BISMARCK The last serving North Dakota Army National Guard soldier who flew in the Vietnam War will retire Friday after more than 35 years of military service. Col. Gerald Heinle, of Bismarck, enlisted into the Army in August 1969.

A celebration in his honor will take place Friday at 1:30 p.m. in the Army Aviation Support Facility in Bismarck.

Heinle spent a year in Vietnam piloting almost daily missions from Dong Tam in a Charlie-model gunship with the 135th Assault Helicopter Company. During that time, he logged more than 1,000 hours of flight time. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, the fifth-highest Army decoration, and the Air Medal with "V" device for valor during his Vietnam service. He is the only serving member of the North Dakota Guard authorized to wear such honors.

Heinle served two years in the Army, and then sat on a waiting list until April 1976, when he was able to join the North Dakota Army National Guard. He began working full time for the Guard two years later. He has served as the state aviation officer since 2001.