
FACES FROM THE WALL
OREGON and the VIETNAM WAR
MAY 1968
PAUL JEFFEREY COCHRAN
| | Birth | 06OCT47 | Rank | SP4 | Date of Death | 01MAY68 | | P. of birth | | Service | Army | Place | Thua Thien S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Philomath | Unit | 101st Abn Div Trp B 2nd Sqd 17th Cav | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Guns, Small Arms Fire; Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 18959056 | Panel | 53EAST - 29 | | Married | Single | In Service | 1 yr | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | 10DEC67 | Comment | | Cemetery | Willamette National Cem., Portland OR | |
DONALD RAYMOND SCHAFER
| | Birth | 15APR47 | Rank | SA | Date of Death | 01MAY68 | | P. of birth | Grand Junction CO | Service | Navy (Reserve) | Place | Quang Tri S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Milwaukie | Unit | 7th Fleet | Death Code | Non Hostile, Died Missing; Other Accident Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | B895734 | Panel | 53EAST - 40 | | Married | Single | In Service | | Medals | | | Tour Date | | Comment | | Cemetery | Willamette National Cem., Portland OR | |
Blast Kills Sailor, 21 Navy Seaman Donald Schafer, 21, of Milwaukie, was killed Thursday in a gasoline explosion aboard a tanker in coastal waters off South Vietnam. He was the son of Dr. and Mrs. W.Warren Schafer of Milwaukie. His mother Nirene Schafer, lives in Oakland CA. Schafer was born in Grand Junction CO,15 Apr 1947 and was a 1966 graduate of Milwaukie High School and attended Multnomah College. In addition to his parents he is survived by a brother, Robert, 19, serving as a fireman on a naval vessel stationed at Guam; another brother, Kenneth W., 16 and a sister, Barbara, 13.
Memorial service will be 4 p.m. Sunday at St. Pauls Methodist Church. The family suggests remembrances be in the form of contributions to the church's library fund.(The Oregonian, Portland OR, 04 May 1968)
JOHN HAROLD TEETOR
| | Birth | 01APR49 | Rank | PFC | Date of Death | 03MAY68 | | P. of birth | Hancock NY | Service | Marines | Place | Quang Tri S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Medford | Unit | Company B, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division | Death Code | Hostile, Died Wounds; Other Explosive Devices Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 2352520 | Panel | 53EAST - 42 | | Married | Single | In Service | | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | 15NOV67 | Comment | | Cemetery | Willamette National Cem., Portland OR | |
Medford Marine Dies of Wounds Suffered in War Marine Pfc. John Harold Teetor, 19, son of Mrs. Elinor L. Teetor, 430 O'Gara St., Medford died 3 May (1968) at the U.S. Air Force Hospital at Clark Air Force Base. The Philippines, from wounds suffered 26 Apr (1968) in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam. Pfc. Teetor suffered multiple fragmentation wounds while on patrol. He was with Company B, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division. He was born 7 Apr 1949 in Hancock NY. He attended school in Ft. Wayne IN and was graduated from Medford Senior High School in 1967. Pfc. Teetor enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps 19 Jun 1967, and arrived in Vietnam last October. Active in Judo His Hobbies included mountain climbing, hunting and fishing. Pfc. Teetor grained the green belt rank in judo of the American Judo and Jujisu Federation. In addition to his mother, survivors include a sister, Mrs. Rosemary Smrkovsky, Portland, and three half-brothers, Will Robert Teetor, Ithaca NY, Jack C. Teetor, Hancock NY, and Howard A. Teetor Jr., Windsor NY. Funeral arrangements will be announced by Conger-Morris Funeral Home. (Medford Mail Tribune, Medford OR, 03 May 1968)
ROY ROBERT CRAM
| | Birth | 08DEC47 | Rank | LCPL | Date of Death | 02MAY68 | | P. of birth | Bend | Service | Marines | Place | Quang Tri S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Idanha | Unit | | Death Code | Hostile, Died Wounds; Guns, Small Arms Fire; Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 2325647 | Panel | 54EAST - 04 | | Married | Single | In Service | | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | 11APR68 | Comment | | Cemetery | Juniper Haven Cemetery, Prineville OR | |
Native of Bend Killed in Vietnam Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. in the Detroit High School gymnasium for a Bend native who was killed 02 May (1968) in Vietnam. Marine Lance Cpl. Robert Cram, 20, died of wounds inflicted while in action under mortar attack. He had been in Vietnam only one month. Corporal Cram was the grandson of Mrs. Robert Cram, Madras. Survivors include his mother, Mrs. Alice Cram, and a brother, Jack, both of Idanha, and his grandfather, Howard Rice, Condon. He was born 8 Dec 1947 in Bend. Before going into the service two years ago, he was a resident of Idanha. Burial, with military graveside rites, will be held in Juniper Haven Cemetery, Prineville. The Weddle Funeral Home, Stayton, is in charge of arrangements. Members of the family requested that friends who wish to make memorial gifts do so in the form of contributions to the memorial fund of St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Madras, or to their favorite charity The Bulletin, Bend OR, 25 May 1968)
ROBERT BRUCE FINDLAY
| | Birth | 16NOV46 | Rank | PFC | Date of Death | 02MAY68 | | P. of birth | Raleigh NC | Service | Marines | Place | Quang Tri S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Portland | Unit | F Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Guns, Small Arms Fire; Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 2352829 | Panel | 54EAST - 06 | | Married | Single | In Service | | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | 29OCT67 | Comment | | Cemetery | Arlington National Cem. | |
Marine Dies In Combat Word was received of the death of Marine Pfc. Robert Bruce Findlay, of Portland, near Quang Tri, South Vietnam, 2 May (1968). Pfc. Findlay, son of Mr. and Mrs. John D. Findlay, 11031 NE Davis St., was reported killed during combat. He was a member of the F Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, and was leader of a machine gun squad.
