FACES FROM THE WALL
VIETNAM WAR
NOVEMBER 1967
Richard Glen DAVIS
| | Birth | 04SEP46 | Rank | LCPL | Date of Death | 01NOV67 | | P. of birth | | Service | Marines | Place | Quang Nam, S. Vietnam | Town of
Record | Seattle | Unit | VMA-242 MAG-11 1STMAW | Death Code | Non-Hostile Died Illness/Injury Ground Casualty Other Accident | | Hometown | | service # | 2128987 | Panel | 29EAST - 02 | | married | Single | Link | VMA(AW)-242 | Medals | | | Tour Date | 26OCT66 | Comment | | Cemetery | | |
Notes from VMA(AW)-242 Richard was killed in a freakish accident when a canopy accidentally closed striking him.
Two Area Men Killed in Vietnam Men from Bellingham and Oak Harbor were two of the three Washington men the Defense Department listed today as casualties in the Vietnam war. So far 30 area men have been killed in action there.
Navy Second Class Petty Officer Richard W. Sandifer, husband of Mrs. Joanne M. Sandifer, 716 21st St., was listed as killed in hostile action.
The man was reported killed within the last week, during a tour of duty from Whidbey Island Naval Air Station. Details on the unit he was serving with and under what circumstances Petty Officer Sandifer was killed were not available from the Navy.
The other Northwest Washington man listed as killed is Lt. Cmdr. Peter H. Krusi, husband of Mrs. Mary I. Krusi, Oak Harbor. He was listed as among the Navy men "missing or dead" from non-hostile action. Commander Krusi was reported killed in a Vietnam area place crash toward the end of last week. Further details are not available from the Navy.
The third man killed was Lance Cpl. Richard G. Davis, son of Mrs. Glen P. Davis, Seattle. He was listed among Marines who have died but not as a result of hostile action. (The Bellingham Herald, Bellingham WA, Tuesday 7 Nov 1967)
Peter H. KRUSI
| | Birth | 04JUN30 | Rank | LtCmdr | Date of Death | 3NOV67 | | P. of birth | | Service | Navy | Place | Off shore N. Vietnam | Town of
Record | Smithfield UT | Unit | USS Constellation | Death Code | Non-Hostile, Fixed Wing Pilot - Air Loss, Crash at Sea, BNR | | Hometown | | service # | 570090 | Panel | 29EAST - 16 | | married | Married | MIA - | BNR | Medals | | | Tour Date | 03NOV67 | Local | Oak Harbor WA | Cemetery | | |
Two Area Men Killed in Vietnam Men from Bellingham and Oak Harbor were two of the three Washington men the Defense Department listed today as casualties in the Vietnam war. So far 30 area men have been killed in action there.
Navy Second Class Petty Officer Richard W. Sandifer, husband of Mrs. Joanne M. Sandifer, 716 21st St., was listed as killed in hostile action.
The man was reported killed within the last week, during a tour of duty from Whidbey Island Naval Air Station. Details on the unit he was serving with and under what circumstances Petty Officer Sandifer was killed were not available from the Navy.
The other Northwest Washington man listed as killed is Lt. Cmdr. Peter H. Krusi, husband of Mrs. Mary I. Krusi, Oak Harbor. He was listed as among the Navy men "missing or dead" from non-hostile action. Commander Krusi was reported killed in a Vietnam area place crash toward the end of last week. Further details are not available from the Navy.
The third man killed was Lance Cpl. Richard G. Davis, son of Mrs. Glen P. Davis, Seattle. He was listed among Marines who have died but not as a result of hostile action. (The Bellingham Herald, Bellingham WA, Tuesday 7 Nov 1967)
(Extracted MIA report from P.O.W. Network) Peter Herman Krusi was born 4 Jun 1930. His town of record is Smithfield UT. He was the pilot of a KA3B tanker and flew off the USS Constellation. On 3 Nov 1967 they were scheduled to act as support of a combat mission. They crashed on takeoff, all 3 crew members died. Another Washington State resident, Lt. Richard W. Sandifer was acting as a crewman. Sandifer's body was recovered but Pilot Krusi and the co-pilot were not found.
More information at P.O.W. Network
Richard W. SANDIFER
| | Birth | 2 APR41 | Rank | PO2 | Date of Death | 3NOV1967 | | P. of birth | | Service | Navy | Place | OffShore, S. Vietnam | Town of
Record | Melvindale MI | Unit | USS Constellation | Death Code | Non-Hostile, Fixed Wing - Crew; Air Loss, Crash at Sea | | Hometown | | service # | 5148874 | Panel | 29EAST - 17 | | Married | Married | Time in | 8 yrs | Medals | | | Tour Date | | Comment | Bellingham | Cemetery | Willamette National Cemetery, Portland OR | |
Two Area Men Killed in Vietnam Men from Bellingham and Oak Harbor were two of the three Washington men the Defense Department listed today as casualties in the Vietnam war. So far 30 area men have been killed in action there.
Navy Second Class Petty Officer Richard W. Sandifer, husband of Mrs. Joanne M. Sandifer, 716 21st St., was listed as killed in hostile action.
The man was reported killed within the last week, during a tour of duty from Whidbey Island Naval Air Station. Details on the unit he was serving with and under what circumstances Petty Officer Sandifer was killed were not available from the Navy.
The other Northwest Washington man listed as killed is Lt. Cmdr. Peter H. Krusi, husband of Mrs. Mary I. Krusi, Oak Harbor. He was listed as among the Navy men "missing or dead" from non-hostile action. Commander Krusi was reported killed in a Vietnam area place crash toward the end of last week. Further details are not available from the Navy.
The third man killed was Lance Cpl. Richard G. Davis, son of Mrs. Glen P. Davis, Seattle. He was listed among Marines who have died but not as a result of hostile action. (The Bellingham Herald, Bellingham WA, Tuesday 7 Nov 1967)
Richard Clayton LANGSJOEN
| | Birth | 29JAN48 | Rank | CPL | Date of Death | 05NOV67 | | P. of birth | | Service | Marines | Place | S. Vietnam | Town of
Record | Seattle | Unit | HMM-262 | Death Code | Non-Hostile; Ground Casualty; Accidental Self-Destruction | | Hometown | | service # | 2164271 | Panel | 29EAST - 25 | | Married | Single | Links | HMM-262 and
Pop a Smoke | Medals | | | Tour Date | | Comment | | Cemetery | | |
Dewain V. DUBB
| | Birth | 20MAR47 | Rank | PFC | Date of Death | 06NOV67 | | P. of birth | | Service | Army | Place | Kontum, S. Vietnam | Town of
Record | Bellingham | Unit | 173rd Abn Bde, C Co, 4th Bn, 503rd Inf | Death Code | Hostile, Died Missing; Ground Casualty; Gun, Small Arms Fire | | Hometown | | service # | 19886800 | Panel | 29EAST - 29 | | Married | Single | Links | 173rd Abn Bde and 173rd Airborne | Medals | | | Tour Date | 08MAY67 | Comment | | Cemetery | Woodlawn Cemetery | |
Ferndale Man is Missing In Action PFC Dewain Dubb, 20, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Dubb, 1339 Pacific Highway, is reported missing in action since 6 Nov (1967), an Army Spokesman said. On that date, Dubb was reported involved in a firefight in the Dak To area of South Vietnam, which has been under heavy communist pressure recently. The spokesman said a search failed to turn up any trace of the missing soldier, which indicates he may have been captured. Dubb graduated from Ferndale High School in 1965 and entered the service in February, 1966. He planned to attend Skagit Valley College upon discharge, his father said. Bellingham Herald, Bellingham WA, 17 Nov 1967)
Ferndale Man Now Listed as died in action Listed as missing in action at Da To last week,PFC Dewain V.. Dubb, 20, Ferndale, is now known to be killed in action. Wiliam Dubb, 1336 Pacific Highway, said the family was notified by the Army that the young soldier's body had been recovered. He had been missing in action since 6 Nov. (1967). PFC Dubb, was a member of Co. C, 4th Battalion, 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigrade. The 173rd is the unit which took Hill 875 Thanksgiving Day after a savage five- day battle. The 173rd Airborne has been engaged at Dak To, along with men of the 4th Division and a battalion of the 1st Cavalry in heavy battles with Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces for the past three weeks. A 1965 graduate of Ferndale High School, PFC Dubb had planned to attend Skagit Valley College when he completed his military training. Funeral arrangements are pending return of the body from Vietnam. (The Bellingham Herald, Bellingham WA, 24 Nov 1967)
Dewain V. Dubb To Be Paid Miltary Honors Young Soldier To Be Buried Services for PFC Dewain V. Dubb, 20, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Dubb, 1339 Pacific Highway, will be conducted by the Rev. John Haygood at 1 p.m., Friday at Moles Funeral Home, Ferndale. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery with military honors. PFC Dubb was killed in action at Dak To, Vietnam, 6 Nov (1967) while serving with the 173rd Airborne Brigrade. A resident of Ferndale community almost all of his life, he was a 1965 graduate of Ferndale High School. Besides his parents, he is survived by a brother, Kenneth, at home, and his grandmother, Mrs. Olga Dubb. Bellingham Herald, Bellingham WA, 29 Nov 1967)
County Relatives Remember Viet Nam Dead.
