Editor’s note: This tribute is one in a series of reader-submitted tributes to Vietnam War-era veterans that will be posted during April. 

EOC WILLIAM J. HODGES, USN

HOMETOWN: Lewis-town, Montana

BRANCH:  U.S. Navy

YEARS OF SERVICE:  20

HIGHEST RANK OR GRADE ATTAINED:  Chief Equipment Operator (Seabee).

SIGNIFICANT DUTY STATIONS OR DEPLOYMENTS DURING THE VIETNAM WAR: Danang with MCB 5, December 1967 to July 1968; Dong Ha with MCB 5 until June 1969; Com CB Pac Det Oki, Camp Kinser, Okinawa; Sand Point. Retired 01 April 1974.

POST-WAR CAREER:  BS in occupational safety and health, Central Washington State College, 1976; worked at nuclear plants in New York.