Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Dedication Of Arkadelphia Airport Is Set

The city of Arkadelphia will have A formal dedication of its airport October 29 at 10:00 a.m. The name has been changed to Dexter Florence Memorial Airport in honor of Lt. Dexter Florence, an Arkadelphia native who served as an army helicopter pilot in Vietnam. He was shot down and killed on October 29, 1972, in Vietnam.

Lt. Florence was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism in his successful attempt in rescuing a downed air force pilot who was wounded and completely surrounded by a division of enemy troops. Lt. Florence was the pilot's only hope for getting out alive and even though Lt. Florence knew of the air force pilot's situation, Florence still volunteered to retrieve him.

A few weeks earlier, Lt. Florence rescued a fellow army pilot, who was in the same situation only badly burned and wounded. This army pilot will be at the dedication.

Lt. Florence also received the Bronze Star, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, the Purple Heart and numerous air medals.

Fort Campbell, Ky., is sending down three helicopters, along with its full cavalry color guard for the dedication. Also, numerous other military helicopters will be on display. Members of Lt. Florence's unit from Vietnam are planning a mini-reunion for the dedication.

As you can see from Lt. Florence's awards, he is an Arkansas native son that not only our county can be proud of, but also the entire state. U.S. Sen. Asa Hutchinson and many other state and federal politicians will be on hand to honor him.

Lt. Colonel Hugh Mills, a Hot Springs native and who was inducted into the Arkansas Aviation Hall of Fame will be the key note speaker. He was the former commander of the unit in which Dexter served.

For further information, contact Larry Cain at (870) 836-2939 or (870) 246-7505.