For many, today is a day for recalling fond memories of an only son, a short lived husband or father known only by pictures. With Memorial Day also comes bitter grief caused by the death of those men.
In Olympia, a memorial impressed with 1,073 names was dedicated this weekend. It bears the names of Washington residents killed or missing in action during the Vietnam War.
Twenty- four of the names are those of men from Whatcom County. Their deaths are still a great burden for some.
"Its so long ago, and yet so close, that its still hard for us to deal with," said a Bellingham father whose son died in Vietnam 20 years. He did not want to be identified.
For others, it brings joy to recount the treasured memories.
"To me, he was just about perfect," Hilda Sparks recalled of her son,U.S. Army Sgt. Roger Sparks."I'm just glad I had him for 22 years.
"Roger was just about the best thing that ever happened to me."
Bellingham's Sgt. Sparks was a compassionate son and true friend who responded when called and died by an unseen enemy, his 73 year old mother recalled.
Sparks was firing a rifle in a firefight when a mortar exploded nearby, his mother said, she can't read war stories, look at war pictures or listen to or watch anything" that hurts our young boys."
"I try so hard to live above this because I can't let it get me down," said Hilda Sparks, whose husband died before her son. "It was so hard at first. I hated the whole world. Now I feel sorry for our young people. He has been gone for 20 years, and I still miss him."
Army Cpl. Kurt Starkey, was a newlywed of four months when a land mine blew up the tank he commanded, recalled Starkey's brother, Gregory Starkey of Bellingham.
"His one thing in life was to go into the service,' recalled Esther Starkey,Gregory's wife. "He loved the service and was proud of what he did.
Cpl. Starkey served a four year stint in the U.S.Navy, primarily aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S.Tinconderga, but wanted to be closer to the action, his brother said.
Starkey was in Vietnam a week and a half, an hour and a half into field duty when the mine killed him alone among the seven man crew, Esther Starkey said.
"If more would have come out of it I think we could understand it better." Esther Starkey said. "I don't see where they really achieved anything through the war and the loss of life."
William Dubb said: "I was totally against that darned stupid war," and added of his son, " he just kind of went along with it."
The son was PFC. Dewain Dubb, a 1966 graduate of Ferndale High School. He died in a firefight in the central highlands near the Cambodian and Laotian borders. He was the older of two brothers. " He had a great personality and a lot of friends," his father said. " He probably died for nothing, for the stupidity of that war."
(Bellingham Herald, Bellingham WA, 25 May 1987)
Robert Warren HAGERMAN
| | Birth | 28AUG22 | Rank | COL | Date of Death | 06NOV67 | | P. of birth | | Service | Air Force | Place | N. Vietnam | Town of
Record | Chicago IL | Unit | 469 TFS Korat RTAB, Thailand | Death Code | Hostile, died while missing; fixed wing - pilot; Air Loss, Crash on Land | | Hometown | | service # | | Panel | 29EAST - 30 | | married | Married | MIA - | remains ret. 12/04/85 | Medals | | | Memorial | Olympia's Vietnam Memorial Wall | Local | Puyallup | Cemetery | | |
(MIA information extracted from POWnetwork.org) Robert Warren Hagerman was shot down over North Vietnam on 06 Nov 1967. His remains were returned 12/04/85. More information P.O.W. Network
Frederick Theodore SEBERS
| | Birth | 25OCT26 | Rank | TSGT | Date of Death | 07NOV67 | | P. of birth | Everett | Service | Air Force | Event Place | Khanh Hoa, S. Vietnam | Town of
Record | Tacoma | Unit | 7TH AF, 6994th Security Squadron | Death Code | Hostile, Died Wounds; Ground Casualty; Other Explosive Device | | Hometown | Everett | service # | 19480496 | Panel | 29EAST - 44 | | married | Married | Wounded | 17SEP67 | Medals | | | Tour Date | 18JAN67 | Comment | | Cemetery | |
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T. Sgt. Sebers' Injury Fatal Air Force T. Sgt. Frederick T. Sebers, 41, wounded in Vietnam 17 Sep (1967) died Tuesday in Madigan General Hospital. Sgt Sebers suffered head wounds when he was struck by shrapnel from a Claymore mine, hospital officials said. He was stationed at Nha Trang Air Base at the time. The sergeant had served 21 years in the Air Force. He was born and reared in Everett. Sgt Sebers, of 5227 S. Puget Sound Ave., was a member of Grace Lutheran Church. Surviving are his wife, Jane E., of the home; two daughters, Sylene and Jayne, both of the home; three sons, Fred, of the home, Timothy, in Eastern Washington, and Riley, in Vietnam; his mother, Mrs. Ina Sebers, of Everett; three sisters, Mrs. Lucille Flannigan, Mrs. Maxine Alinen and Mrs. Peggy Pearson, all of Everett; and five brothers, Carlton, Reed, Robert, Morris and Edward, all of Everett. Services will be announced by Mountain View Funeral Home. (Tacoma News Tribune, Tacoma WA, 9 Nov 1967 )
Gail Ward 'Butch' THOMSEN
| | Birth | 09MAR41 | Rank | PFC | Date of Death | 07NOV67 | | P. of birth | Mount Pleasant MI | Service | Army (Draft) | Place | Quang Tin, S. Vietnam | Town of
Record | Kirkland | Unit | 101st Abn Div, C Co, 1st Bn, 327th Inf | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Ground Casualty; Misadventure | | Hometown | | service # | 56957974 | Panel | 29EAST - 45 | | married | Single | Link | Screaming Eagles | Medals | Bronze Star | | Tour Date | 21JUL67 | Comment | | Cemetery | | |
Remembering - Butch Thomsen
Just this morning as I was driving I was thinking of Gail, who we all called Butch, it was bringing tears to my eyes. I don't know why after all these years, but it still does. Butch went to high school in Kirkland I think, I will find out for sure. He would come down to Olympia in the summer to stay with his dad who was remarried and when he would come down all the kids on the block had an early Christmas. Everybody loved him. He was a golden gloves champ and a football star, and one of the kindest people you could ever ask for. He was married young and had a couple of children then for what ever reason he and his wife were divorced and this made him prime for the draft at about age twenty six. He was one of six kids who went to war off of our block, three were killed, all be our own men and my two brothers and myself made it back without any injuries.
