
FACES FROM THE WALL
OREGON and the VIETNAM WAR
AUGUST 1967
ROBERT HOMER HARDENBROOK
| | Birth | 09APR35 | Rank | SSG | Date of Death | 01AUG67 | | P. of birth | Springfield | Service | Army | Place | Quang Ngai S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Eugene | Unit | 1st Cav Div B Co 5th Bn 7th Cav | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Guns, Small Arms Fire; Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 52466620 | Panel | 24EAST - 61 | | Married | Married | In Service | | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | 14FEB67 | Comment | | Cemetery | | |
Soldier Dies, 'Mistaken for Hostile' A 32-year-old Springfield man, Staff Sgt. Robert Homer Hardenbrook, was killed Tuesday in Vietnam, it was learned here Friday. Hardenbrook was the 18th Emerald Empire serviceman to die during the Vietnam War. Hardenbrook, a 1953 graduate of Springfield High School, died at 9:30 p.m. from gunshot wounds received "while returning to the perimeter after checking a forward observation point when he was mistaken for a hostile force by friendly small arms fire." according to an Army spokesman. He was serving with Troop B, Fifth Battalion, Seventh Cavalry. Hardenbrook, who had re-enlisted in the Army in 1964 after having served from 1954-58, had been in Vietnam since February and had earlier been stationed in Germany. He was born in Springfield, 9 Apr 1936. Between enlistments, he worked four years for an East Coast tree trimming firm and for two years for the Eugene Parks and Recreation Department. Hardenbrook is survived by his wife, Norma, and two adopted native Korean children, Don, 6 and Delores, 7, who live in Colorado Springs CO; a brother, Harold, Rte. 5 Box 1158, Eugene, and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Hardenbrook, 1798 G Street, Springfield.
(Eugene Register Guard, Eugene OR, 5 Aug 1967) Thank you Oregon Genealogical Society
LEONARD GERALD MARCUM
| | Birth | 20SEP39 | Rank | CPT | Date of Death | 02AUG67 | | P. of birth | | Service | Army | Place | Long An S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Jefferson | Unit | 25th Inf Div A Co 1st Bn 27th Inf | Death Code | Hostile, Died Wounds; Guns, Small Arms Fire; Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | OF102541 | Panel | 24EAST - 68 | | Married | Married | In Service | 6 yrs | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | 06JAN67 | Comment | | Cemetery | | |
Capt. Leonard Marcum of Beaverton, was reported Friday to have died in the Vietnam war. Marcum, 27, was a graduate of Oregon State University. He is survived by his wife, Kathie. Altogether, 135 Oregonians have been killed in Vietnam. Fifty five of the deaths have occurred this year. (Eugene Register Guard, Eugene OR, 5 Aug 1967) Thank you Oregon Genealogical Society
KEITH CHARLES PERKINS
| | Birth | 12NOV42 | Rank | PFC | Date of Death | 02AUG67 | | P. of birth | | Service | Marines | Place | Quang Tin S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Hood River | Unit | CO A 1 ENGR BN 1 MAR DIV | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Guns, Small Arms Fire; Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 1955516 | Panel | 24EAST - 69 | | Married | Single | In Service | 6 yrs | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | | Comment | | Cemetery | | |
CLARENCE HERBERT BROOKS
| | Birth | 18FEB45 | Rank | SP4 | Date of Death | 03AUG67 | | P. of birth | | Service | Army | Place | Quang Ngai S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Portland | Unit | 101st Abn Div HHC 1st Bn 327th Inf | Death Code | Hostile, Died Wounds; Multiple Fragmentation Wounds Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 19817934 | Panel | 24EAST - 71 | | Married | Single | In Service | 2 yrs | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | 01JAN67 | Comment | | Cemetery | Willamette National Cem., Portland OR | |
LARRY TOM CHANDLER
| | Birth | 18NOV46 | Rank | SGT | Date of Death | 05AUG67 | | P. of birth | | Service | Army | Place | Binh Duong S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Milton-Freewater | Unit | 25th Inf Div C Co 4th Bn 23rd Inf | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Artillery, Rocket, Mortar; Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 28810027 | Panel | 24EAST - 80 | | Married | Single | In Service | 2 yrs | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | 03JAN67 | Comment | | Cemetery | | |
