AHS Veterans Project

Today we honor Gary Curtis Harwell of Athens, Alabama, who would have celebrated his 74th birthday today. He fell during combat on September 5th, 1969.

Corporal Harwell served as a medic with Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. He joined the Army in 1968 and served in Vietnam three months before his death in Phuoc Long Province.

He was a beloved son and loving brother to three sisters. He is remembered by a fellow soldier: “I had the opportunity to know Gary while we were in basic training together. While Gary was a quiet man, he was proud to be able to serve our nation. Gary never spoke a bad word about anyone and was, at times, homesick. I learned of Gary's death while stationed in Vietnam and it troubled me to know that he was gone. I stopped by the Alabama VVA memorial at the rest stop off I-65 last week to see if Gary was listed, he was. In the center panel under the Limestone County list of KIA's. It became difficult to see through the tears in my eyes, and I couldn't help but think that men such as Gary were no longer with us and wonder how much better our nation would have been had he lived. Gary, you are missed even after 50 years.”

Today, he is buried Sunny Hill Cemetery in Reid, Alabama, and is honored at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 18w, Line 39.

Today we honor William Dickson Hunt of Birmingham, Alabama, who would have celebrated his 77th birthday today. He fell in combat on April 21, 1967 at the age of 19 during the Vietnam War.

Private First Class Hunt served with F Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division, III Marine Amphibious Force. He fell in combat while posted to the Nui Lon Son Forward Operations Base in the Que Son Valley; he, along with 31 other Marines, were killed or wounded leading an assault on an occupied village.

He is remembered by a childhood friend: “Dickson was a friend from high school. We were corresponding during his time in Nam. I still have his last letter and obituary. I attended his service in Birmingham. May I never have to attend another military funeral service. He was a dear friend and fine young man. Thank you for your sacrifice. May the Lord keep our military safe.”

Today, he is buried at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas and is honored at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 18e, Line 60.

Today we honor Macklin Otis Hughes of Pisgah, Alabama, who fell on this day in 1968 during the Vietnam War. He was 22 years old.

Sergeant Hughes served with B Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. He had served just under two months in Vietnam before he fell in combat in Hau Nghia Province.

He was a graduate of Pisgah High School’s Class of 1964 and a graduate of Moler Barber College of Atlanta, where he was employed when he entered military service.

He was a beloved son, caring brother, and loving husband. He is remembered by a relative: “Mack was a relative of mine, my Great Aunt Iva's grandkid. I was young, about 7 or 8 and used to visit Aunt Iva once in a while. I remember asking ‘where is Mack?’ and not getting the true answer. I guess they thought I was too young to know a football buddy had died half-way around the world. They were right-it would have made me mad rather than proud of him for having the guts to join in a war.”

Today, he is buried at Pisgah Cemetery in Pisgah and is honored at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 51w, Line 33.

Today we honor William Edward Murff of Prattville, Alabama, who fell on this day in 1967 during the Vietnam War. He was 19 years old.

Lance Corporal Murff of the US Marine Corps served with 2nd Platoon, M Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division. He fell during combat in Quang Tri Province.

He was a beloved son and loving brother of Sarah, Shelia, and Jimmy.

Today, he is buried at Pine View Memorial Gardens in Wetumpka, and is honored at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Pane 23e, Line 103.

Today we honor Timothy Scott Davies of Mobile, Alabama, who fell on this day in 1966 during the Vietnam War. He was 19 years old.

Lance Corporal Davies served with 2nd Platoon, Company I, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force. He had proudly served two years before he fell in Quang Tri Province in the Song Ngan Valley during Operation Hastings.

He was a beloved son and loving brother. He is remembered by a childhood friend: “My Dad was Air Force and he was stationed at Brookley Field in Mobile, AL. The Davies family lived across the street from us, and my sisters and I were constant companions with the Davies boys. I was quite taken with Timmy; I thought he was wonderful. He was, in fact, my first kiss. I am so proud of the man he became and that he served our country as a Marine. He will forever hold a very special place in this girl's heart.”

Today, he is buried at Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Mobile and is honored at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 9e, Line 45.

Today we honor Rodney John Evans of Florala, Alabama, who fell on this day in 1969 fighting in the Vietnam War. Evans received the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions on the day in which he lost his life.