Butch was one of seven kids, four of whom died before their parents, and three are still alive. I have a picture of their father in my office and a picture of his sister and brother in my bible. I think of them often. ... Beaner
(Remembrance from Patrick Bean email 3 Oct 2003)
Children of War Victim Get Medals Todd Thomsen, 3, received the Bronze Star and his sister, Letitia, 6, the Purple Heart yesterday on behalf of their father, Pfc. Gail W.Thomsen, 26, who was killed in Vietnam last 7 Nov (1967). The presentations were made by Col. John W.Barber, deputy post commander at the Army Garrison, Fort Lawton. The medal was presented for "outstanding meritorious service in connection with ground operations against a hostile force." The citation read in part: "Through his untiring efforts and professional ability, Pfc. Thomsen consistently obtained outstanding results. He was quick to grasp the implications of new problems with which he was faced as a result of the ever-changing situations." Born in Mount Pleasant MI, Thomsen came here in 1949 and was graduated from Lake Washington High School, Kirkland. He played football for the Edmond Warriors and worked as a truck diver for Mid-Mountain Contractors, Inc. He entered the service in January, last year and went to Vietnam in July. He was a member of the 101st Airborne Division. Pfc. Thomsen was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Thomsen, 8804 N.E.134th St., Kirkland. Present besides his mother and children at the ceremony were three sisters, Mrs. Lynne Taylor, 11447 N.E. 92nd St., Kirkland, and Pam and Carole Thomsen, of the family home. The children live with their mother Mrs. Pam Thomsen, 159 Howe St. (Times, Seattle WA, 23 March 1968)
Donald Steven HOLKE
| | Birth | 25MAY47 | Rank | SP4 | Date of Death | 09NOV67 | | P. of birth | | Service | Army (draft) | Place | Quang Nam, S. Vietnam | Town of
Record | Burton | Unit | Alpha Co, 1st Bn, 35th Inf Reg | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Ground Casualty; Gun, Small Arms Fire | | Hometown | | service # | 56956733 | Panel | 29EAST - 58 | | married | Married | MIA - | | Medals | Combat Inf. Badge, Silver Star, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm | | Tour Date | 26FEB67 | Comment | | Cemetery | | |
The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, SP4 Donald S. Holke, who died on November 9th, 1967 in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was Small Arms/AW. At the time of his death Donald was 20 years of age. He was from Burton, Washington.
Donald is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 29E, Line 58.
The decorations earned by SP4 Donald S. Holke include: the Combat Infantry Badge, the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. The 35th Infantry Regiment (Cacti) Association
Dennis R. "Billy" PODGORNY
| | Birth | 12APR48 | Rank | CPL | Date of Death | 9NOV67 | | P. of birth | | Service | Army | Place | Quang Nam, S. Vietnam | Town of
Record | Livermore CA | Unit | Co A 1st Bn 35th Inf 34th Brigade 4th Inf Div | Death Code | Hostile, Ground Casualty; Gun, small arms fire | | Hometown | Livermore, CA | service # | 56828976 | Panel | 29EAST - 61 | | married | Single | MIA - | | Medals | Bronze Star | | Tour Date | 21SEP67 | Comment | Parents lived Bellevue WA 1968 | Cemetery | | |
Soldier Given Bronze Star Posthumously For heroism against the enemy in Vietnam, a 19 year old Bellevue soldier was posthumously awarded the Bronze star medal with" V" device for Valor and the Purple Heart medals in a ceremony held at Ft. Lawton on Monday. He was Army Corporal Dennis R Podgorny, whose parents Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Podgorny, 5908 123rd SE accepted the awards from Col. John W. Barber, deputy post commander. On 9 Nov 1967, Corporal Podgorny distinguished himself while serving as a rifleman in Company A, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry, 34d Brigade, 4th Infantry Division on a search and destroy mission near Xuan Que. When his platoon made contact with the enemy an intense fire fight began. As the battle progressed he noticed an enemy automatic weapon position which was seriously restricting his platoons ability to maneuver, in an attempt to silence the deadly weapon he was fired upon and mortally wounded. Along with the awards was a citation which read" Corporal Podgorny's aggressiveness and personal bravery in the face of hostile fire are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army." Entering the Army at Oakland CA 20 Apr 1967,Corporal Podgorny, had been in Vietnam since 21 Sep 1967. (Bellevue American, Thursday, 15 Feb 1968)
Thomas Ford HARDING
| | Birth | 24APR48 | Rank | CPL | Date of Death | 10NOV67 | | P. of birth | | Service | Marines | Place | Quang Nam, S. Vietnam | Town of
Record | Seattle | Unit | H&MS-2, MAG-2, 1st Mar Air Wing | Death Code | Non-Hostile; Ground Casualty; Heart Attack | | Hometown | | service # | 2197347 | Panel | 29EAST - 66 | | married | Married | MIA - | | Medals | | | Tour Date | 14SEP67 | Comment | | Cemetery | |
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Charles Ray MOULTINE
| | Birth | 12SEP45 | Rank | GMG3 | Date of Death | 12NOV67 | | P. of birth | | Service | Navy | Place | Kien Hoa, S. Vietnam | Town of
Record | Tacoma | Unit | 7TH FLEET TF-116 RIVDIV, 52 PBR-681 | Death Code | Hostile, Died Wounds; Ground Casualty; Gun, Small Arms Fire | | Hometown | | service # | B808717 | Panel | 29EAST - 84 | | married | Single | MIA - | | Medals | | | Tour Date | 15MAR67 | Comment | River Section/Div-521 | Cemetery | |
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Services Set - Services for Navy PO 3.C. Charles Ray Moultine, 22, who died Sunday in Vietnam after he was wounded aboard a river patrol boat, are announced Friday by Mountain View Funeral Home. Survivors include his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wilfred Moultine, of 8902 Hipkins Road SW. (Tacoma News Tribune, Tacoma WA, 17 Nov 1967)
Lawrence Allen LETTERMAN
| | Birth | 05SEP45 | Rank | PFC | Date of Death | 13NOV67 | | P. of birth | Seattle | Service | Army (Draft) | Place | Quang Tri, S. Vietnam | Town of
Record | Seattle | Unit | 4th Inf Div, B Co, 1st Bn, 35th Inf | Death Code | Hostile, Helicopter NonCrew; Air Loss, Crash on Land, died while missing | | Hometown | | service # | 56958072 | Panel | 29EAST - 90 | | married | Single | MIA - | | Medals | | | Tour Date | 25JUL67 | Comment | | Cemetery | |
Central Washington State University, Ellensburg WA, underclass - yearbook 1965: Alford Hall |