Born at Raleigh NC, 16 Nov 1946. He attended public schools in Arlington VA, and graduated from high school at Atlanta GA. He also attended Pacific University and the University of Hawaii prior to joining the Marine Corps, in May, 1967. He was sent to Vietnam in November, 1967.
In addition to the parents, survivors include brothers, Lt. William Peter Findlay, serving in Vietnam, and John D. Jr., of New York.
Memorial service will be Sunday at 4 p.m. at Mt. Tabor Presbyterian Church. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington VA. (The Oregonian, Portland OR, Saturday, 11 May 1968)
MICHAEL DEE OLIVER
| | Birth | 21JUL46 | Rank | PFC | Date of Death | 02MAY68 | | P. of birth | | Service | Marines | Place | Quang Tri S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Corvallis | Unit | F CO BLT 2/4 9TH MAB | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Guns, Small Arms Fire; Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 2394539 | Panel | 54EAST - 14 | | Married | Single | In Service | | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | 02APR68 | Comment | | Cemetery | | |
GREGORY JOE STAPLES
| | Birth | 09JUL49 | Rank | PFC | Date of Death | 02MAY68 | | P. of birth | | Service | Marines | Place | Quang Tri S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Grants Pass | Unit | F CO BLT 2/4 9TH MAB | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Guns, Small Arms Fire; Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 2325947 | Panel | 54EAST - 18 | | Married | Single | In Service | | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | 16MAR68 | Comment | | Cemetery | | |
PAUL ARNOLD YOUNGMAN
| | Birth | 11MAY48 | Rank | PFC | Date of Death | 02MAY68 | | P. of birth | Toledo | Service | Marines | Place | Thua Thien S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Siletz | Unit | B Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Guns, Small Arms Fire; Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 2394582 | Panel | 54EAST - 22 | | Married | Single | In Service | | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | 04FEB68 | Comment | | Cemetery | | |
Marine Dies In Vietnam Marine Pfc. Paul A Youngman, 19, son of Mrs. June Austin, 4733 NE 30th Ave., was listed killed in Vietnam action by the Defense Department. Youngman was shot while on patrol in Thua Thien May 2 (1968). He was with B Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. A native of Toledo OR, he attended Jefferson High School for a brief time and graduated from Siletz High School last spring. He enlisted in the Marines at Newport following graduation. He had been in Vietnam three months, according to his mother. Other survivors include a sister, Mrs. Beverly Hatch of Newport and a half brother, Randy Austin of Portland. (The Oregonian, Portland OR, Wednesday, 8 May 1968)
WESLEY GENE BAUGHMAN
| | Birth | 08NOV46 | Rank | CPL | Date of Death | 05MAY68 | | P. of birth | Silverton | Service | Marines | Place | Quang Nam S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Dallas | Unit | CO G 2/27TH MAR 3RD MAR DIV | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Other Explosive Devices Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 2130598 | Panel | 55EAST - 01 | | Married | Married | In Service | 3 yrs | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | 16FEB68 | Comment | | Cemetery | Dallas Cem., Dallas OR | |
Local Marine Wes Baughman Dies In Action The war in Vietnam came to Polk county last week as the family and friends of Marine Corps Corporal Wesley G. Baughman received a telegram notifying them of his death in hostile action at Quang Nan, Vietnam. Baughman's wife Alexia, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Anderson, Falls City, and his parents, Mr. Melvin Baughman (Polk County Itemizer-Observer, Dallas OR, 16 May 1968) Wesley Baughman Funeral services for Wesley Gene Baughman, 21, Falls City who was killed in action in Vietnam 5 May (1968) are pending at the Friesen-Wiens Valley Chapel. He was born in Silverton, 8 Nov 1946 and attended school in Falls City. He married Alexia Anderson at Falls City in 1966. Surviving are his widow, Alexia; son, Wesley G. Baughman Jr, Falls City; father, Melvin Baughman, and mother, Phyliss Joyce, both of Dallas, and a brother, Wayne Baughman, in the Army. (Polk County Itemizer-Observer, Dallas OR, 16 May 1968)