SGT. LARRY CHANDLER FIRST LOCAL FATALITY IN VIETNAM Local serviceman Sgt. Larry Chandler, 20, was killed in action Saturday, 5 Aug (1967) in Vietnam while on a night perimeter defense. Chandler is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Tom J. Chandler of Stateline. Chandlers were notified of the tragedy by a telegram from the Department of Defense and later informed of additional details provided by an Army Colonel from Fort Lewis WA. Chandler, who had served 19 months regular Army duty, was attached to Company C, Fourth Battalion, 23rd Infantry mechanized, 25th division. During a night perimeter defense he was hit and killed by a fragment from a mortar round at 3:20 a.m. Letters written by the sergeant to his parents and relatives told how the company had been under combat conditions in the field approximately 25 miles from Saigon in the Iron Triangle area for the past six months. With the exception of a short period in base camp his company has been in combat since their arrival in Vietnam in January. He was born 18 Nov 1946 in Ellensburg WA and moved to Milton-Freewater with his parents to a 40-care acreage near Stateline when he was four years old. Chandler senior is the principal at Davis School in College Place Chandler attended Ferndale Grade School and graduated from Mac-Hi in 1964. He was a member of the Oregon National Guard for several years before entering the Army in December of 1966. He was an avid outdoorsman and spent much of his free time hunting and fishing in the Blue Mountains. With his qualifications as a rifle sharpshooter he became an expert machine gunner and as sergeant was in charge of a platoon. The Chandler's recently received a Purple Heart medal for a wound their son received earlier in Vietnam action.
Funeral services are pending for the young sergeant at Ingle chapel, United Church of Christ with Munselle-Rhodes funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Military rites will follow the service at the Milton-Freewater Cemetery. Survivors in addition to his parents are two brothers Dale 19, and Randy 18; paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Guy Chandler of Chelan WA; maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Otto Clater of Crawfordsville OR and numerous aunts and uncles. Chandler was the first Milton-Freewater serviceman to be killed in action in the Vietnamese conflict. According to Associate Press reports of his death brings the 1967 total of Oregon servicemen killed in Vietnam to 57 with 137 combat fatalities since 1961. (Valley Herald, Milton-Freewater OR, 10 Aug 1967)
GERALD LEE HOPPER
| | Birth | 18MAY45 | Rank | SP4 | Date of Death | 09AUG67 | | P. of birth | | Service | Army (Draft) | Place | Unknown S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Portland | Unit | 1st Avn Bde 175th Aviation Co | Death Code | Non Hostile, Died Missing; Air Loss, Crash - Land Helicopter - Crew | | Hometown | | service # | 56410161 | Panel | 24EAST 94 | | Married | Married | In Service | | Medals | | | Tour Date | 13FEB67 | Comment | | Cemetery | Willamette National Cem., Portland OR | |
TERRANCE LEO MEIER
| | Birth | 08NOV44 | Rank | SSG | Date of Death | 12AUG67 | | P. of birth | | Service | Marines R | Place | Quang Tri S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Portland | Unit | M CO 3RD BN 3RD MARS | Death Code | Hostile, Died Wounds; Artillery, Rocket, Mortar; Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 1999759 | Panel | 24EAST - 104 | | Married | Married | Link | Nam Mag | Medals | Silver Star-30APR67 Navy Cross-27JUL67 (both posthumously) Purple Heart | | Tour Date | | Comment | | Cemetery | Willamette National Cem., Portland OR | |
Medal Given To Widow The Silver Star Medal "for gallantry and intrepidity in action" in Vietnam was awarded posthumously last week to S.Sgt. Terrance L. Meier of the Marines. His widow, Janet D. Meier, received the medal in ceremonies at the Swan Island Marine Corps Reserve Training Center. S.Sgt. Meier took command of his platoon when his commander was killed while assaulting the crest of the Hill 881 in South Vietnam 30 Apr 1967 and continued under fire for six hours, the citation notes. He stayed with six seriously wounded companions and protected them until able to move them to shelter. "Largely due to his aggresive fighting spirit and professionalism, his platoon accounted for an estimated 40 enemy killed during the fierce encounter. He was wounded later on 21 Jul (1967) and died 12 Aug 1967. He was the son of Mr and Mrs Paul A Meier of Portland. (The Oregonian, Portland OR, Jan 68)
Navy Cross Citation
Meier, Terrance L.