Foster Youth Dies in Viet Copter Crash Last rites will be held Friday at 1 from Washington Memorial Funeral Home for Larry A. Letterman. Larry was killed near Da Nang. Vietnam, on November 13 (1967). His squad was on a late evening mission via helicopter when the aircraft was subjected to intense hostile rifle fire which knocked out its power and caused it to crash. Letterman was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ray H. Letterman, 15022 Military Rd. S. Born in Seattle, 5 Sep 1945 he spent virtually his entire life in this area. He attended Showalter Elementary School and Foster Junior and Senior High Schools where he participated in band for nine years and was a basketball letterman. He attended college in Phoenix Arizona for a year and was a student at Central Washington State College when he entered the service. Besides his parents, Larry is survived by a brother, Les, and a sister, Linda Abernathy, as well as two grandmothers, Mrs. Ella Letterman and Mrs. Leola Hymmen. The family suggests that gifts in his memory may be sent to Duane Magee, Foster High School. (Record-Chronicle, Renton WA 22 Nov 1967)
Vernon Patrick SPRINKLE
| | Birth | 17SEP48 | Rank | PFC | Date of Death | 13NOV67 | | P. of birth | Portland | Service | Army | Place | Kontum, S. Vietnam | Town of
Record | Portland OR | Unit | B Co, 2nd bat/503rd 173 Airborne | Death Code | Hostile; Ground Casualty; Gun, Small Arms Fire | | Hometown | | service # | | Panel | 29EAST - 93 | | Married | single | Memorial | Washington State Vietnam War Memorial, Olympia WA | Medals | | | Tour Date | 06APR67 | Local | Vancouver | Cemetery | | |
Pfc. Sprinkle 17th County War Fatality The death of Pfc. Vernon P. Sprinkle, 19, was announced by the Defense Department Monday along with the names of three other Army men from this state who were killed in action in Vietnam. Sprinkle's death was the 17th casualty of the war from the ranks of Clark County men serving in the armed forces. Names of the others listed with Sprinkle were 2nd Lt. Johnny A. Sigurdson, Seattle; Specialist 4 David I. Harner of Elma; and Pfc. Jackie R. Combs, Okanogan. Another soldier, Pfc. Lawrence A. Letterman of Seattle, had his name transferred from the missing list to the list of dead. Sprinkle, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Desmond G. Sprinkle of 1500 N. W. 119th St., had been in Vietnam since last April, serving with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade. Mrs. Sprinkle said her paratrooper son was killed 15 Nov (1967) by enemy gunfire while on a search and destroy mission at Dak To, where some of the war has been waged in recent days. Sprinkle, who attended North Catholic High School in Portland, entered the Army in September 1966. His brother, Anthony, is stationed in Vietnam as an airman second class in the Air Force as a gunner on C-47 aircraft. (The Columbian, Vancouver WA, 21 Nov 1968)
Vernon Sprinkle Funeral services are pending at Hamilton-Mylan Funeral Home for Pfc. Vernon P. Sprinkle, 19, who was killed in action 13 Nov (1967) at Dak To, Vietnam, while serving as a paratrooper with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. The soldier, son of Mr. and Mrs. Desmond G. Sprinkle, 1500 N. W. 119th St, had been in Vietnam since last April with Company B, 2nd Battalion of the brigade's 502 Infantry. Survivors in addition to his parents, include five brothers, Airman 2nd Class Anthony R. Sprinkle, stationed with the Air Force in Vietnam, and William, David, Phillipp and Walter, all at home; three sisters, Carolyn, Mary Alice and Margaret, all at home; and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Porter of Boise ID. Born 17 Sep 1948 in Portland, Sprinkle attended North Catholic High School there before entering the Army in September 1966. He was a member of St. John's Catholic Church here in the Glenwood area. (The Columbian, Vancouver WA, 21 Nov 1967)
David Ira HARNER
| | Birth | 06JUN41 | Rank | SP4 | Date of Death | 15NOV67 | | P. of birth | | Service | Army (Draft) | Place | Quang Tin, S. Vietnam | Town of
Record | Montesano | Unit | 1st Cav Div, D Co, 5th Bn, 7th Cav | Death Code | Hostile, Ground Casualty; Gun, Small Arms Fire | | Hometown | | service # | 56957822 | Panel | 29EAST - 100 | | married | Married | MIA - | | Medals | | | Tour Date | 15MAY67 | Comment | | Cemetery | | |
Johnny Allen SIGURDSON
| | Birth | 16JUN40 | Rank | 2LT | Date of Death | 15NOV67 | | P. of birth | | Service | Army (Reserve) | Place | Quang Nam, S. Vietnam | Town of
Record | Seattle | Unit | 1st Cav Div C Co 1st Bn 7th Cav | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Ground Casualty; Gun, Small Arms Fire | | Hometown | | service # | O5336394 | Panel | 29EAST - 102 | | Married | Married | Memorial | Ballard High School Plaque, Seattle WA | Medals | | | Tour Date | 25JUN67 | Link | www.ranger25.com | Cemetery | Washington Memorial |
Ballard High School, Seattle WA, Senior - Class 1958: Boys' Club 1, 2, 3, 4 |
Services for First Lt. Johnny Allen Sigurdson, 27, who was killed 15 Nov (1967) in action with the First Air Cavalry Division South Vietnam, will be held at 1 pm Saturday in Wiggen and Sons Chapel, 2003 NW 57th St., Seattle, with burial following at Washington Memorial. Remembrances may be made to the Young Life Campaign, 4750 18th St. NE, Seattle. Lt. Sigurdson, holder of an Eagle Scout badge with silver and bronze leaves, has been a Young Life Campaign leader at Ingraham High School, Seattle. During his college years, he had been active with the Campus Crusade for Christ-International, was a YMCA youth director and a youth director at "The Firs." an interdenominational church conference camp at Bellingham. A 1958 graduate of Ballard High School, he received a degree from Western Washington State College and had a year of graduate work at Dallas Theological Seminary. He received basic and advanced infantry training at Ft. Ord CA where he also worked with the military police. After graduating from Officers' Candidate School at Ft. Benning GA he was assigned as an executive officer with the 4th Brigade at Ft. Jackson SC. In addition to his widow, Karen, a music teacher in the Everett school district, he leaves his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John B. Sigurdson of Seattle; a sister, Mrs. Edward Reese of Federal Way; brother, Bert, U.S. Air Force, and grandparents, Mrs. and Mrs. J. Sigurdson of Winslow and Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Pregent of Seattle. (Everett Herald 1967)
Former Firs Youth Leader Dies in Action Funeral services will be held in Seattle Saturday for a graduate of Western Washington State College and former youth director at The Firs who was killed in Vietnam.
1st Lt. Johnny Allen Sigurdson, 27, a member of the First Air Cavalry division in South Vietnam, was killed in action on 16 Nov (1967), the Defense Department announced yesterday.
After graduating from Western, he attended Dallas Theological Seminary for a year. He received Army basic and advanced infantry training at Fort Ord CA; and was graduated from the Officers Candidate School at Fort Benning GA.
