Born in Bowling Green in 1947, Bill Basham joined the US Army and served three years and a tour in Vietnam before completing Rotary Wing Flight School in 1969, and AH-1G Cobra gunship school. Bill’s second tour in Vietnam was with the 334th Aerial Weapons Company of the 145th Combat Aviation Battalion. While in-country, he earned 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses for heroism and three Air Medals with a “V” device for exceptional valor. After his discharge, he pursued a career in the private industry, later returning to Bowling Green, where he passed away in February 2022.