SANTFORD BERNARD KEMPKE
| | Birth | 29AUG49 | Rank | PFC | Date of Death | 05MAY68 | | P. of birth | | Service | Army | Place | Quang Nam, S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Roseburg | Unit | 1st Log Cmd HHC 26th GS GP | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Multiple Fragmentation Wounds; Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 18962561 | Panel | 55EAST - 19 | | Married | Married | In Service | | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | 07APR68 | Comment | | Cemetery | | |
GORDON LEE TERRELL
| | Birth | 25FEB48 | Rank | SP4 | Date of Death | 05MAY68 | | P. of birth | | Service | Army | Place | Quang Tin S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Gervais | Unit | 1st Avn Bde, 176th Avn Co | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Air Loss, Crash - Land; Helicopter - Crew | | Hometown | | service # | 18956974 | Panel | 55EAST - 34 | | Married | Single | In Service | | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | 03OCT67 | Comment | | Cemetery | | |
JOSEPH GEORGE WOLFE
| | Birth | 06NOV44 | Rank | 1LT | Date of Death | 05MAY68 | | P. of birth | Portland | Service | Army (Reserve) | Place | An Xugen, S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Portland | Unit | 1st Avn Bde, 221th RAC, 307th CAB, 164th CAG | Death Code | Non Hostile, Died Other; Air Loss, Crash - Land; Fixed Wing - Crew | | Hometown | La Grand | service # | O5424269 | Panel | 55EAST - 36 | | Married | Married | In Service | 2 yrs | Medals | Bronze Star,Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster | | Tour Date | 10MAR68 | Comment | | Cemetery | Willamette National Cem., Portland OR | |
Viet Crash Kills Officer Word has been received by Mrs. Chalmere Wolfe, 2215 SE Powell Blvd., that her son Lt. Joseph George Wolfe, was killed 5 May (1968) in an air crash in Vietnam. Lt. Wolfe was born in Portland but was a 1962 graduate of La Grande High School. Prior to entering the Army he was employed by the Union Pacific Railroad and attended Eastern Oregon College. Lt. Wolfe enlisted in the service in May of 1965 and was commissioned in August, 1966. In December, 1967, he married the former Gayle Carroll of Louisville GA. Information from the Defense Department, according to Mrs. Wolfe, was that an aerial observation plane in which Lt. Wolfe was flying near Co Mau was in the Mekong Delta crashed and burned. In addition to his wife and mother, survivors include his father, Chalmere Wolfe, Moscow ID; a brother, Louis, in the Army at El Paso; and a sister, Margueritte, of Moscow. Service is pending. (The Oregonian, Portland OR, Tuesday, 14 May 1968)
Army Awards Two Medals Army Lt. Joseph G. Wolfe, former resident of Portland and La Grande who died 5 May (1968) in Vietnam, has been posthumously awarded a Bronze Star and an Air Medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster. The Air Medal was awarded in connection with heroism during a search and destroy operation in the Mekong delta 21 Apr (1968) when Lt. Wolfe attacked enemy positions "in the face of overwhelming fire power." He was cited for flying more that 25 aerial missions between 22 Mar and 8 Apr (1968). The Bronze Star was presented for Lt. Wolfe's valor in ground action between 17 Mar to 5 May (1968). A graduate of La Grande High School, Lt. Wolfe attended Eastern Oregon College and was employed by Union Pacific prior to his enlistement in 1965. (The Oregonian, Portland OR, 3 Oct 1968)
DONALD LEWIS HARDEN
| | Birth | 23JUN48 | Rank | SGT | Date of Death | 10MAY68 | | P. of birth | | Service | Army (Draft) | Place | Binh Long S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Gresham | Unit | 25th Inf Div B Co 1st Bn 27th Inf | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Multiple Fragmentation Wounds Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 56931889 | Panel | 58EAST - 08 | | Married | Married | In Service | 1 yr | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | 07FEB68 | Comment | | Cemetery | Lebanon IOOF Cem., Lebanon OR | |