Besides his work with The Firs here he was an Eagle Scout, YMCA youth director, active with the Campus Crusade for Christ - International, and a Young Life Campaign leader
Lt. Sigurdson is survived by his widow, Karen, of Seattle; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John B. Sigurdson of Seattle; a sister, Mrs. Edward Reese of Federal Way; a brother, Bert in the Air Force, and his grandparents.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Wiggen and Sons Funeral Home and burial in Washington Memorial Park. Remembrances may be made to the Young Life Campaign, 4750 18th NE., Seattle. (The Bellingham Herald, Bellingham WA, Friday 24 Nov 1967)
Jackie Randall COMBS
| | Birth | 06OCT46 | Rank | PFC | Date of Death | 17NOV67 | | P. of birth | Combs AR | Service | Army (Draft) | Place | Kontum, S. Vietnam | Town of
Record | Okanogan | Unit | 4th Inf Div, C Co, 3rd Bn, 12th Inf | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Ground Casualty; Gun, Small Arms Fire | | Hometown | | service # | 56985527 | Panel | 30EAST - 107 | | Married | Single | Link | Bobcats | Medals | | | Tour Date | 26AUG67 | Comment | | Cemetery | Omak Cemetery, Omak WA |
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Private Jackie Combs Dies in Vietnam Combat Pfc. Jackie R. Combs, 21, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lorin C. Combs of Okanogan, was killed in combat in Vietnam Friday morning. The parents were notified by the military authorities Sunday morning. Pfc. Combs, a radio operator, entered the Army 2 Mar 1967. He had been overseas three months. He was born 16 Oct 1946 in Combs AR and came to Okanogan County with his parents in 1949. His father has been engaged in construction work in this area. Pfc. Combs was graduated from Okanogan High School in 1965. While in high school he was a letter man in football and basketball. Surviving are: his parents; five brothers; Clyde, in the Army, serving in Germany, John and Jerry of Okanogan, Lorin Jr., a student at Wenatchee Valley College and James at home; and his grandparents. Mr. and Mrs. Elija Combs of Combs AR.
Pfc. Jackie B. Combs - Full Military services will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. from the Precht Funeral Chapel, Omak. Interment will be in the Omak Memorial Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Okanogan High School sports department. Arrangements by Precht Funeral Home.
Ronald Dean KING
| | Birth | 21JUN47 | Rank | PFC | Date of Death | 19NOV67 | | P. of birth | | Service | Army (Draft) | Place | Kontum, S. Vietnam | Town of
Record | Vaughan | Unit | 4th Inf Div, B Co, 3rd Bn, 12th Inf | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Ground Casualty; Gun, Small Arms Fire | | Hometown | | service # | 56427960 | Panel | 34EAST - 37 | | married | Single | MIA - | | Medals | | | Tour Date | 17MAY67 | Comment | | Cemetery | |
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Two Kitsap County men Killed In Fierce Fighting at Dak To
Two more local young men have been killed in the fierce fighting the Dak To region of Vietnam, it was learned today.
They are Army Pfc. Greig R. Parkhurst, 19, son of Mr. and Mrs. Vern R. Parkhurst, 1361 Lyle Ave., and Army Spec. 4 Kenneth James Jacobsen, 20, son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter H. Jacobsen, Bainbridge Island Rte. 3, Box 3986. Parkhurst and Jacobsen sustained fatal wounds on 20 Nov (1967)
Another Kitsap Penisula youth, Ronald D. King, 21, son of Mrs. William A Whitcomb Vaughn, was killed in action in the same area 19 Nov (1967).
The fighting around Dak To in Vietnam's Central Highlands had been raging since 2 Nov (1967) and had been termed the longest and bloodiest battle of the war.
The local men are among the more than 285 U.S. servicemen killed in the battle. South Vietnamese losses in the same battle were figured at 78 and Communist dead were officially set at 1,455.
Details on how Parkhurst was killed were not immediately available, except that he died of gunshot wounds. He was serving with the Fort Lewis based 4th Division.
He was in Company A, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry, 3rd Brigade of the 4th Division.
The 4th Division and the 173rd Airborne Brigade were involved in the battle last week for the Communist fortress atop Hill 875. The hill was taken Thanksgiving Day.
Jacobsen was a member of 173rd Airborne and was killed during the assault in the hill, his family said today.
Parkhurst was born 16 Jan 1948, in Seattle and had been a Bremerton resident most of his life until entering the army. His father is the owner-manager of the Red Top Cab Co.
The young man attended West High School until quitting to go to work. He volunteered for the draft and was inducted here in September , 1966. He took basic training at Fort Lewis and advanced individual training at Fort Polk, La., before going to Vietnam about nine months ago.
Parkhurst was wounded by a booby trap about six weeks ago and returned to duty after two weeks of hospitalization. He was the Parkhursts' only child. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Doris Daniels, Long Beach, Calif. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Jacobsen was born 18 Aug 1947, at White Earth, Minn., and moved to Bainbridge Island with his family when one year old. He attended schools on the Island and then enlisted in the Army late in 1964 to make it a career.
Jacobsen was among the first paratroopers to go into the Dominican Republic during the crisis there. This was his second tour of duty in Vietnam. He had just taken part in several major operations during his 18 months of action there.
The young paratrooper was due to leave Vietnam 22 Nov (1967) to come home for Christmas.
"It was God's will and it was God's way and we're so very, very proud of him," his family said today.
Surviving, in addition to his parents, are two brothers, Herbert J. Jacobsen, in the Army in Cleveland, Ohio, and David Jacobsen, of the family home; two sisters, Mrs. Richard (Beverly) Sutherland, Bainbridge Island, and Sharon Jacobsen of the family home; paternal grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Herbert C. Jacobsen of Ogema, Minn., and his maternal grandmother, Ms. Sophia Swan, Ponsford, Minn.
Funeral arrangements are pending. (Bremerton Sun, Bremerton WA, 30 Nov 1967)
CARD OF THANKS The family of Pfc. Ronald King wishes to thank everyone for the many kindnesses shown at this time of grief. Each prayer and expression of sympathy was a source of comfort.
Mr. and Mrs. William A. Whitcomb and Family (Bremerton Sun, Bremerton WA, 13 Dec 1967)
Anthony 'Tony' VIGIL
| | Birth | 19AUG47 | Rank | LCPL | Date of Death | 19NOV67 | | P. of birth | | Service | Marines | Place | Quang Nam, S. Vietnam | Town of
Record | Seattle | Unit | 1st Mar Div, 1st Bn, 7th Mars | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Ground Casualty; Gun, Small Arms Fire | | Hometown | Des Moines | service # | 2314917 | Panel | 30EAST - 35 | | married | Single | MIA - | | Medals | | | Tour Date | 07AUG67 | Comment | | Cemetery | | Mt. Rainier High School, Des Moines WA, Senior - Class 1966: Wrestling 10, 11, 12; Lettermen's Club 10, 11, 12 |
Robert Paul DEGEN
| | Birth | 13DEC47 | Rank | PFC | Date of Death | 20NOV67 | | P. of birth | Longview | Service | Army | Place | Kontum, S. Vietnam | Town of
Record | Vancouver | Unit | 173rd Abn Bde, A Co, 2nd Bn, 503rd Inf | Death Code | Hostile, Died Missing; Ground Casualty; Gun, Small Arms Fire | | Hometown | | service # | 18959871 | Panel | 30EAST - 40 | married | Single | Links | Virtual Wall and
173rd Abn Bde and
173rdAirborne | Medals | | | Tour Date | 13AUG67 | Comment | | Cemetery | Willamette National Cem., Portland OR | |
Pfc. Degen 19th Victim of Viet War The death in Vietnam of Pfc. Robert P. Degen, 19, of Vancouver has been announced by the Defense Department, bring the toll of Clark County war dead to 19. The names of Degen and two other Washington State men killed in action in Vietnam were released Monday by the Pentagon, after they had been reported missing earlier. Degen's death on 20 Nov (1967) was the third of the month involving soldiers having Clark County ties. Though details were lacking, it may be assumed that Degen was killed in the Dak To area, where some of the fiercest fighting of the war had been reported. He was a paratrooper with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, in which another Vancouver paratrooper, Pfc. Vernon P. Sprinkle, 19 was serving when he was killed in the Dak To area 13 Nov (1967). Degen was reported killed while his unit, Co. A, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry, was engaged in a firefight during a combat operation. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Paul F. Degen, 5801 Oklahoma Drive, were notified Sunday. Born in Longview 13 Dec 1947, Degen was a 1966 graduate of Hudson's Bay High School. In addition to his parents, Degen is survived by three brothers, Fred of Portland, Kenneth in the Army and Richard at home; and his grandmother, Mrs. Catherine Knoll of St. Peter KS. (The Columbian, Vancouver WA, 28 Nov 1967)
Kenneth James "Jake" JACOBSON
| | Birth | 18AUG47 | Rank | SP4 | Date of Death | 20NOV67 | | P. of birth | White Earth MN | Service | Army | Place | Kontum, S. Vietnam | Town of
Record | Winslow | Unit | 173rd Abn Bde, D Co, 2nd Bn, 503rd Inf | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Ground Casualty; Multiple Fragmentation Wounds | | Hometown | | service # | 19832547 | Panel | 30EAST - 44 | | married | Single | Links | 173rd Abn Bde and
173rdAirborne | Medals | Bronze Star | | Tour Date | 22MAY66 | Comment | | Cemetery | Port Madison Cemetery | Bainbridge Island High School, Winslow WA, Sophomore - 1964 |
Two Kitsap County men Killed In Fierce Fighting at Dak To
Two more local young men have been killed in the fierce fighting the Dak To region of Vietnam, it was learned today.