Staff Sergeant, US Marine Corps
Co M, 3rd Bn., 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Div.
Date Of Action: July 21, 1967
Citation:
For extraordinary heroism while serving as Platoon Sergeant of the Second Platoon, Company M, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division (Reinforced), in the vicinity of Ca Lu, Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 21 July 1967. The Second Platoon was moving along Vietnamese National Route 9, investigating a suspected enemy ambush site, when it was ambushed four miles west of Ca Lu. As the enemy fire increased, the point squad became separated from the remainder of the platoon by 150 meters. The platoon commander was wounded during the early stages of the encounter leaving Staff Sergeant Meier, who was with the rear elements, in command. While awaiting reinforcements and calling in artillery support he tried to lead the rear elements forward to the separated lead squad and the wounded commander, but was unsuccessful. Completely exposed to enemy fire, he courageously continued his efforts. Repeatedly he was driven back because of insufficient fire power and the numerically superior enemy. When the reinforcements with mounted weapons arrived, Staff Sergeant Meier organized and led them to evacuate the wounded and supply ammunition to the fighting Marines. While covering the evacuation of the casualties, he was mortally wounded by enemy fire and taken from the battle area. By his dauntless courage, initiative and selfless efforts in behalf of his fellow Marines, Staff Sergeant Meier served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. Citation information received from Bruce Swander, Vietnam Researcher
DOUGLAS DAVIS COFFMAN
| | Birth | 17OCT46 | Rank | CPL | Date of Death | 13AUG67 | | P. of birth | | Service | Marines | Place | Quang Nam S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Bend | Unit | H&S Co. 3rd Bn. 1st Marines | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Guns, Small Arms Fire; Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 2204081 | Panel | 24EAST - 106 | | Married | Single | In Service | 1 yr | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | | Comment | | Cemetery | Deschutes Memorial Gardens | |
Wounds Fatal to Bend Marine in South Vietnam Cpl. Douglas D. Coffman, 20, son of Mrs. Kenneth Blackburn, Bend, has been killed in action while serving with the First Marine Division in Vietnam. Cp. Coffman suffered gunshot wounds while on patrol in the Da Nang area. Death occurred Sunday. A younger brother of Cpl. Coffman's, Pfc. Michael Coffman, also a Marine, is serving in Vietnam with the Third Marine Division. Cpl. Coffman's father, Barney C. Coffman, resides in Fulson CA. Also surviving is a half-brother, John E. Weber, Bend. Cpl. Coffman enlisted in the Marines in December, 1965. He was born in Eugene of 17 Oct 1946, and attended public schools in Medford and Eugene, graduating from Sheldon High School in Eugene in 1964. Prior to his enlistment, Cpl. Coffman attended Central Oregon Community College. Funeral services will be held at the First Lutheran Church. Final arrangements will be made by Tabor Funeral Home as soon as word is received regarding the arrival date of the body from Vietnam. Burial will be in Deschutes Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are being made to fly Cpl. Coffman's brother home from Vietnam for the services. Cpl. Coffman was the fourth Central Oregon Marine to have died as the result of enemy action in the Vietnam war. (Bend Bulletin, Bend OR, 16 Aug 1967)
KENNETH RAYMOND SPOHN
| | Birth | 11APR46 | Rank | LCPL | Date of Death | 16AUG67 | | P. of birth | | Service | Marines | Place | Thua Thien S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Portland | Unit | | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Multiple Fragmentation Wounds Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 2231425 | Panel | 25EAST - 03 | | Married | Married | In Service | 1 yr | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | | Comment | | Cemetery | Willamette National Cem., Portland OR | |
ROBERT ROLAND WATROUS
| | Birth | 26OCT46 | Rank | CPL | Date of Death | 16AUG67 | | P. of birth | | Service | Marines | Place | Quang Tin S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Coos Bay | Unit | K CO 3RD BN 5TH MARS | Death Code | Hostile, Died Wounds; Guns, Small Arms Fire; Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 2153544 | Panel | 25EAST - 04 | | Married | Single | In Service | 3 yrs | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | | Comment | | Cemetery | | |