THOMAS CLYDE SCHRIVER
| | Birth | 13JAN44 | Rank | SSG | Date of Death | 10MAY68 | | P. of birth | Corvallis | Service | Marines | Place | Quang Tin S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Salem | Unit | D BTRY 2D BN 13TH MAR | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Other Explosive Devices Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 1955673 | Panel | 58EAST - 06 | | Married | Single | In Service | | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | 23FEB68 | Comment | | Cemetery | Lebanon IOOF Cem., Lebanon OR | |
Sgt. Thomas C. Schriver Newport Funeral for Marine S.Sgt. Thomas Clyde Schriver, Lincoln County resident killed in action 10 May (1968), was Saturday, 25 May (1968), at 10:30 a.m. at Pacific Mortuary Newport. Interment was in Lebanon Cemetery. A native of Corvallis, Sgt. Schriver attended high school in Alaska and had been a member of the Marine Corps since July,1961. At the time of his death he served with Battery D., Sec. Battalion,3rd Marines of the 1st Marine Division. He died at Quang Tri, Vietnam. Sgt. Schriver, 24, had been a resident of the Harlan Star Route of the Eddyville area. Survivors include the parents,Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Schriver, Eddyville; grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Culver, Myrtle Point; a sister, Mrs. Joyce Brown, Eddyville; and a brother, Donald D. Sitka AK. (The Oregonian, Portland OR, Monday, 27 May 1968)
DANIEL JOHN TABABOO Jr
| | Birth | 11JAN47 | Rank | CPL | Date of Death | 12MAY68 | | P. of birth | | Service | Army | Place | Khanh Hoa S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Culver | Unit | 1st Log Cmd 109th QM Co | Death Code | Non Hostile, Died Other; Accidental Homicide Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 18958222 | Panel | 59EAST - 14 | | Married | Single | In Service | | Medals | | | Tour Date | 20DEC67 | Comment | | Cemetery | | |
JAMES DONALD HESS
| | Birth | 19JAN48 | Rank | PFC | Date of Death | 13MAY68 | | P. of birth | | Service | Army (Draft) | Place | Hua Nghia S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Gaston | Unit | 25th Inf Div A Co 2nd Bn 22nd Inf | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Multiple Fragmentation Wounds Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 56933956 | Panel | 58EAST - 23 | | Married | Single | In Service | | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | 12APR68 | Comment | | Cemetery | | |
Gaston GI War Victim The Defense Department advised Mrs. Rosella Hess of Gaston Monday that her son had been killed in action in Vietnam. Donald Hess, 20, was serving in Vietnam with the U.S.Army and was killed 13 May (1968). Hess was a 1967 graduate of Gaston High School. A total of 305 Oregon servicemen have died in Vietnam since 1961, and 106 Oregonians have been killed in the war this year. (The Oregonian, Portland OR, Wednesday, 22 May 1968)
MICHAEL WILLIAM WEBB
| | Birth | 08DEC47 | Rank | PFC | Date of Death | 15MAY68 | | P. of birth | | Service | Army | Place | Pleiku S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Monmouth | Unit | 18th Engineer Bde HHC 815th Eng Bn 937th Eng Grp | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Artillery, Rocket, Mortar; Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 18962619 | Panel | 61EAST - 04 | | Married | Single | In Service | | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | 28MAR68 | Comment | | Cemetery | | |
Oregon GI Dies In War The Defense Department reported Friday that a Monmouth soldier has been killed in action in Vietnam. Army Pfc. Michael E. Webb, the son of Mr. and Mrs. William K. Webb, Monmouth, was one of 66 servicemen listed Friday on a Pentagon casualty list. A total of 304 Oregon men have died in the war since 1961, and Webb was the 105th Oregonian to die in Vietnam combat this year. Only 119 Oregon men were killed in Vietnam in all of 1967. (Oregonian, Portland OR, Sunday, 19 May 1968)
FRANKLIN VANCE ANDERSON