Sergeant Evans served with Company D, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. He was serving in Tay Ninh Province during Operation Toan Thang III when he threw himself on a land mine to protect his fellow soldiers. Evans had celebrated his 21st birthday the day before.

Evans was born in Chelsea, MA, but adopted by the Evans family of Florala when he was 8 years old. Prior to 1969, Evans had served a previous tour in Vietnam having enlisted with his twin brother. He was not going to re-enlist; yet, his wife Barbara, Evans’ high school sweetheart, died one evening in 1968 when driving to Fort Rucker to visit him. The loss of his wife led Evans to the decision to re-enlist, a decision many close to him urged him not to make. His family petitioned for his return from Vietnam and received word from their legislator shortly before his death that he would be sent back home; Evans expressed gratitude for their efforts, but fell in combat less than one week later.

His Medal of Honor citation reads: “Sergeant Evans led his squad on a route parallel to the trail. The force had started to move forward when a nearby squad was hit by the blast of a concealed land mine. Looking to his right Sergeant Evans saw a second enemy device. With complete disregard for his safety he shouted a warning to his men, dived to the ground and crawled toward the mine. Just as he reached it an enemy soldier detonated the explosive and Sergeant Evans absorbed the full impact with his body. His gallant and selfless action saved his comrades from probable death or injury and served as an inspiration to his entire unit.”

Today, he is buried at Liberty Hill Church Cemetery in Florala, Alabama and is honored at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 20w, Line 14.

Today we honor Charles William “Butch” Davis of Tallassee, Alabama, who would have celebrated his 81st birthday today. He fell in combat during the Vietnam War on October 6, 1967.

First Lieutenant Davis served as a Tank Unit Commander with Company C, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. Prior to serving in the military, he attended Jacksonville State University, where he played football. He was 24 when he fell in combat in Dinh Tuong Province less than two months into his tour.

He was a beloved son and loving brother. A family friend remembers: “Charles William ‘Butch’ Davis was the first person that I knew to be killed in the war... his younger brother came to school and showed the Purple Heart his brother was awarded and told the story of how his brother had died. I was in the fourth grade then. I was sad and had no idea that the war would still be going on when I was finishing school. I have never forgotten Butch and I never will. Thank you Butch and all the fine young men that served with you!”

His college roommate described him as a “gifted athlete and truly a one-of-a-kind individual” and named his son in Davis’ memory and honor.

Today, he is buried at Rose Hill Cemetery in Tallassee and is honored at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 27e, Line 58.

Today we honor Paul Richard Chambers of Scottsboro, Alabama, who fell on this day in 1966 during the Vietnam War. He was 22 years old.

Corporal Chambers served with E Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division. He fell in combat during Operation Hastings in Quang Tri Province when the CH 46-D he was onboard was hit trying to insert Marines at Landing Zone “Crow” in the Song Ngan Valley.

He was a beloved son. A fellow veteran reflects: “Your brothers of Second Battalion, First Marines honor your service and your supreme sacrifice. You are one of our Heroes. Your comrades of 2/1 hold you in their hearts and minds forever. Take your warrior's rest for a duty well done. Semper Fi, Marine!”

Today, he is buried at Haigwood Cemetery in Jackson, Alabama and is honored at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 9e, Line 22.

Today we honor Samuel Thomas Smith Jr. of Huntsville, Alabama, who fell on this day in 1968 during the Vietnam War. He was 19 years old.

Lance Corporal Smith served with L Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, III Marine Amphibious Force. Following graduation from high school, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps. He fell in combat in Quang Nam Province five months into his tour.

He was a beloved son and loving brother. His cousin remembers: “Tommy was several years older than me. I always will remember him helping out our Grandfather at his little grocery store in Crystal Springs Mississippi during the summers when we were out of school. I was 16 when Tommy was killed and I mostly remember how devastated my uncle was.”

Today, he is buried at Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville and is honored at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 52w, Line 32.

Today we honor James Alvin Rainwater Jr. of Billingsley, Alabama, who fell on this day in 1967 during the Vietnam War. He was 36 years old.

Major Rainwater served with the 391st Tactical Fighter Squadron, 12th Tactical Fighter Wing, 7th Air Force. He enlisted in the US Air Force and had served 14 years before July 12, 1967, when his F-4C Phantom II was hit during a close air support mission near Lai Khe in Binh Duong Province.

