Flying at tree top level being exposed to enemy small arms fire; sniper attacks during convoys from Dian to Quan Lai; conducting defoliation operations; conducting burning missions at Thunder 1 and Dait Tieng; furnishing personnel to the 2^nd brigade to fly “Sniffer” missions; dispatching personnel to Lai Lai and Chon Thanh to transport CS for drops; and being assigned to the motor pool, spray rig and ammo point.  These could be the topics Vietnam veteran, Septimus C. Connor, II would use to tell of this experience during his tour of duty in Vietnam.

 Connor was drafted into the US military April 1968 and served until 1970.  His basic training was done at Fort Benning, Georgia and from there he was sent to Fort McClellan, Alabama where he completed training and become a specialist in chemical decontamination.  While serving in Vietnam, Connor was a member of the 266^th Chemical Platoon/1^st Infantry Division.

 Medals and recognitions bestow upon this Vietnam veteran are:  National Defense Service Medal, two Overseas Service Bars, Expert Badge(M16), Marksman Badge(M-14), 2d Class-Grenade, Vietnam Service Medal w/Four Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/Device(1960), Public of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Palm Unit Citation Badge, Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Honor Medal, Army commendation Medal for Meritorious Service, First Class Unit Citation Badge, Testimonial Certificate of Appreciation from General Westmoreland.

 After being discharged in 1970, Connor joined the American Legion Post 194, where he has dedicated the past 25 years working faithfully toward living their motto, “For God and Country” – striding diligently, with God’s help, to fulfill their mission to serve the needs of all veterans and their families, and to fulfill their commitment to community, state and nation.  He has serviced in various positions at Post 194 and since 2005, has serviced as the Post Commander.

 In 1985, Connor was employed by Grumman Corporation,  now known as Northrop Grumman where he worked for 17 years.  He retired in 2002 as a senior mechanic.

 Connor and his wife, Wyverne have been married for 36 year; parents of three children and grandparents of six.