They are Army Pfc. Greig R. Parkhurst, 19, son of Mr. and Mrs. Vern R. Parkhurst, 1361 Lyle Ave., and Army Spec. 4 Kenneth James Jacobsen, 20, son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter H. Jacobsen, Bainbridge Island Rte. 3, Box 3986. Parkhurst and Jacobsen sustained fatal wounds on 20 Nov (1967)
Another Kitsap Penisula youth, Ronald D. King, 21, son of Mrs. William A Whitcomb Vaughn, was killed in action in the same area 19 Nov (1967).
The fighting around Dak To in Vietnam's Central Highlands had been raging since 2 Nov (1967) and had been termed the longest and bloodiest battle of the war.
The local men are among the more than 285 U.S. servicemen killed in the battle. South Vietnamese losses in the same battle were figured at 78 and Communist dead were officially set at 1,455.
Details on how Parkhurst was killed were not immediately available, except that he died of gunshot wounds. He was serving with the Fort Lewis based 4th Division.
He was in Company A, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry, 3rd Brigade of the 4th Division.
The 4th Division and the 173rd Airborne Brigade were involved in the battle last week for the Communist fortress atop Hill 875. The hill was taken Thanksgiving Day.
Jacobsen was a member of 173rd Airborne and was killed during the assault in the hill, his family said today.
Parkhurst was born 16 Jan 1948, in Seattle and had been a Bremerton resident most of his life until entering the army. His father is the owner-manager of the Red Top Cab Co.
The young man attended West High School until quitting to go to work. He volunteered for the draft and was inducted here in September , 1966. He took basic training at Fort Lewis and advanced individual training at Fort Polk, La., before going to Vietnam about nine months ago.
Parkhurst was wounded by a booby trap about six weeks ago and returned to duty after two weeks of hospitalization. He was the Parkhursts' only child. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Doris Daniels, Long Beach, Calif. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Jacobsen was born 18 Aug 1947, at White Earth, Minn., and moved to Bainbridge Island with his family when one year old. He attended schools on the Island and then enlisted in the Army late in 1964 to make it a career.
Jacobsen was among the first paratroopers to go into the Dominican Republic during the crisis there. This was his second tour of duty in Vietnam. He had just taken part in several major operations during his 18 months of action there.
The young paratrooper was due to leave Vietnam 22 Nov (1967) to come home for Christmas.
"It was God's will and it was God's way and we're so very, very proud of him," his family said today.
Surviving, in addition to his parents, are two brothers, Herbert J. Jacobsen, in the Army in Cleveland, Ohio, and David Jacobsen, of the family home; two sisters, Mrs. Richard (Beverly) Sutherland, Bainbridge Island, and Sharon Jacobsen of the family home; paternal grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Herbert C. Jacobsen of Ogema, Minn., and his maternal grandmother, Ms. Sophia Swan, Ponsford, Minn.
Funeral arrangements are pending. (Bremerton Sun, Bremerton WA, 30 Nov 1967)
Kenneth Jacobsen Funeral services have been announced for Spec. 4 Kenneth J. Jacobsen, 20, son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter H. Jacobsen, Bainbridge Island Rte. 3, Box 3986, who was killed Nov. 20 in the Dak To region of Vietnam. A rosary will be recited at the Owyen Funeral Home, Bainbridge Island, tomorrow at 8 p.m. Requiem mass will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Bainbridge Island. Burial and military services will be at Port Madison Cemetery following he mass. The family has requested memorials be sent to the American Legion Post 172, Bainbridge Island. (Bremerton Sun, Bremerton WA, 4 Dec 1967)
Memorials Will Be Sent to Viet Memorials for Spec. 4 Kenneth J. Jacobsen, 20, son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter H. Jacobsen, Bainbridge Island, Rte 3, Box 3986, who was killed in action in the Dak To region of Vietnam, Nov. 20, are to be used in Vietnam, a member of the family said today. She said that the family had received a number of calls following and
obituary in The Sun yesterday which stated that the memorials were to be sent to American Legion Post 172, Bainbridge Island. Purpose of the memorials, she said, was to send hard-to-get items to the men of Spec. 4 Jacobsen's unit, the 173rd Army Brigade. The effort is being made in cooperation with the American Legion Post 172, she said. (Bremerton Sun, Bremerton WA, 5 Dec 1967)
Parents Receive Son's Medal Mr. and Mrs. Walter H. Jacobson, Bainbridge Island, Rte. 4, Box 4923, pass through the honor guard at Ft. Lewis after the ceremony in which they accepted the Bronze Star Medal awarded their son, Army Spec. 4 Kenneth J. Jacobson, who was killed in action in Vietnam last November during the battle to Dak To. Spec. Jacobson was praised for his “outstanding display of aggressiveness, devotion to duty and personal bravery.” Mr. and Mrs. Jacobson are accompanied by Col. Charles C. McVeigh who presented the medal during the ceremonies held last week. (Bremerton Sun, Bremerton WA 27 May 1968)
Merrel P. WHITTINGTON
| | Birth | 21MAR36 | Rank | SP4 | Date of Death | 20NOV67 | | P. of birth | | Service | Army | Place | Kontum, S. Vietnam | Town of
Record | Toppenish | Unit | 173rd Abn Bde B Co 4th Bn 503rd Inf | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Ground Casualty; Multiple Fragmentation Wounds | | Hometown | | service # | 19544746 | Panel | 30EAST - 51 | | married | Married | Link | Medic Corpsman and
173rdAirborne and
173rd Abn Bde | Medals | | | Tour Date | 23AUG67 | Comment | | Cemetery | | |
John Roby WOLF
| | Birth | 23AUG45 | Rank | PFC | Date of Death | 20NOV67 | | P. of birth | | Service | Army (Draft) | Place | Kontum, S. Vietnam | Town of
Record | Renton | Unit | 173rd Abn Bde, HHC, 2nd Bn, 503rd Inf | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Ground Casualty; Multiple Fragmentation Wounds | | Hometown | | service # | 56956664 | Panel | 30EAST - 52 | | Married | Single | Link | 173rd Abn Bde and
173rdAirborne
| Medals | | | Tour Date | 22MAR67 | Comment | | Cemetery | | |
Another Renton Man Killed in Action John Wolf, 21, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Wolf of Hazelwood, was killed in action in Vietnam 20 Nov (1967), his parents were notified yesterday. Wolf, a graduate of Renton High School, was 21. He is survived by his parents and four sisters at home and a married sister in California. (Record-Chronicle, Renton WA 29 Nov 1967)
