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By Michael Foley
B company 3/187 3rd platoon infantry (VN)

Remember the 1960’s when the military draft was in full force? Some of our local sons had to go off to Vietnam or other parts of the World in service to our country. Most were never recognized for their service.

Larry LaBryer

Larry LaBryer of Monongahela was one of these boys.

LaBryer spent one year in the “field” in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division at a time that new practices and procedures were being established for a more effective and proactive method for combat operations. The legacy of the soldiers who served with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Mobile) in Vietnam was the foundation of what has evolved into the air assault techniques and tactics of today. The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) recognizes the heritage of the soldiers who proved the concept of air assault operations by awarding those who meet these strict criteria.

Recently, LaBryer, a longtime resident of Monongahela, was certified by the 101st Airborne Division for an “honorary Air Assault award” and was recognized along with 8 other men from this platoon in a ceremony conducted during the 2021 Week of the Eagles at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) is recognizing the legacy of the division’s Vietnam Veterans. The Commanding General has been authorized by the Department of the Army G-1 to honor those who qualify for the award of Air Assault Wings. The concept of air mobility/air assault operations was established as both viable and effective by soldiers who served during the period 1967-1972 with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Mobile) in the mountains, rice paddies and jungles of Vietnam.

Forged in combat, Larry LaBryer participated in establishing the fundamentals that evolved into today’s air assault techniques and tactics.

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