| | Birth | 16JAN47 | Rank | WO | Date of Death | 17MAY68 | | P. of birth | | Service | Army (Reserve) | Place | Binh Duong S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Portland | Unit | 1st Inf Div Trp D 1st Sqdr 4th Cav | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Air Loss, Crash - Land Helicopter - Pilot | | Hometown | | service # | W3156402 | Panel | 61EAST - 22 | | Married | Single | In Service | | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | 10JUL67 | Comment | | Cemetery | Lincoln Memorial Park | |
Oregon Man Killed In War Warrant Officer Franklin V. Anderson, 21, was killed in Vietnam 17 May (1968), less than two months before he was expected home on leave. His parents Mr. and Mrs. Grant T. Anderson, 6326 SE Reed College Place, received word 20 May (1968) that their son was missing in action, near Phu Loi, about 25 miles north of Saigon. His body was recovered Friday, his parents were informed. A helicopter pilot, he was downed by enemy ground fire while on combat mission. A graduate of Cleveland High School, he had enlisted in the Army during his freshmen year at the University of Oregon. He had completed one year of helicopter training at Ft. Wolters TX, and Ft. Rucker AL, before being sent to Vietnam nine months ago. He had received orders to report to Ft. Rucker to instruct advanced helicopter training following his furlough. The death brought the number of Oregon servicemen killed in the war to 310 since 1961. There have been 111 killed this year.(The Oregonian, Portland OR, 29 May 1968)
WO Franklin Anderson. Service for Warrant Officer Franklin V. Anderson, 21,who was killed in Vietnam 17 May (1968), will be Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. at Finley's Morninglight Chapel. Burial will be in Lincoln Memorial Park. Warrant Officer Anderson, was killed while on a combat mission as a helicopter pilot near Phu Loi, about 25 miles north of Saigon. A graduate of Cleveland High School, he left the University of Oregon in his freshman year to enlist. Survivors include the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Grant T. Anderson, 6326 SE Reed College Place, and a sister, Mrs. Sharon Greiner, San Diego CA. (The Oregonian, Portland OR, 4 Jun 1968)
THOMAS STEVEN HUGHES
| | Birth | 07NOV45 | Rank | 1LT | Date of Death | 17MAY68 | | P. of birth | Wilder ID | Service | Army (Reserve) | Place | Long An S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Baker | Unit | 9th Inf Div E Co 4th Bn 47th Inf | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Guns, Small Arms Fire; Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | O5334682 | Panel | 62EAST - 06 | | Married | Single | In Service | | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | 27NOV67 | Comment | | Cemetery | | Baker High School, Baker OR |
THOMAS S. HUGHES KILLED IN VIETNAM First Lt. Thomas S. Hughes, 22, of 2230 Sixteenth St., Baker was last seen in combat operations when his unit was hit by hostile sniper fire 17 May (1968) in Vietnam. His body was later recovered and identified and is presently being flown back to the United States. The son of Mr. and Mrs. Eldon Hughes of the above address, Thomas Hughes was born 7 Nov 1945 at Wilder ID, the first of four children. He started in the first grade at five years of age in Baker, attended the second grade in Kansas, where his father farmed, and took the rest of his schooling, third grade through high school, in Baker. In Junior high and high school he was prominent in track. At the Baker-LaGrande Junior High meet in 1960 he won third place in the 440 yard dash. In high school he took first place in the 880 yard run at the Pendleton Elks Invitational. He earned several other (garbled word) ribbons and was a letterman. Hughes graduated in 1963 and worked on a ranch between Burns and Jordan Valley with his father until late 1964. Then he went to Oregon City and found employment at a service station. Later he worked in Monmouth at a plywood mill where he was called into armed service in 1965. After attending OCS at Ft. Benning GA he was commissioned an officer 15 Dec 1966. He then took Ranger training near Ft. Benning and later jungle training in Panama. Hughes left for Vietnam in mid-December 1967 after returning from Panama and visiting at his parent's home here for a few days.
