Senator Kathy Marchione proudly announces decorated United States Army Captain, Vietnam War Veteran, hero and Averill Park resident William Allendorph as her 2016 Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame inductee

The Senate’s Veterans’ Hall of Fame was launched in 2005 to help honor and recognize outstanding living veterans. Today, Senator Marchione and her Senate colleagues honored Captain Allendorph, along with all the inductees from the other 62 State Senate Districts, during a special public recognition ceremony held in Albany where each of the distinguished veterans were celebrated and personally thanked.

Captain Allendorph proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, from 1967 to 1971. In Vietnam, he was detailed to Quang Tin Province in the 1 Corps Tactical Zone where he served as Mobile Advisory Team Leader and was promoted to 1st Lieutenant in 1969. His duties were to assist the Vietnamese Regional and Popular Forces in military operations against the enemy, resulting in numerous and deadly engagements with the enemy. One of the most gratifying missions Captain Allendorph commanded in Vietnam was to rescue an imprisoned U.S. Army Soldier, Specialist 4 Larry D. Aiken, from the enemy. Specialist Aiken was the only imprisoned solder to be forcibly returned to friendly control during the war.

Following his tour in Vietnam, Lieutenant Allendorph was promoted to Captain and assigned to the John J. Kennedy Special Warfare School. There, he received training as a Special Forces Officer and received the Green Beret. He was then assigned to the 7th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces, as a B and C Team Leader. Captain Allendorph was repeatedly recognized for his heroic service, bravery in combat and outstanding leadership abilities. His many military awards, honors and commendations include: 3 Bronze Stars; Army Commendation Medal; Combat Infantry Badge; U.S. Army Parachutist Badge; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Good Conduct Medal, NYS Conspicuous Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star.

Captain Allendorph, and all of today’s Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame inductees, will have their photographs and biographies included as part of a special on-line exhibit proclaiming and honoring their contributions, heroism, service and sacrifice.  

Next week, Captain Allendorph will join Senator Marchione in Halfmoon as the Senator, the Town of Halfmoon and the NYS Senate sponsor The Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall’s visit to Halfmoon Town Park June 2-6 to honor the sacrifice of America’s Vietnam War Veterans in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.

“Bill Allendorph is a true American hero. His skill, proficiency, leadership and courage under fire in some of the toughest, most dangerous military theaters of the Vietnam War are beyond compare. Successfully leading the only rescue mission during the Vietnam War that forcibly freed an imprisoned American soldier from the enemy’s hands, Bill Allendorph’s selfless service, and the courage he continually demonstrated, represents the very best of our armed forces. The rescue Bill Allendorph led wasn’t something that happened in some Hollywood film, shot from the comfort and safety of a movie studio. The rescue happened during real combat with real danger and very real consequences. I’m honored to induct Bill Allendorph into our Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame, an honor truly befitting his dedication and commitment to serving our nation. I also am proud that Bill will be one of the many Vietnam Veterans taking part in The Moving Wall ceremonies when it visits Halfmoon June 2-6 to honor all our American heroes of the Vietnam War, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Senator Marchione said.

“Speaking as a Vietnam War Veteran, I’m proud to have been able to do my duty and serve my country. Some of the people I served with in Vietnam didn’t receive the homecoming they deserved, so it’s nice being recognized by Senator Marchione and inducted into the Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame. 50 years removed from the Vietnam War, I hope others will finally see, and try to understand, the incredible service and sacrifice that so many of our Vietnam War Veterans made. I will be with Senator Marchione at The Moving Wall and I encourage many people to join us and give the fallen the respect and honor they earned,” Mr. Allendorph said.

Biography of Vietnam War Veteran William B. Allendorph,

Captain, United States Army, 1967-1971

Bill Allendorph began his service in the U.S. Army as a draftee in Troy, NY on January 16, 1967. In June 1967 following Basic and Advanced Infantry training he entered Infantry Officer Candidate School and graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant in May, 1968. He received orders for specialized training in advance of deployment to Vietnam. His training included the study of the Vietnamese language and other duties and responsibilities to serve as an Advisor to Combat Forces of the Vietnamese Army.

In Vietnam he was detailed to Quang Tin Province in the 1 Corps Tactical Zone where he served as Mobile Advisory Team Leader. He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant in 1969. His duties were to assist the Vietnamese Regional and Popular Forces in military operations against the enemy, resulting in numerous and deadly engagements with the enemy. One of the most gratifying missions he commanded in Vietnam was to rescue an imprisoned U.S. Army Soldier, Specialist 4 Larry D. Aiken, from the enemy. Specialist Aiken was the only imprisoned solder to be forcibly returned to friendly control during the war. Following his tour in Vietnam, Lieutenant Allendorph was promoted to Captain and assigned to the John J. Kennedy Special Warfare School. He received training as a Special Forces Officer and received the Green Beret. He was then assigned to the 7th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces, as a B and C Team Leader. For his service and bravery he received 3 Bronze Stars; Army Commendation Medal; Combat Infantry Badge; U.S. Army Parachutist Badge; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Good Conduct Medal, NYS Conspicuous Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star. He was honorably discharged on May 1, 1971 and returned to Wynantskill, NY.

He and his wife Diane are the proud parents of four sons, John, Jason, Scott and David and one daughter, Bess, who passed away in 2002. Bill worked for the U.S. Postal Service in different Capital District locations, retiring as USPS Supervisor of Customer Service in Mechanicville in 2004.

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