After 50 Years, Highlands Man Honored For His Service In Vietnam War

HIGHLANDS, NJ — Tuesday is Veterans' Day and William “Bill” Tikiob Ward, a Highlands resident and veteran of the U.S. Army Air Force, has been honored with several long-overdue military service medals for his service in the Vietnam War.

The service medals were presented by this area's congressman, Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr., at a ceremony held at the Harold Daley VFW Post 1333 in Neptune, attended by Ward's friends, family and fellow veterans.

Ward earned the medals more than five decades ago in the Vietnam War but, due to administrative delays, he never received them.

Ward, a lifelong New Jersey resident, enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1969 and served on active duty from 1970 to 1974, rising to the rank of sergeant. He completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, before being assigned to the 354th Supply Squadron under the Tactical Air Command at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base in South Carolina.

As a fuels specialist, Ward was responsible for managing and supplying critical aircraft refueling operations that kept the Tactical Air Command’s training and combat-ready aircraft in the air. By 1972, his unit supported A-7D Corsair II fighter-bombers and F-4 Phantom II aircraft being readied for deployment to Southeast Asia.

With only four days’ notice, Ward’s squadron was deployed to Vietnam, where he worked to maintain fueling and logistics support under difficult conditions.

For his service, Ward earned multiple commendations, including the Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster and V Device for Valor, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with Bronze Leaf, the National Defense Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

These awards recognize individual valor and exceptional performance by his unit in support of U.S. operations during the Vietnam War.

Despite his distinguished record, Ward never received many of these medals due to administrative delays. After reaching out to Congressman Pallone’s district office, constituent services staff worked with the Air Force Personnel Center and the National Personnel Records Center to locate and verify the documentation needed to correct Ward’s military file. Their inquiry prompted the Air Force to issue his long-overdue honors after more than 50 years.

“I’m overjoyed to see this issue finally brought to fruition,” Ward wrote in a letter of gratitude to Congressman Pallone’s office. “I can now raise my head proudly along with my fellow veterans who honorably served our country in defending its foreign allies at a time when it was extremely unpopular to wear a military uniform. I want to thank Congressman Pallone and all the folks in his office for their unwavering support of veterans like myself.”

“Every veteran deserves to receive full recognition for their service,” said Pallone. “Mr. Ward served his country with honor, and I’m proud that our office was able to help him finally obtain these medals. His story is a reminder of the deep gratitude we owe to all who have worn our nation’s uniform.”