying their threat. He then turned his attention to the river, destroying boat after boat with incredible accuracy. His courageous and skillful actions resulted in the destruction of 69 supply laden sampans, a great loss to the enemy transportation network. Pierce’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.” T.R’s Air Medal (Sixteenth Oak Leaf Cluster) with “V” Devise citation: “For heroism while engaged in aerial flight … against a hostile force Pierce distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 13 December 1966 … as a door gunner on a firefly mission at Duc Hoa. Duc Hoa was subjected to a heavy mortar attack, with the division airfield as the primary target. Pierce, without regard for his own personal safety, immediately secured his ship for takeoff. Seconds after his ship had become airborne the airfield was hit. His ship was the first in the air and the first to spot the mortar flashes. With all of the aircraft’s armament inoperative, he marked the area with tracers from his M-14 rifle enabling … two aircraft to locate and neutralize the enemy positions. Through his actions, he insured a quick takeoff, thus avoiding certain destruction from the incoming rounds, as well as placing fire on the enemy positions enabling the other aircraft to silence them. Because of his professionalism and quick action with his M-14, a devasting attack was averted and the enemy was routed. Pierce’s ability and performance were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.” After Vietnam, T. R. completed the Special Forces Qualification Course, earned the Special Forces Tab and Green Beret, and served with the Third Special Forces Group until honorably discharged in 1968. He has served as the Vice-Commander of Wyoming American Legion Post 43, Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4274, and is a member of Special Forces Association Chapter 28. T.R. resides in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He is a Past-President of the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club, Past Vice-Chairman of the Community Entry Service, Past Executive Chairman of Boy Scout Troop 268 and was honored with the Order of the Arrow by the Boy Scouts. T.R. has been a Hoag Classic volunteer on the driving range since 2018 and lives part time in Corona del Mar.