Local Veteran from Wellsville joins Veterans' Hall of Fame

Art Van Tyne nominated to New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame by Senator Catharine Young

ALBANY – Lt. Col. Art Van Tyne’s outstanding record of military service and community involvement are the reasons why he was inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame as Senator Catharine Young’s 2013 nominee.

“Art Van Tyne’s story of sacrifice and patriotism is a reminder of his generation that gave so much at a time when battles raged all around the globe. As a World War II Veteran who served in the Pacific theater, Art’s aircraft navigational skills were vital to the movement of troops, material and military leaders throughout several different countries. Swift and efficient transportation was paramount. Art continued his commitment to the armed forces by joining the Air Force Reserve and sharing his specialized knowledge in radar navigation. His amazing record of service speaks for itself and I am proud have him join the New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame,” said Senator Young.

As a young boy, Art lived in Syracuse until his father, a chemist in Solvay, took a job running a steel mill in Northern New Jersey that was ramping up production to support the war effort. After graduating high school early, he worked at his father’s steel mill for a year before signing up to join the U.S. Army Air Forces’ Aviation Cadet program (later the Air Force), in September of 1943.

After passing physical and academic exams, he was admitted to the program. He completed basic training in Florida. Afterward, he participated in intensive training focused on learning about aircraft and the complexities of flying them at Michigan State University and at military bases in Kansas and Texas.

Based on his high marks and his own preference, Lt. Col. Van Tyne became a navigator aboard Curtiss C-46 Commando cargo aircraft. He then was assigned to 5^th Air Force Headquarters in the Pacific theater.

He spent time overseas in Japan and South Korea, and flew missions over Okinawa, Eastern China, Japan and South Korea, oftentimes transporting high-ranking military officials.

He earned the Navigator Badge, the Army of Occupation Medal with Japan bar, seven other achievement and commendation medals, and logged 1,200 flying hours.

After being discharged in 1947, he joined the Air Force Reserve as a Military Operational Specialist because he possessed knowledge in radar navigation from his time flying over Japan. Lt. Col. Van Tyne retired from the Reserves in 1974.

He went on to have a distinguished career as a geologist and settled in Wellsville in 1981 when he started his own business.

He served as Deputy Mayor for 12 years, and has served as the President of the local Rotary, a board member and board chair for the Jones Memorial Hospital, and president of the local United Way.

Lt. Col. Van Tyne has been married to his wife Pat for 66 years. Together they have been blessed with two sons, two daughters, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

The New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame was created to honor and recognize outstanding veterans from the Empire State who have distinguished themselves both in military and civilian life. Their meritorious service to our nation deserves the special recognition that only a Hall of Fame can provide, as a fitting expression of gratitude and admiration.

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