Seven Years In Hanoi

INTRODUCTION Lt. Colonel Larry Chesley was born and reared in Burley, Idaho. After graduating from high school he enlisted in the Air Force and spent time in Japan and Germany. Following his discharge, he enrolled in Weber State College in Ogden, Utah. While being married and working full time, he completed a four-year course of study in three years, graduating with honors. He re-entered the Air Force at Officer's Training School completing the course as a Distinguished Military Graduate. He then entered pilot training. After receiving his pilot's wings, he entered F-4C fighter training, graduating as the class's outstanding pilot (Top Gun). In December 1965, Larry Chesley volunteered for Vietnam duty and was shot down on April 16, 1966. He spent nearly seven years in prison camps in and around Hanoi, North Vietnam. On February 12, 1973 he was released with the first group of POW's. Colonel Chesley has received dozens of military awards and decorations, including 2 Silver Stars for Gallantry, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star for Valor, and 2 Purple Hearts, 5 Air Medals, 2 Outstanding Unit Awards, 2 Air Force Commendation Medals. He has been listed in Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. In addition, he has written a book and has made motivational tapes detailing his experiences as a prisoner of war He retired from the Air Force in 1982 after 22 years of service. He has just retired from working as the Legislative Liaison for the Arizona State Treasurer. He has been an Arizona State Senator and a Legislative Research Analyst for the Arizona State House of Representatives and a University Professor Colonel Chesley has held many community and church positions, including Boy Scout leader and a volunteer in the prison ministry for the state prisons of Arizona. He and his wife have served four full-time missions for their Church. They have combined several families to have 9 living children and 29 grandchildren. Colonel Chesley has delivered thousands of presentation to meetings throughout the United States and foreign countries.