Randy Van Turner served in the U.S. Army as a First Lieutenant with the Advisory Team 98, Headquarters, Military Assistance Command Vietnam Advisors during the Vietnam War. An Operations and Training Staff Officer, he was killed in action on September 25, 1969, in Bien Hoa, South Vietnam. He was awarded the Silver Star (posthumously), Bronze Star and 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Gallantry Cross and Army Good Conduct Medal.