The Vietnam War likely had as many heroes as any other war. However, recognizing them was not nearly as common. More than 40 years ago, Tim Callister, who lives in Eagan, was awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross, The Bronze Star and a handful of other awards. No presentation, no ceremony—pieces of paper authorizing the awards were placed in his military file. He wasn't alone. It was a time when our nation's heroes were seldom recognized.
Just as many Vietnam veterans were affected by the lack of recognition, he hoped that any recognition he received would symbolically honor all veterans and those who continue to serve.
On Dec. 29 at 2 p.m. former State Senator Jim Carlson will present Callister with some of the nation's highest awards. The ceremony will be held in room 520 at the Northern Service Center, 1 Mendota Road, West St. Paul.
Carlson, who once represented Callister, was honored by Callister's request that he present the awards. Also attending the ceremony will be Callister's wife Barbara, his daughter Jill and his father Gale.
Callister served in the U.S. Army from October 1968 to March 1971. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his acts of heroism on Aug. 24, 1970. Callister flew a Huey helicopter gunship to provide fire support for a transport chopper as it extracted a long-range reconnaissance patrol. Callister was over Cambodia as he flew the mission, but that was classified, so the award gives the location as simply "near Duc Co." As his helicopter was hit with small arms and automatic weapons fire, he stayed and continued to fire at the enemy so the team could be safely extracted.
After Vietnam, Tim finished his military service in Texas and then went back to finish his college degree. He later served in the Minnesota Army National Guard. Perhaps aviation was in his blood. He went on to become the airport director for the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport where he retired after 30 years of service. He is now working as a consultant.
