Dudley Frank Christian

Dudley (Duke) Frank Christian, U.S. Army CCW5, Retired, passed away October 24, 2024, in Montgomery, AL. He was born in Louisville, KY February 6, 1950. Dudley was preceded in death by his son Brien Layne Christian, mother Joanne Christian, and Father William Raymond Christian. Dudley is survived by his wife of 56 years, Linda Faye Roberts Christian, son, Elijah Ray Christian, brother David Christian (Wanda), nephew Wade Christian and sister Annette Christian and Cousins.

Dudley’s military service began in 1969 when he volunteered for the draft hoping to be able to have more opportunities to select the Army’s military specialty occupation that he preferred, which was to serve as a helicopter pilot. He graduated from Basic Training at Ft. Knox, KY, as an Honor Graduate and holder of the highest Physical Training Score which gave him an accelerated promotion. Dudley was selected to attend crew chief door gunner school at Ft. Rucker, AL, then onto Airborne Paratrooper Training at Ft. Benning, GA. Dudley was approved by a Board of Colonels to attend helicopter flight school. Dudley completed the Warrant Officers Training (WON) primary helicopter flight training at Ft. Walters, TX, with the Hilliard OH-23 helicopter. Returning to Ft. Rucker, Dudley completed the advanced helicopter pilot training with the UH-1 Huey concluding nine months of helicopter training.

In July 1971, Dudley was deployed to Ben Hoa, Vietnam, where he served with the 162nd Assault Company, which was the most involved helicopter assault company in Vietnam. Dudley’s call sign was Vulture 1-1. Dudley flew the UH-1 Huey gunships, his helicopters were shot down twice in the midst of heavy artillery. Dudley suffered some shrapnel wounds during his numerous helicopter flights. Helicopter pilots were limited to 100 hours per month; however, the Army flight surgeons could approve 25 more hours if the pilot was all right. Dudley always volunteered for the extra 25 flight hours resulting in his flying 1000 hours into combat. Dudley flew into Cambodia trying to locate where manpower and materials were being brought to the Ho Chi Minh Trail which ran from North Vietnam to South Vietnam. In March 1972, Dudley had to be medically evacuated from South Vietnam back to the U.S.A. After he convalesced from his injuries, he was stationed at Ft. Campbell, KY. Dudley attended the first Army Air Assault School there at Ft. Campbell as part of the 101st Airborne (Air Assault) Division. Dudley served seven years of active duty at Ft. Campbell, KY, and was discharged in September 1979. He stayed in the Army Reserves continuing to fly helicopters and then served in the Army National Guard in Mobile, AL, 1985-1991. He then went AGR and served in the Pennsylvania National Guard (CO. C 104th AVN) where he flew the CH-47 and was the Aviation Safety Officer. Dudley then came back to AL and was assigned to CO A 1st BN 131st AVN, then HGSTARC AL ARNG where he helped develop the Command Chief Warrant Officer Program. Dudley was chosen as the first full time Command Chief Warrant Officer ever in the State of Alabama by Major General Clyde A. Hennies in 1996. His primary duties included aviation, he also participated in acquisition, safety, personnel, operations, and logistic support assignments. He served at that distinguished position until his retirement in 2001 when he was awarded the Legion of Merit Award issued by the U.S. Army and presented by Major General Willie A. Alexander. Dudley took great pride in helping everyone he met reach their potential. Dudley was a master aviator; during Dudley’s many assignments he flew many of the U.S. Army’s helicopters to include the UH-1 Huey, AH-1 Cobra, CH-47 Chinook, and UH-60 Black Hawk. He received 13 Air Medals and many other awards and accommodations to include the Order of Saint Michael. Dudley proudly served his country for 32 years and retired as a Command Chief Warrant Officer Five, the highest rank in the Warrant Officer Corps.

Dudley loved education, after retirement, he graduated from Faulkner University with a bachelor’s and master's degree in business management. He also attended Jones Law School for two years. He later returned to governmental service and worked across the U.S.A. as a U.S. Government warranted contract acquisitions officer for 10 years for the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force, with his career progressing from a GS-5 to GS-13 employee.

Dudley credited his accomplishments to being the member of successful teams with goals that made the whole team have fun while supporting the Troops with the best dedication and service possible. His favorite saying was “Together, We Will Succeed”.

Dudley was a person of strong Christian faith and believed in asking for God’s wisdom and blessings in life and then persevering through each day with a positive attitude. His impact on the lives of those who knew him is immeasurable. He will forever be remembered as a strong Christian warrior for Jesus Christ, his beloved family, friends and his country.

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