7th of September 2025 is the upcoming 5K “Freedom” Race

On Sunday, the 7th of September, 2025, the Wm. F. Eggo Post 2597 is promoting our 5th Annual “Freedom” Road Race”. This year’s race will be dedicated to honor the memory of Vietnam combat veteran Robert Charles TEDFORD. A true American hero who served his country with honor, pride, dedication and selflessness until losing his life when his helicopter crashed into the hillside in South Vietnam during a LZ resupply mission.

In 1969, months after Mr. Tedford’s death, his surviving family members moved to Billerica where they became deeply engaged in all facets of the community and still are to this day. The members of VFW Post 2597 thank the Tedford family for sharing their memories about their father and recollections of his service to our country, as well as participating in the planning of the 5th Annual “Freedom” race.

Service Details

Robert Charles Tedford was serving his country during the Vietnam War when he gave his all in the line of duty. He had enlisted in the United States Army. Entered the service via Regular Military. He began his tour on 1 July 1968. Tedford had the rank of Specialist Five. His military occupation or specialty was Multi Engine Tandem Rotor Helicopter Mechanic. Service number assignment was 51728426. Attached to Americal Division, 178th Aviation Company.

He was born on 13 July 1942. According to our records Massachusetts was his home or enlistment state and Middlesex county has been included within the archival record. We have Arlington listed as his city.

During his service in the Vietnam War, Army Specialist Five Tedford experienced a traumatic event which ultimately resulted in loss of his life on 22 March 1969.  On 22 March 1969, in South Vietnam, Quang Tin province, SP5 Tedford was one of the crew members of CH-47B Helicopter (tail number 67-1846) from the 178 ASHC . During this time, they were flying a LZ Fire Support (West) resupply mission, when their CH-47B lost power on its final approach to the LZ, turned parallel to the hillside and the left aft gear struck the side of the hill. The aircraft slid down the hill and overturned landing on its top, burst into flames and was destroyed in less than ten minutes.

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