He was a beloved son, loving husband, and proud father.

Today, he is buried at Bethesda Baptist Cemetery in Prattville, Alabama and is honored at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 23e, Line 63.

Today we honor Clarence Richard Franklin of Hamilton, Alabama, who would have celebrated his 77th birthday today. He fell during the Vietnam War on April 11, 1971.

Specialist Franklin served with the 129th General Support Group, 54th General Support Group, United States Army Support Command, 1st Logistical Command. He had served ten months in Vietnam before he fell in combat in Darlac Province.

He was a beloved son and loving brother. His loss is remembered by a friend: “It has been too long, and it's about time for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.”

Today, he is buried at New Salem Church in Nortonville, Kentucky and is honored at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 4w, Line 117.

Today we honor Jimmy Earl Darby of Opp, Alabama, who fell on this day in 1967 during the Vietnam War. He was 18 years old.

Private First Class Darby served with Company B, 4th Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade. He fell in combat during Operation Greeley near Dak To in Kontum Province four months into his tour.

He was a beloved son and loving brother. His brother reflects: He was very special and everyone who knew him loved him. He came from a small town called Opp, Alabama. Jimmy was my brother, my father was killed in 1965 and Jimmy became the man of the house and did an excellent job. All his friends called him by his nickname 'Fish' because he loved to swim. He is my hero, and my sister and I love and miss him so much.”

Today, he is buried at Peaceful Acres Memorial Garden in Opp and is honored at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 23e, Line 41.

Today we honor Mark Phillip Raiford of Huntsville, Alabama, who fell on this day in 1970 during the Vietnam War. He was 20 years old, four days shy of his 21st birthday.

Specialist Raiford served with C Company, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. He had served eight months of his tour before he fell in combat in Thua Thien Province. An enlistee in the US Army, he followed in the footsteps of his father, an Army veteran of both World War II and the Korean War.

He was a beloved son and loving brother to his sister Roseanne. A fellow veteran reflects: “Mark and I served together during AIT at Ft Polk, La. We may have served in training at Ft Benning also. We became good friends during this time. Being from a small North Carolina town, Mark's quiet, easy-going personality is what drew us together.”

Today, he is buried at Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville and is honored at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 9w, Line 132.

Today we honor Wilmer Franklin Simpkins of Fairfax, Alabama, who fell on this day in 1968 during the Vietnam War. He was 26 years old.

Sergeant Simpkins of the US Army served with B Company, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry, 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. He had enlisted in the Army six years earlier and his tour in South Vietnam began on January 4th, 1968; he fell in combat in Quang Ngai Province.

Simpkins was a Gold Star son having lost his father during World War II in France 1944 when he was two.

Today, he is buried at City Cemetery in West Point, Georgia and is honored at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 53w, Line 39.

Today we honor Arthur Brent Mullins of Mobile, Alabama, who fell on this day during the Vietnam War in 1968. He was 23 years old.

Lance Corporal Mullins served with Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. He fell in combat when an anti-personnel mine exploded near the hamlet of Phuoc Ninh in the Hieu Duc District of Quang Nam Province; he succumbed to his wounds at the Station Hospital at Da Nang.

He was a beloved son and loving brother. His cousin reflects: “Skeet! I remember you so well as a child growing up… You would really be proud of your nieces and nephews and how they are doing, I wish you could have come back home to us because I know things would have been different. We are so glad that we’re able to share our thoughts with you and let you know that you’re missed and I know my momma thinks of you often. As a child I didn’t understand but as an adult I just wanna say thanks for you service and that you’re a hero to all of us. You made our family proud.”

Today, he is buried at Mobile National Cemetery and is honored at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 53w, Line 29.

Today we honor James Arlie Woods of Jasper, Alabama, who fell on this day in 1968 during the Vietnam War. He was 20 years old.

Private First Class Woods served with B Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. He had been in South Vietnam less than two months before he fell in combat in Thua Thien Province.

He was a beloved son and a greatly admired brother. He was the loving husband of Bobbie Faye, who together they had one child Tammie Faye who passed away before her first birthday. His sister reflects: “He was a loved and wonderful brother. He is missed greatly.”

Today, he is buried in Bennett Cemetery in Jasper and honored at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 53w, Line 25.

Today we honor Jimmie Lee Robinson of Mobile, Alabama who fell on this day in 1970 during the Vietnam War. He was 21 years old.

