As he was born into an Army family, there was very little about young Ronald Simmons that suggested he’d do anything other than follow in his father’s footsteps and join the military. And, in 1965, he did just that.

During his two-decade service in the US Air Force, he would go on to earn the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Air Force Ribbon for Excellent Marksmanship. In November 1979, he retired as a master sergeant.

Eight years later, No One would believe Ronald would set the record for the largest all-in-the-family slaughter in American history