Rodger Kenneth CAIN
| | Birth | 22APR42 | Rank | SP4 | Date of Death | 21NOV67 | | P. of birth | | Service | Army (Draft) | Place | Binh Duong, S. Vietnam | Town of
Record | Colfax | Unit | 25th Inf Div, A Co, 2nd Bn, 22nd Inf | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Ground Casualty; Multiple Fragmentation Wounds | | Hometown | | service # | 56985522 | Panel | 30EAST - 54 | | married | Married | MIA - | | Medals | | | Tour Date | 30JUL67 | Comment | | Cemetery | Kennewick Cem. | |
Funeral set Friday for war casualty Funeral services for Roger Cain, 25, Colfax soldier who was killed in action in Vietnam 21 Nov (1967) will be held at the United Pentecostal church in Kennewick Friday at 2 p.m. Burial will follow in the cemetery at Kennewick. The son of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Cain, Colfax, he was a 1960 graduate of LaCrosse high school. He attended Columbia Basin college at Pasco and worked for Ben's Body shop in Colfax and the Pasco fire department before entering the army. In Vietnam Sp/4 Cain was with the 25th Infantry division, assigned to a road patrol unit. He was the third Whitman county soldier known lost in the Vietnam war. Surviving besides his parents are his wife, Kathi, Brainerd MN, a son, Jerry, two step-daughters, Heidi and Leah; and a sister, Mrs. Gordon (Jennifer) Eden, Colfax. He was a nephew of Mrs. Lyle Aiken, Colfax; Emmett Cain, Winona; and Albert Cain, Rosalia. (Colfax Gazette, Colfax WA, Nov 67 )
JERRY DUANE McDONALD
| | Birth | 02JAN48 | Rank | CPL | Date of Death | 21NOV67 | | P. of birth | California | Service | Army (Draft) | Place | Kien Tuong, S. Vietnam | Town of
Record | Salem | Unit | 9th Inf Div, E Co, 2nd Bn, 39th Inf | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Multiple Fragmentation Wounds; Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 56932059 | Panel | 30EAST - 58 | | Married | Single | Local | Vancouver | Medals | | | Tour Date | 18SEP67 | Comment | | Cemetery | | |
Cpl. Jerry McDonald War Victim Killed in action in Vietnam Cpl. Jerry McDonald, 19, has become the 18th member of the armed forces with Clark County ties to become a victim of the war there. The corporal, son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard McDonald of 3310 N. E. 132nd Ave., was reported by the Defense Department to have died 21 Nov (1967) from wounds received when a land mine exploded. He was serving at the time as a member of the 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, and had only been in Vietnam since last September. McDonald was born in California on 2 Jan 1948. He attended high school in China before moving to Salem, and then to Vancouver. He entered the Army last April. In addition to his parents, the soldier is survived by a sister, Betty Jane, at home, and a brother, Ron of Vancouver (The Columbian, Vancouver WA, Nov 1967)
Allen Henry MARINSIC
| | Birth | 28OCT45 | Rank | SP4 | Date of Death | 24NOV67 | | P. of birth | | Service | Army (Draft) | Place | Pleiku, S. Vietnam | Town of
Record | Chehalis | Unit | 4th Inf Div, Wpns plt, A Co, 2-8 INF Mech | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Ground Casualty; Gun, Small Arms Fire | | Hometown | | service # | 56957128 | Panel | 30EAST - 79 | | married | Single | MIA - | | Medals | | | Tour Date | 21MAR67 | Comment | | Cemetery | | |
Newspaper Clipping
Hector Lopez RUIZ
| | Birth | 15OCT46 | Rank | SP4 | Date of Death | 24NOV67 | | P. of birth | Fort Schute MT | Service | Army | Place | S. Vietnam | Town of
Record | Othello | Unit | A Co, 557th Eng Bn, 35th Eng GP | Death Code | Non-Hostile, Died Injury; Ground Casualty; Burns | | Hometown | Othello WA | service # | 10866317 | Panel | 30EAST - 81 | | married | Single | MIA - | | Medals | | | Tour Date | | Comment | | Cemetery | Bess Hampton Memorial Gardens | |
Rites Pending For Othello Vietnam Victim
Full military funeral rites have been tentatively set here for an Othello Army enlistee who died last Friday in a hospital in Japan where he had been takin for treatment of injuries suffered in Vietnam. Funeral arrangements are pending for Hector L. Ruiz, 21, Othello, until the body is returned from Japan. The Muscott Funeral Home reported funeral arrangements are pending at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will be at the Bess Hampton Memorial Gardens with an honor guard scheduled to be present from Ft. Lewis to accord Ruiz full military honors. The Funeral Home reported Ruiz died of severe gasoline explosion burns suffered in support of combat troops. Ruiz was born 15 Oct 1946 in Fort Schute MT. He came here five years ago with his parents and graduated from Othello High School in 1965. He enlisted in the U.S. Army about a year and a half ago and held the rank of Specialist 4th Class. He had been in Vietnam for about three months. Survivors include his father, Benito of Othello; mother, Maria Rafaeda of Othello; two brothers, Narciso and Armando, both of Othello; and four sisters, Mrs. Gregoria Rodriques and Mrs. Consuelo Ortiz of Othello, Mrs. Jasinta Martinez of Eagle Pass TX and Mrs. Maria Mendoza. Othello Outlook, Othello 30 Nov 1967)
Greig Robert PARKHURST
| | Birth | 16JAN48 | Rank | PFC | Date of Death | 27NOV67 | | P. of birth | Seattle | Service | Army (Draft) | Place | Quang Tin, S. Vietnam | Town of
Record | Bremerton | Unit | 4th Inf Div, A Co, 1st Bn, 35th Inf | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Ground Casualty; Gun, Small Arms Fire | | Hometown | | service # | 56956794 | Panel | 30EAST - 98 | | married | Single | MIA - | | Medals | | | Tour Date | 2MAR67 | Comment | | Cemetery | | West High School, Bremerton, Sophomore - Yearbook 1965 |
Two Kitsap County men Killed In Fierce Fighting at Dak To
Two more local young men have been killed in the fierce fighting the Dak To region of Vietnam, it was learned today.
They are Army Pfc. Greig R. Parkhurst, 19, son of Mr. and Mrs. Vern R. Parkhurst, 1361 Lyle Ave., and Army Spec. 4 Kenneth James Jacobsen, 20, son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter H. Jacobsen, Bainbridge Island Rte. 3, Box 3986. Parkhurst and Jacobsen sustained fatal wounds on 20 Nov (1967)
Another Kitsap Penisula youth, Ronald D. King, 21, son of Mrs. William A Whitcomb Vaughn, was killed in action in the same area 19 Nov (1967).
The fighting around Dak To in Vietnam's Central Highlands had been raging since 2 Nov (1967) and had been termed the longest and bloodiest battle of the war.
