Bill Bob Beard

Bill Bob Beard was called home on June 12, 2024. He was born in Mansfield in 1930. He grew up here and attended Mansfield High School from 1936 until he graduated in 1947. In August 1947 when he turned seventeen his mother signed permission for him to enlist in the United States Navy. 

He served as a radio repair technician and was separated from the Navy in February 1950. The law required personnel in given age groups to register for the draft. He registered and was notified by the Draft Board of Tarrant County that his draft notice would be "mailed out" on November 1, 1950. This was done so that he could volunteer for another branch of service if he did not wish to be drafted into the Army. 

Bill procrastinated until October 10, 1950 at which time he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was sent to Lackland AFB, Texas. While assigned to Lackland he took a "Battery of Aptitude Test" to determine which Air Force skills he could best perform. He was then selected for assignment to the United States Air Force Security Service, Brooks AFB, Texas (excuse the oxymoron) the Air Forces' Intelligence Service. At the commencement of his interview for a training school he was informed that he could have any job in the Air Force except that of a cook. This restriction was imposed because he did not score high enough on the "Service Aptitude Test" to serve in that capacity. He was asked what job he had performed in the Navy and he told the interviewer that he had been a radio repair technician and a "jeep" driver. He was told that the Security Service did not have airplanes therefore "Follow Me" jeep drivers were not an item for consideration. He was asked if he had any hobbies or artistic sills that could be drawn upon to which he replied no. 

The interviewer then asked if he worked "crossword" puzzles. Bill said he had tried to work some puzzles but qui when he hit a snag. Upon hearing this the interviewer immediately told Bill that was great and he was being assigned to a school that taught cryptoanalysis. Bill had no clue what this meant except that they could end the skills interview and he could go get a cup of coffee. Bill attended the school and learned that he could solve "Codes and Ciphers." 

Upon graduation Bill taught the course for one and a half years at Brooks, AFB, Texas and Fort Devens, Massachusetts. He volunteered for overseas assignment. He served tours of duty in Germany (3), Kelly AFB, Texas (2), Air Force Institute of Technology, Syracuse University New York (2), Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, United States Air Station Peshawar, Pakistan, Goodfellow AFB, Texas, Fairchild AFB, Washington, Yokota AB, Japan, Danang AB Republic of Vietnam, Eielson AFB, Alaska, Shemya AFB, Alaska. All assignments post Fairchild, AFB, Washington were Airborne Communications Reconnaissance Platform assignments. Flight were aboard RC-130BII and RC-135C/D/M/U aircraft. 

During 27 plus years of service, Bill was awarded: The Bronze Star. Meritorious Service Medal with One Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Air Medal with Two Silver Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Combat Crew Member with One Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with Three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, United States Army Good Conduct Medal with 5 Bronze Loops, Army Medal of Occupation Germany, American Defense Service Medal, American Expeditionary Medal with One Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Service Medal with Three Battle Stars, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. 

Bill retired from the United States Air Force as a Chief Master Sergeant on September 1, 1975.