Andy Ivan was born on September 23, 1944, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. After graduating from Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio, he entered the Officer Training Program of the U.S. Air Force on July 5, 1967, and was commissioned a 2d Lt at Lackland AFB, Texas, on September 29, 1967. Lt Ivan next completed Undergraduate Pilot Training and was awarded his pilot wings at Williams AFB, Arizona, in October 1968, followed by F-4 Phantom II Combat Crew Training. His first assignment was as an F-4 pilot with the 557th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the 12th Tactical Fighter Wing at Cam Ranh Bay, South Vietnam, from September 1969 to March 1970, and then with the 4th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing at DaNang AB, South Vietnam, from March to October 1970. He served at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, from October 1970 until returning to Southeast Asia in May 1971. Capt Ivan's final assignment was as an F-4 pilot with the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the 432nd Tactical Fighter Wing at Udorn Royal Thai AFB, Thailand, from May 1971 until he was killed in action over Laos on September 10, 1971. He was officially listed as Missing in Action until being declared dead on September 28, 1973, having been promoted to Major during that time. His remains were returned to the United States on August 31, 1994, and he was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Epitaph For A Hero

If I should perish overseas
In service to my Land
I shall have died a noble death--
Let none misunderstand.

I hope my body will be found,
Returned back to my home,
Where it was nourished and inspired--
No more to yearn, or roam.

Home is the soldier then from the war
Back to his family;
Home is the patriot at last,
Buried in majesty.

Pause, visitor, and cast a glance,
Upon a hero's grave;
Be thankful to breathe Freedom's air,
For which his life he gave.