The local men are among the more than 285 U.S. servicemen killed in the battle. South Vietnamese losses in the same battle were figured at 78 and Communist dead were officially set at 1,455.
Details on how Parkhurst was killed were not immediately available, except that he died of gunshot wounds. He was serving with the Fort Lewis based 4th Division.
He was in Company A, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry, 3rd Brigade of the 4th Division.
The 4th Division and the 173rd Airborne Brigade were involved in the battle last week for the Communist fortress atop Hill 875. The hill was taken Thanksgiving Day.
Jacobsen was a member of 173rd Airborne and was killed during the assault in the hill, his family said today.
Parkhurst was born 16 Jan 1948, in Seattle and had been a Bremerton resident most of his life until entering the army. His father is the owner-manager of the Red Top Cab Co.
The young man attended West High School until quitting to go to work. He volunteered for the draft and was inducted here in September , 1966. He took basic training at Fort Lewis and advanced individual training at Fort Polk, La., before going to Vietnam about nine months ago.
Parkhurst was wounded by a booby trap about six weeks ago and returned to duty after two weeks of hospitalization. He was the Parkhursts' only child. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Doris Daniels, Long Beach, Calif. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Jacobsen was born 18 Aug 1947, at White Earth, Minn., and moved to Bainbridge Island with his family when one year old. He attended schools on the Island and then enlisted in the Army late in 1964 to make it a career.
Jacobsen was among the first paratroopers to go into the Dominican Republic during the crisis there. This was his second tour of duty in Vietnam. He had just taken part in several major operations during his 18 months of action there.
The young paratrooper was due to leave Vietnam 22 Nov (1967) to come home for Christmas.
"It was God's will and it was God's way and we're so very, very proud of him," his family said today.
Surviving, in addition to his parents, are two brothers, Herbert J. Jacobsen, in the Army in Cleveland, Ohio, and David Jacobsen, of the family home; two sisters, Mrs. Richard (Beverly) Sutherland, Bainbridge Island, and Sharon Jacobsen of the family home; paterna grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Herbert C. Jacobsen of Ogema, Minn., and his maternal grandmother, Ms. Sophia Swan, Ponsford MN.
Funeral arrangements are pending. (Bremerton Sun, Bremerton WA, 30 Nov 1967)
Rites Scheduled Funeral services for Army Pfc. Greig R. Parkhurst, 19 son of Mr. and Mrs. Vern R. Parkhurst, 1361 Lyle Ave., will be held tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Lewis Funeral Chapel. Pfc. Parkhurst was killed in action during fighting in the Dak To region of South Vietnam Nov. 27. He was a member of the Fort Lewis based 4th Division. He had served with Company A, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry, 3rd Brigade of the 4th Division. He was born 16 Jan 1948, in Seattle and had been a Bremerton resident most of his life. His father is the owner of the Red Top Cab Co. The young man attended West High School until he volunteered for the draft and was inducted here in September, 1966. Parkhurst had been in Vietnam about nine months and was wounded by a booby trap about six weeks ago. Besides his parents, he is survived by his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Doris Daniels, Long Beach CA. The Rev. Herbert A. Rast will officiate at the services. Military services will be held at graveside. Burial will be at Forest Lawn. (Bremerton Sun, Bremerton WA, 6 Dec 1967)
Parkhurst Rites Funeral services for Pfc. Greig R. Parkhurst, 19, son of Mr. and Mrs. Vern R. Parkhurst, 1361 Lyle Ave., were incorrectly listed in yesterday's edition of The Sun. The services were held at 1 p.m. today at the Lewis Funeral Chapel instead of at 7 p.m. Pfc. Parkhurst was killed in action during fighting in the Dak To region of South Vietnam on Nov. 27. He was a member of the Fort Lewis based 4th Division. (Bremerton Sun, Bremerton WA, 7 Dec 1967)
Thomas Leslie Snider BALL
| | Birth | 10FEB48 | Rank | LCPL | Date of Death | 30NOV67 | | P. of birth | | Service | Marines | Place | Thua Thien, S. Vietnam | Town of
Record | Seattle | Unit | CO F, 2/26TH Mar, 3rd Mar Div | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Ground Casualty; Gun, Small Arms Fire | | Hometown | | service # | 2251109 | Panel | 31EAST - 08 | | Married | Single | Memorial | Ballard High School War Memorial Plaque, Seattle WA | Medals | | | Tour Date | 19MAY67 | Comment | | Cemetery | | Ballard High School, Seattle, Senior - Class 1966: Boy's Club, 2,3,4; A.S.B. 2,3,4 |
. Edward Orville BILSIE
| | Birth | 02JUL41 | Rank | SSGT | Date of Death | 30NOV67 | | P. of birth | | Service | Army | Place | Binh Dinh, S. Vietnam | Town of
Record | Olympia | Unit | 1st Cav Div, B Co, 2nd Bn, 8th Cav | Death Code | Non-Hostile Died Missing; Fixed Wing - NonCrew; Air Loss Crash - Land | | Hometown | | service # | 16705158 | Panel | 31EAST - 09 | | Married | Single | Link | Medic | Medals | | | Tour Date | 05MAY67 | Comment | | Cemetery | | |
William E. GROVES
| | Birth | 06APR46 | Rank | SGT | Date of Death | 30NOV67 | | P. of birth | | Service | Army | Place | Binh Dinh, S. Vietnam | Town of
Record | Seattle | Unit | 4th Inf Div, E Co, 1st Bn, 8th Inf | Death Code | Non-Hostile died missing; Fixed Wing - Noncrew; Air Loss, Crash on Land | | Hometown | | service # /i> | 19860818 | Panel | 31EAST - 12 | | Married | Single | MIA - | | Medals | | | Tour Date | 26AUG67 | Comment | | Cemetery | | Lincoln High School, Senior - Class 1964: German Club, Dulinex, Tri-F Day Comm., Goal: College |
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
Jan Smith and Evergreen-Washelli, Seattle WA;
Bruce Swander and Maryland Wall Memorial
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GI Photographer Killed on Final Combat Mission
John Nance, Saigon
It about a month ago that Spec 4 Douglas Holland, 23, of Anita IA returned to Vietnam from rest and recreation leave in Tokyo with an elaborate outfit of photo equipment.
Holland had spent six months as an infantryman with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. Then he was switched to the brigade information office because of his talent for writing and photography.
His new cameras would see him through his final weeks in Vietnam. Then he would go home.
His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Russell F. Holland, recently moved from Iowa to Sepulveda CA.
He was trying to arrange a lecture tour of Iowa High schools. He said he wanted to give the students "a soldier's view of Vietnam."
Last Sunday with just 21 days left to go in Vietnam, Holland asked to go on one last combat assault with the troops.
A routine company operation was scheduled in War Zone C northwest of Saigon and perhaps, while covering it for the Army, he would get some pictures to illustrate his lectures.
But as the helicopters skimmed into the landing zone it was obvious this would not be a routine assault.
Viet Cong were in the tree-lines and had planted mines in the clearing.
Before the Americans could spring from the helicopters and find cover, many had been cut down by bullets and mine fragments.
Holland - described by a buddy with the 173rd as "great under fire" darted low taking pictures.
Before long 20 dead and wounded troopers sprawled in the clearing. Holland knew many of them.
He put down his cameras and went to work helping the medics.
In the confusion, a bullet struck him in the neck.
He died on the spot.
His photo equipment was sent to the brigade information headquarters at Bien Hoa. His last picture showed a medic tending a wounded man. (The Oregonian, Portland OR, 13 Apr 1967)
