Georgia Military Veterans’ Hall of Fame Spotlight
Attention All Georgia Military Veterans!
12 | August 2018 | Real Hero Report
Vance Snelson Gammons
2017 Georgia Military Veterans’ Hall of Fame Inductee (Valor)
United States Army Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Vance
Snelson Gammons from Marietta was inducted into the
2017 Class of the Georgia Military Veterans’ Hall of
Vietnam. A graduate of Sewanee Military Academy and Georgia
Tech, he earned his private pilot’s license through Army ROTC
and received his commission in 1958.
On three occasions, he volunteered for and/or extended his
Vietnam tours, amassing a total of more than 40 months of
with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, the 25th Infantry Division,
and numerous Army Aviation units. During these years, he was
October 18, 1966, December 23, 1966, and September 29, 1967.
He was severely wounded in the hand, face, and leg in the process
during his last heroic action.
After extensive hospitalization and recuperation, he, without
inspirationally lead and provide his vast experience and combat
The obvious theme of all three of his citations for valor
determination to save the
lives of fellow Soldiers
while he piloted exposed and
vulnerable helicopters, even
as his aircrafts were being
In addition, always
realizing the great and
growing need for helicopter
support throughout Vietnam,
he risked his life on many
occasions in order to salvage
the much needed, but often
very badly combat-damaged
aircraft so that they would be
day.
heroically served his country in uniform for more than 24 years
and is an exemplary patriot and defender of freedom. For his
heroism in Vietnam, he was awarded 25 Air Medals for combat
Heart, and Distinguished Flying Cross.