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CLACKAMAS, Ore. – A memorial service with full military honors was held for U.S. Army Maj. (ret.) Charles L. Deibert at Willamette National Cemetery in Clackamas, Oregon on May 17, 2024. A recipient of The Distinguished Service Cross for his service during combat operations in Vietnam, Deibert served in the Oregon Army National Guard for 15 years and would later serve for five years in the Army Reserves.

Initially enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1956, he joined the Oregon National Guard two years later in 1958. He attended Officer Candidate School, flight school, jump school and jungle survival school before volunteering for service in Vietnam in 1966. Assigned as a platoon leader to the 220th Reconnaissance Airplane Company, he would fly over 570 missions in the Cessna O-1 Bird Dog, directly saving hundreds of U.S. troops, making him one of the most decorated Oregon military aviators.

Highlighting his extraordinary heroism with operations against an armed hostile force on September 10, 1967, in the Republic of Vietnam, Deibert distinguished himself with exceptional gallant actions as he supported a Marine battalion engaged in battle with an estimated two-regiment North Vietnamese Army force.

Despite the extreme dangers of being shot down by friendly artillery barrages and hostile anti-aircraft fire, (then) Captain Deibert flew into the area, making several low passes through a curtain of continuous fire, helping locate enemy troop concentrations. After advising the Marines of the enemy situation, he called for tactical air support and continued making low level flights over enemy strongpoints.

Describing Deibert’s exemplary military service, Maj. Gen. (ret.) Raymond F. Rees, the former Adjutant General of the Oregon National Guard, offered a fitting eulogy for his long career of service to the United States Army.

“To me as a fellow Vietnam veteran, Larry was representative of the vast majority of Vietnam veterans,” Rees said. “That ten of thousands of those veterans served their nation, and returned to become productive members of society and leaders in their community.”

During the eulogy, Rees described the accomplishment of years of military service but also touched on his impacts in the business community and the importance of family and faith.

“I hope to capture in a few words, the scope and breadth of a well-lived life and the essence of a man who lived each day as a new day, a new opportunity and new adventure,” Rees said. “He was successful in a wide ranging business career and as entrepreneur…and was a caring and loving husband, father and patriarch.”

Among his other military awards, Deibert was recognized with The Distinguished Flying Cross (two awards), The Bronze Star, The Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, The Army Commendation Medal, The Presidential Unit Citation, Army Parachute Badge, and Army Senior Aviation Badge and other accolades.

Deibert served as the National Commander of the Legion of Valor from 2001-2002. After his retirement, he was appointed as the Civilian Aide to the U.S. Secretary of the Army from 2003 to 2017. 

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Released Photos from Memorial Service:

240517-Z-CH590-1011: Maj. Gen. (ret.) Raymond F. Rees (left), along with former Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski (center-left), Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon (center-right) and Susan Malone (right), pause for a photo prior to the start of the Memorial Service for Major (retired) Charles L. Deibert, held on May 17, 2024 at Willamette National Cemetery, Clackamas, Oregon. During his military career, Maj. Deibert was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross during combat operations in Vietnam. He served for two years in the Marine Corps before joining the Oregon Army National Guard for 15 years, and later served in the Army Reserves for five years. After his retirement he was appointed as the Civilian Aide to the U.S. Secretary of the Army from 2003-2017. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

240517-Z-CH590-1060: The Presentation of the American Flag is performed by the Oregon Army National Guard Funeral Honor Guard members during the Memorial Service for Maj. (retired) Charles L. Deibert held at Willamette National Cemetery, Clackamas, Oregon on May 17, 2024. During his military career, Maj. Deibert was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross during combat operations in Vietnam. He served for two years in the Marine Corps before joining the Oregon Army National Guard for 15 years, and later served in the Army Reserves for five years. After his retirement he was appointed as the Civilian Aide to the U.S. Secretary of the Army from 2003-2017. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

240517-Z-CH590-1034 and 240517-Z-CH590-1207: Maj. Gen. (ret.) Raymond F. Rees (left), the former Adjutant General for the Oregon National Guard, delivers the Eulogy during the Memorial Service for Major (retired) Charles L. Deibert, held on May 17, 2024 at Willamette National Cemetery, Clackamas, Oregon. During his military career, Maj. Deibert was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross during combat operations in Vietnam. He served for two years in the Marine Corps before joining the Oregon Army National Guard for 15 years, and later served in the Army Reserves for five years. After his retirement he was appointed as the Civilian Aide to the U.S. Secretary of the Army from 2003-2017. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

240517-Z-CH590-1234: Mr. David Winterholler address those in attendance with remembrance remarks during the Memorial Service for Major (retired) Charles L. Deibert, held on May 17, 2024 at Willamette National Cemetery, Clackamas, Oregon. During his military career, Maj. Deibert was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross during combat operations in Vietnam. He served for two years in the Marine Corps before joining the Oregon Army National Guard for 15 years, and later served in the Army Reserves for five years. After his retirement he was appointed as the Civilian Aide to the U.S. Secretary of the Army from 2003-2017. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

240517-Z-CH590-1025: Distinguished guest and elected officials pause for the Invocation at the start of the Memorial Service for Major (retired) Charles L. Deibert, held on May 17, 2024 at Willamette National Cemetery, Clackamas, Oregon. During his military career, Maj. Deibert was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross during combat operations in Vietnam. He served for two years in the Marine Corps before joining the Oregon Army National Guard for 15 years, and later served in the Army Reserves for five years. After his retirement he was appointed as the Civilian Aide to the U.S. Secretary of the Army from 2003-2017. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

240517-Z-CH590-1285: Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon, renders a hand salute to Suzanne Deibert after presenting her with the American Flag during the Memorial Service for her husband Major (retired) Charles L. Deibert, held on May 17, 2024 at Willamette National Cemetery, Clackamas, Oregon. During his military career, Maj. Deibert was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross during combat operations in Vietnam. He served for two years in the Marine Corps before joining the Oregon Army National Guard for 15 years, and later served in the Army Reserves for five years. After his retirement he was appointed as the Civilian Aide to the U.S. Secretary of the Army from 2003-2017. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)