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Darrel Pyle was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force through Officer Training School at Lackland AFB, Texas, on November 5, 1963, and he completed Undergraduate Pilot Training and was awarded his pilot wings at Webb AFB, Texas, in 1964. Lieutenant Pyle was next assigned to the 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Holloman AFB, New Mexico, before flying combat missions in Southeast Asia with the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron at DaNang AB in the Republic of Vietnam beginning in August 1965. Lieutenant Pyle was forced to eject over North Vietnam on June 13, 1966, and was taken as a Prisoner of War.

Pyle was released during Operation Homecoming on February 12, 1973. He was briefly hospitalized to recover from his injuries at March AFB, California, before being assigned to the 43rd Tactical Fighter Squadron at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. Major Pyle was killed in the crash of his Piper Super Cub in Anchorage, Alaska, on December 27, 1974, and he was buried at Eternal Hills Memorial Park in Oceanside, California. He left behind his wife Elaine and 9 year old son, Philip.
- Silver Star (2)
- Legion of Merit
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Bronze Star (2)
- Prisoner of War Medal