James Billhymer served on active duty in the United States Navy from June 1962 until August 1966.  During this time, he served aboard the USS Yorktown CVS-10 supporting TF 77 on Yankee Station in the Gulf of Tonkin, as a Gunner.  He was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Vietnam) and the National Defense Service Medal. After active duty Mr. Billhymer was attached to the Naval Reserve in California and Maryland.