Tyrone J. Adderly enlisted as a U.S. Army Infantryman in 1961. After basic training and Airborne School, he joined the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
In 1965, Sergeant Adderly deployed to the Dominican Republic as a Fire Team Leader with the 504th Infantry during Operation POWER PACK. In 1966, he served as a Squad Leader with the 502nd Infantry, 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam. Wounded near Dak To, Adderly was awarded the Silver Star for valor.
After graduating from the Special Forces (SF) Weapons Course in 1968, Staff Sergeant Adderly deployed back to Vietnam to serve with the 5th SFG. Sergeant First Class (SFC) Adderly returned to Fort Bragg in 1969, where he volunteered for a “moderately hazardous mission” IVORY COAST, the Son Tay Raid to free American Prisoners of War (POWs) held in North Vietnam.
Although unsuccessful because the POWs had been relocated, the raid demonstrated America’s ability to operate in North Vietnam. Afterwards, POW conditions improved. SFC Adderly was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for heroism during the mission.
After serving in the 6th and 5th SFGs, and a promotion to Master Sergeant, he served in Korea. Promoted to Sergeant Major, he accepted an ROTC position and retired from active duty in July 1988. SGM Adderly returned to the SF Qualification Course ten years later to support exercise Robin Sage, serving as a guerrilla chief, mentor, and advisor to today’s soldiers.
SGM Adderly was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame in 2017.