"He wrote quite often but never said much about the fighting. He did mention that some of his men had received high military honors," stated Hughes' parents this week. Monday the Army recruiting sergeant from LaGrande came to Baker and informed Mr. and Mrs. Hughes their son was missing in action. On Tuesday the sergeant returned and said that Hughes' body had been found and identified. Telegrams, with the same information, arrived Tuesday and Thursday. In addition to his parents, Hughes is survived by two sisters, Shirley Ann, 18 and Theresa Jane, 13, a brother, Tracy Roy, 2, grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. C. R. Bailey of Baker, and aunts and uncles. Funeral services will be arranged as soon as Hughes' body returns to Baker. He was with the Ninth Ranger Division, Forty Seventh Infantry, Fourth Battalion, Company C. (The Democrat Herald, Baker OR )
LT. HUGHES' SILVER STAR GIVEN MOTHER Posthumous Honored for Gallantry Told Her son's military awards, including the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action, were presented this month to a Baker woman, the mother of Army First Lieut. Thomas S. Hughes, 22, killed in combat in Vietnam 17 May (1968). Mrs. Eldon L. Hughes, 2230 16th St., also received her son's Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon and Combat Infantry Badge. In the Hughes' home, Colonel William J. Whelan, commanding officer of Umatilla Army Depot, Hermiston, made the presentation. Lt. Hughes had been in Vietnam with 9th Infantry Div. since November and had entered the Army a year earlier. The citation accompanying his Silver Star Medal reads as follows: "First Lt. Hughes distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 17 May 1968 while serving as a platoon leader with Company E, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Inf. Div., on a reconnaissance in force mission in Long An Province, Vietnam. While his platoon was moving to a better tactical vantage point, it came under intense rocket, automatic weapons, small arms and grenade fire. After being hit by an enemy bullet, Lt. Hughes directed his men into good firing positions, then crawled forward to neutralize an automatic weapons emplacement. Although hit again, Lt. Hughes continued to advance with complete disregard for his own safety. While hurling a hand grenade into the bunker, Lt. Hughes was mortally wounded by a burst of automatic weapons fire. First Lt. Hughes' extraordinary heroism in close combat against a numerically superior Viet Cong force was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division and the United States Army,"
His Bronze Star citation: "During the period 22 November 1967 to 17 May 1968 First Lieutenant Hughes consistently manifested exemplary professionalism and initiative in obtaining outstanding results. His rapid assessment and solution of numerous problems inherent in a counterinsurgency environment, greatly enhanced the allied effectiveness against a determined and aggressive enemy. Despite many adversities, he invariably performed his duties in a resolute and efficient manner. Energetically applying his sound judgment and extensive knowledge he has contributed materially to the successful accomplishment of the United States mission in the Republic of Vietnam. His loyalty diligence and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army. (The Record - Courier, Baker OR, Thursday, 31 Oct 1968 )
2 Oregonians Killed In War The Defense Department announced Friday that two more Oregon men have been killed in Vietnam combat. Marine Pfc. David M. Blanchard, the son of Mrs. Iola Blanchard of Glendale, was reported killed in action. Army 1st Lt. Thomas S. Hughes, the son of Mr. and Mrs Eldon L. Hughes of Baker, was changed from missing in action to dead of hostile causes. (Oregonian, Portland OR, 25 May 1968)
DAVID MELVIN BLANCHARD
| | Birth | 12JAN50 | Rank | PFC | Date of Death | 18MAY68 | | P. of birth | | Service | Marines | Place | Quang Nam S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Glendale | Unit | CO M 3/27TH MAR 1ST MAR DIV | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Other Explosive Devices Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 2352617 | Panel | 42EAST - 15 | | Married | Single | In Service | 1 yr | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | 21FEB68 | Comment | | Cemetery | | |
2 Oregonians Killed In War The Defense Department announced Friday that two more Oregon men have been killed in Vietnam combat. Marine Pfc. David M. Blanchard, the son of Mrs. Iola Blanchard of Glendale, was reported killed in action. Army 1st Lt. Thomas S. Hughes, the son of Mr. and Mrs Eldon L. Hughes of Baker, was changed from missing in action to dead of hostile causes. (Oregonian, Portland OR, 25 May 1968)
MELVIN ARLEIGH ALLEN
| | Birth | 16SEP47 | Rank | SGT | Date of Death | 19MAY68 | | P. of birth | | Service | Army (Draft) | Place | Hua Nghia S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Lakeside | Unit | 25th Inf Div D Co 3rd Bn 22nd Inf | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Multiple Fragmentation Wounds Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 56932670 | Panel | 63EAST - 04 | | Married | Married | Link | Manchu | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | 13DEC67 | Comment | | Cemetery | | |
North Bend GI Killed In Action The Defense Department announced Tuesday that Army Sgt. Melvin A.Allen of North Bend, was killed in action in Viet Nam. Allen was the husband of Mrs. Judy Allen of North Bend. Sgt. Allen was the 306th Oregon serviceman to die in the Vietnam War and the 107th Oregonian to die since the first of the year in Vietnam combat. (Oregonian, Portland OR 23 May 1968)
