LARRY BISSONNETE, born on June 16, 1940 in Rhinelander, WI. Entered the Navy in 1962. Attended Oregon State University and commissioned ensign in 1962.
Served on USS Rogers (DD-876), USS Carpenter (DD-825), MAAG Germany, USS
William H. Standley (DLG-32), NAVSEASYSCOM, USS Mullinix (DD-944) and Surface
Warfare Officers School.
He remembers CO RIVDIV 593, January-December 1969. Completed over 125 patrols
on Van Co Dong in Giant Slingshot; Rung Sat Special Zone and the upper Saigon
River at PhuCvong.
During 1972-75, while with the 1200 PSI improvement program at NAVSEA, the
program was the sponsor of a propulsion plant being installed at Surface
Warfare School in Newport, RI. Eventually a computerized simulator was installed.
Later in 1978 he became the director of Engineering Training at SWOSCOLCOM
in charge of the 1200 PSI propulsion plant simulator.
Discharged in 1982 as CDR . Awarded Silver Star, Bronze Star w/V, Purple Heart, two Presidential Unit Citations, RVN Gallantry Cross w/star and Palm, Meritorious Service Medal as well as others. He is self-employed in insurance sales, funeral plans and long-term care policies.