Thank you Virtual Wall for sharing your photograph
JAMES WALTER CLEMENTS
| | Birth | 01DEC46 | Rank | PFC | Date of Death | 19AUG67 | | P. of birth | Eugene | Service | Marines (Draft) | Place | Quang Tri S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Springfield | Unit | | Death Code | Non Hostile, Died Other; Vehicle Loss - Crash Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 2231338 | Panel | 25EAST - 15 | | Married | Single | In Service | 1 yr | Medals | | | Tour Date | | Comment | | Cemetery | Lane Memorial Cem., Springfield OR | |
Marine Killed In Viet Nam Vehicle Mishap A 20-year-old Springfield Marine, Pfc James W. Clements, died 18 Aug (1967) in Viet Nam, according to word received here Sunday Mr. and Mrs. Walter R. Clements of 1207 N. 31st St. were notified that their son died of injuries received when a government vehicle he was riding in overturned at Quang Tri in Viet Nam. A 1965 graduate of Thurston high school, Pfc Clements joined the U.S. Marine Corps 15 Feb 1966 and had been in Viet Nam since 7 Dec 1966. He was born 1 Dec 1946 in Eugene and was a member of St. Alice Catholic church. Besides his parents he is survived by a brother, Marvin, 19, who is stationed with the U.S. National Guard at Fort Lewis WA; a sister, Shirley, 12, at home; his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Hecker of Springfield and Mrs. Laura Clements of Los Angeles CA. Funeral services are pending at Buell Chapel in Springfield. (Springfield News, Springfield OR, 21 Aug 1967) Thank you Oregon Genealogical Society
GARFIELD WEST Jr.
| | Birth | 20FEB47 | Rank | PFC | Date of Death | 19AUG67 | | P. of birth | | Service | Marines | Place | Quang Nam S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Portland | Unit | | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Other Explosive Devices Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 2274909 | Panel | 25EAST - 18 | | Married | Single | In Service | | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | | Comment | | Cemetery | Willamette National Cem., Portland OR | |
Remembrance for Garfield West - from Sam Carlson webmaster,Captain, US Army (Retired)
(email received 9 Jan 2005) A little tidbit about Garfield was that he was an Oregon musician before joining the USMC and played Saxophone with Lanny Hunt and the Themes. PNWbands.com
DUANE RUSSELL BENTLEY
| | Birth | 14JUL46 | Rank | PFC | Date of Death | 24AUG67 | | P. of birth | | Service | Marines (Draft) | Place | Quang Tri S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Portland | Unit | CO B 1/9TH MAR 3D MAR DIV | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Artillery, Rocket, Mortar; Ground Casualty | | Hometown | Minnesota | service # | 2231249 | Panel | 25EAST - 36 | | Married | Single | In Service | 1 yr | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | | Comment | | Cemetery | | |
DAVID LLOYD CLARK
| | Birth | 29APR48 | Rank | CPL | Date of Death | 25AUG67 | | P. of birth | | Service | Army | Place | Hua Nghia S. Vietnam | Town of Record | La Grande | Unit | 25th Inf Div Trp B 3rd Sqrd 4th Cav | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Artillery, Rocket, Mortar; Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 18801963 | Panel | 25EAST - 42 | | Married | Single | In Service | 1 yr | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | 24APR67 | Comment | | Cemetery | Stewartville MN | |
MICHAEL CLYDE KAMPH
| | Birth | 22JUL47 | Rank | CPL | Date of Death | 27AUG67 | | P. of birth | | Service | Army (Draft) | Place | Binh Duong S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Newberg | Unit | 25th Inf Div B Co 2nd Bn 14th Inf | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Other Explosive Devices Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 56928952 | Panel | 25EAST - 52 | | Married | Single | In Service | | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | 20APR67 | Comment | | Cemetery | Willamette National Cem., Portland OR | |
JOSEPH LEON WHITAKER Jr
| | Birth | 10NOV47 | Rank | SP4 | Date of Death | 29AUG67 | | P. of birth | | Service | Army | Place | Long Khanh S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Ontario | Unit | 1st Avn Bde 191st Aviation Co | Death Code | Non Hostile, Died Missing; Air Loss, Crash - Land Helicopter - Crew | | Hometown | | service # | 19883159 | Panel | 25EAST - 66 | | Married | Married | In Service | 1 yr | Medals | | | Tour Date | 22MAY67 | Comment | | Cemetery | | |
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