WILLIAM LARRY WILSON
| | Birth | 01MAY47 | Rank | CPL | Date of Death | 19MAY68 | | P. of birth | | Service | Marines | Place | Quang Nam S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Coquille | Unit | L CO 3RD BN 27TH MARS | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Guns, Small Arms Fire; Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 2138882 | Panel | 64EAST - 02 | | Married | Single | In Service | | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | 64EAST - 02 | Comment | 20FEB68 | Cemetery | | |
JOHN PATRICK BROWN
| | Birth | 30JAN45 | Rank | 2LT | Date of Death | 21MAY68 | | P. of birth | | Service | Army | Place | Thua Thien S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Bend | Unit | 101st Abn Div HHC 2nd Bn 502nd Inf | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Guns, Small Arms Fire; Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | OF111454 | Panel | 64EAST - 11 | | Married | Single | In Service | | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | 64EAST - 11 | Comment | 10MAY68 | Cemetery | | |
Lt. Brown listed as killed in S. Vietnam Second Lt. John P Brown, son of Bend Senior High School Principal Donald F. Brown and Mrs. Brown, has been listed as killed in action in Vietnam, according to the latest casualty report released by the Defense Department. Lieutenant Brown was earlier reported missing. He was a 1967 graduate from West Point. He attended high school in Riddle, where his father was principal before coming to Bend. In addition to his parents, the young officer is survived by two sisters, one married and the other a ninth grader at Bend Junior High School. (The Bulletin, Bend OR, 1 Jun 1968)
ARTHUR LOUIS WALDORF
| | Birth | 29DEC46 | Rank | CPL | Date of Death | 22MAY68 | | P. of birth | | Service | Marines | Place | Quang Nam S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Salem | Unit | | Death Code | Non Hostile, Died Illness, Disease; Burns Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 2217768 | Panel | 66EAST - 03 | | Married | Single | In Service | | Medals | | | Tour Date | | Comment | | Cemetery | | |
ANTONIO LOPEZ Jr
| | Birth | 17JAN39 | Rank | SSGT | Date of Death | 25MAY68 | | P. of birth | | Service | Army | Place | Kontum S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Mission TX | Unit | | Death Code | Hostile Multiple Fragmentation Wounds Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 54334514 | Panel | 68WEST - 05 | | Married | Married | In Service | 6 yrs | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | 10AUG67 | Comment | | Cemetery | Willamette National Cem., Portland OR | |
HERBERT LEE VAUGHN
| | Birth | 28DEC42 | Rank | SP4 | Date of Death | 25MAY68 | | P. of birth | | Service | Army (Draft) | Place | Dinh Tuong S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Portland | Unit | 9th Inf Div E Co 50th Inf LRRP | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Other Explosive Devices Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 56932135 | Panel | 67WEST - 06 | | Married | Married | In Service | 1 yr | Medals | | | Tour Date | 29SEP67 | Comment | | Cemetery | Willamette National Cem., Portland OR | |
KEVEN WAYNE BOWDISH
| | Birth | 31OCT47 | Rank | PFC | Date of Death | 26MAY68 | | P. of birth | | Service | Army (Draft) | Place | Quang Tin S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Reedsport | Unit | I FF Btry G 29th Arty | Death Code | Hostile, Died Wounds; Artillery, Rocket, Mortar; Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 56932978 | Panel | 66WEST - 01 | | Married | Single | Link | Tribute | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | 29FEB68 | Comment | | Cemetery | Willamette National Cemetery Portland OR | |
CHARLES THOMAS 'CHUCK' COATS
| | Birth | 07JUN49 | Rank | LCPL | Date of Death | 27MAY68 | | P. of birth | Klamath Falls | Service | Marines | Place | Quang Tri S. Vietnam | Town of Record |
Klamath Falls | Unit | G CO 2ND BN 9TH MARS | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Guns, Small Arms Fire; Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 2352780 | Panel | 65WEST - 04 | | Married | Married | In Service | | Medals | Purple Heart   | | Tour Date | 03DEC67 | Comment | | Cemetery | | Klamath Union High School, Class of 67, Klamath Falls OR |
KF Man Killed in Vietnam A Klamath Falls man who would have been 19 years old today was killed in action in Vietnam. Lance Cpl. Charles Coats was serving in Vietnam with the 9th U.S. Marine Division. A telegram received by Mrs. Coats this morning stated that her husband had been killed by hostile gunfire 27 May (1968) in the Vicinity of Quang Tri. The couple has one child, Bertha Janet, born two months ago. The serviceman was born in Kalamath Falls and graduated from Klamath Union High School last year. He joined the service following graduation. (Herald and News, Klamath Falls OR, 7 Jun 1968)
GARY LYLE KESTLER
| | Birth | 30NOV47 | Rank | LCPL | Date of Death | 28MAY68 | | P. of birth | Oregon City | Service | Marines | Place | Quang Tri S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Oregon City | Unit | CO F 2 BN 3 MAR 1 MAR DIV | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Guns, Small Arms Fire; Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 2274830 | Panel | 64WEST - 11 | | Married | Single | In Service | 2 yrs | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | 29APR68 | Link | Virtual Wall | Cemetery | Mountain View Cemetery | |
Thank you Virtual Wall for the use of the picture.
