Major Billy T Branch

Major Billy T Branch is member #25 in the Force Recon Association and is on the board of directors. Historically, Force Recon was the premiere Marine Corps Special Operations Unit, performing deep reconnaissance and direct action clandestine operations. Major Branch was born on 6 December 1935. He enlisted in the USMC in 1953. In 1960, Major Branch joined 1st Force Recon as a scout swimmer and free-fall parachutist, then became a team leader. He was the honor man at the US Army Airborne School in 1961 and the honor man at the US Army Ranger School in 1962. He performed some of the first USMC night halos (high altitude low opening parachute jumps). In 1965, he was promoted to staff sergeant while serving in the First Reconnaissance battalion. Major Branch was a pioneer in complex covert insertion and extraction techniques. On 31 May 1966, Major Branch was in combat and reconnaissance operations in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. He was awarded a Bronze Star with combat "V" for selfless heroic actions against the Viet Cong. Despite multiple severe wounds, and without regard for his personal safety, he directed his men to positions where they were able to neutralize the enemy. Upon recovery, he received an extraordinary direct "Battlefield" commission for exceptionally outstanding leadership. In 1969, he was promoted to First Lieutenant, completed EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) School, and returned to Vietnam. After this tour, Major Branch had critically important leadership and training assignments. Major Branch is authorized to wear the gold USMC Parachutist Badge, Scuba Diver Badge, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Badge, Ranger Tab, Bronze Star with combat "V", Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, and many, many more. Major Billy T Branch retired in 1978 after 25 years of service and has been involved in many activities including ranching, hunting, guiding, and horsemanship instructor for special needs children. He lives in Comanche County.