Calvin William Binder II

Calvin “Bill” Binder was born in Kansas on Christmas Day 1946. He grew up in the small community of Rembrandt in northwest Iowa, graduating in a class of 14 students in 1965. He was a good athlete, a friend to all and much admired. He entered Army OCS in November 1966 and then trained as a Cobra gunship pilot. In March he was recognized as a Distinguished Graduate from helicopter flight school. In May 1970 he deployed to Vietnam, becoming part of the 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry based near Saigon. His helicopter was shot down on June 29th, 1970 while he was flying in support of the Cambodia campaign. In a letter to his parents he described how strongly he believed in what he and his government was doing. He was buried in Buena Vista Memorial Park in Storm Lake.