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GARY KESTLER KILLED BY RIFLE FIRE IN QUANG TRI, VIETNAM Gary Kestler, 20-year-old son of Lorraine Chester and stepson of Oregon City Police Chief Robert Chester, has been killed in Vietnam, the victim of hostile enemy rifle. Young Kestler was born in Oregon City 30 Nov 1947, and was a 1966 graduate of Oregon City high school, had been in Vietnam one month before he was hit. He was killed 28 May (1968) and his family received notice via telegram 31 May (1968). Gary was a Lance Corporal in F Company, Second Battalion, Third Marines of the First Marine Division. He had held the rank more than one year after enlisting 30 Aug 1966 for four years. He was killed while serving in the infantry although he had served in a Military Police unit at one time. According to the telegram Mrs. Chester received, Gary was struck by rifle fire while in a defensive position in the Quant Tri area. Kestler was a standout baseball player for Pioneer Coach Wayne Bauer and also played football at Oregon City high school until injuries to both legs forced him to quit the sport. A full military funeral will be held at the First Presbyterian Church with Dr. George Ashwood leading the service. Interment is planned at Mt. View Cemetery. The funeral date has not been set. Survivors include his mother, Mrs. Robert Chester, and an eight-year-old half-sister, Lori. (Enterprise Courier, Oregon City OR, 6 Jun 1968)
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Cpl. Gary L. Kestler Rites Slated For Marine Oregon City Funeral arrangements have been announced for Marine Lance Cpl.Gary L. Kestler, killed in action 28 May (1968) at Quant Tri, Vietnam, while holding a defensive position against the enemy. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Chester, 213 Barclay Ave. The military funeral will be at 1:30 p.m., Thursday in the First Presbyteian Church. Interment will be at Mountain View Cemetery. Born 30 Nov 1947, in Oregon City, Cpl. Kestler was graduated from Oregon City High School in 1966, and joined the service in August of that year. He had been in Vietnam a month. In high school, he had been on the baseball team, and was active in the summer baseball program. In addtion to the parents,survivors include a sister, Lori Chester of Oregon City;and grandparents, Mrs. L. C. Hubbard of McMinnville, and Mr. and Mrs. Joe Kestler of Oregon City. (The Oregonian, Portland OR, 19 Jun 1968)
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JIMMY STEWART WILLOUGHBY
| | Birth | 26FEB47 | Rank | PFC | Date of Death | 29MAY68 | | P. of birth | Portland | Service | Marines | Place | Quang Tri S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Portland | Unit | C CO 1ST BN 4TH MARS | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Other Explosive Devices Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 2394629 | Panel | 63WEST - 14 | | Married | Single | In Service | | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | 18MAY68 | Comment | | Cemetery | | |
2 Oregonians Die In War. Marine Pfc. Jimmy S. Willoughby, 21, son of Mrs. Gladys Willoughby, 3227 NE 62nd Ave., has been killed in action in Vietnam. The Defense Department Friday also announced that Army Pfc. Jerry J. Cole, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold G. Cole, of Oakland OR., had been killed in Vietnam action. Willoughby, who enlisted in the Marine Corps in Portland 6 Dec 1967, was born in Portland 26 Feb 1947. He was a 1965 graduate of Madison High School. In addtion to his mother, he is survived by two older sisters, June and Susan Willoughby. Services are pending.(The Oregonian, Portland OR, 8 Jun 1968)
RANDALL CRAIG JEREMIAH
| | Birth | 08APR48 | Rank | PFC | Date of Death | 30MAY68 | | P. of birth | | Service | Marines | Place | Quang Tri S. Vietnam | Town of Record | Portland | Unit | CO L 3 BN 4 MARS 3 MAR DIV | Death Code | Hostile, Died; Artillery, Rocket, Mortar; Ground Casualty | | Hometown | | service # | 2352804 | Panel | 63WEST 16 | | Married | Single | In Service | | Medals | Purple Heart | | Tour Date | 18JAN68 | Comment | | Cemetery | Willamette National Cem., Portland OR | |
Randell C. Jeremiah Funeral for Marine Pfc. Randall C. Jeremiah, 20, Portland, will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Marks Presbyterian Church, with interment in Willamette National Cemetery. Pfc. Jeremiah, son of Duane Jeremiah, Lake Oswego, and Mrs. Patricia Jeremiah, Portland, was killed in action in Vietnam 30 May (1968). Family suggests contributions to Boy Scouts of America. (The Oregonian, Portland OR, 18 Jun 1968)
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