Sergeant Robinson served with C Company, 2nd Battalion, 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. He began his tour in October 1969 and fell in combat during patrol in Thua Thien Province when a b***y trap was triggered.

He was the beloved son of Edward and Mary M. Robinson.

Today, he is buried at Mobile National Cemetery and is honored at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 9w, Line 117.

Today we honor Gary Preston Tomlinson of Birmingham, Alabama, who fell on this day in 1971 during the Vietnam War. He was 23 years old.

First Lieutenant Tomlinson served as a Field Artillery Unit Commander with A Battery, 4th Battalion, 77th Artillery (Aerial Rocket), 101st Airborne Division. Three months into his tour, Tomlinson fell in a mid-air collision southwest of Camp Eagle, Thua Thien Province during a night mission.

He was a graduate of the University of Alabama, where he was a member of the 1965 freshmen class. He was also a proud Eagle Scout.

He was a loving husband and proud father. He is remembered by a fellow veteran: “Gary and I went to flight school and Cobra school together. During the 4-5 months at Fort Rucker, my then-wife and I would get together with Gary and his wife for dinner and cards. He was one of the nicest people I ever met... not a bad bone in his body. He died the day after my 26th birthday; I found out a few weeks later when reading Army Times. I think of him at times and always wonder why he died and I lived."

Today, he is buried at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Florida and is honored the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 3w, Line 99.

Today we honor Johnny Allen Jr. of Birmingham, Alabama, who fell on this day in 1970 during the Vietnam War. He was 23 years old.

Specialist Allen served with Company A, 3rd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade. He had served only four days in Vietnam before he fell in combat in Binh Dinh Province.

His sister reflects: “In loving memory I would like to honor my big brother I really never got to know. I can tell you that he looks just like my dad. I never got to talk to him, and I only have pictures to remind me of him. Missing you and see you in heaven.”

Today, he is buried at Shadowlawn Cemetery in Birmingham and is honored at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 9w, Line 109.

Today we honor James Larry Crockett of Scottsboro, Alabama, who fell on this day in 1968 during the Vietnam War. He was 26 years old.

Staff Sergeant Crockett served with Service Battery, 5th Battalion, 22nd Artillery Regiment, 52nd Artillery Group, Second Field Force, United States Army Vietnam. He had served almost seven months of his tour when he fell in Binh Dinh Province.

He was a beloved son, loving husband, and proud father. His child reflects: “I have never forgotten you. You were taken out of our lives so long ago but our love for you has never faded. I think of you often as I hold my own grandchildren and wish you could only see what a legacy you have. We love you Daddy.”

Today, he is buried at Straight Creek Church of God Cemetery in Powell, Alabama and is honored at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 54w, Line 27.

Today we honor Ronald Hugh Hall of Cullman, Alabama, who fell on this day in 1971 during the Vietnam War. He was 26 years old.

Staff Sergeant Hall served with H Troop, 17th Cavalry, 198th Infantry Brigade. He fell in combat seven months into his tour in Quang Ngai Province.

He was a beloved son, caring brother, loving husband, and proud father. His daughter reflects: “Sometimes I sit and wonder, then out of the silence, comes a big roll of thunder-the sounds of choppers over my head and machine guns, killing-soon, they will be dead. Still, I seem to find the one I never knew, standing there, smiling, in that old Army suit. I miss you Dad, but I always know-you are with the Lord, thy God-yes Dad, you’ve got a mansion too!”

Today, he is buried at Cullman Memorial Gardens in Cullman and honored at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 3w, Line 94.

Today we honor Glenn Edward Sanders of Attalla, Alabama, who fell on this day in 1967 during the Vietnam War. He was 20 years old.

Lance Corporal Sanders served with A Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division. He received wounds on June 27 when his battalion came under attack with rocket fire at Khe Sanh and passed away two days later aboard the USS SANCTUARY (AH-17).

He was a beloved son and a loving brother to two sisters. A fellow Marine reflects: “I went to Vietnamese Language school with Glenn from June to August 1966. We went to Vietnam together arriving in late August. He went to 5th Marines and I was with 1st Marines. We met during part of Operation Union and had a few beers together. We talked about how we only had 2 months left on our tour. He was killed a day or two later. In the early 1990's I visited him at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Five members of the ’63 in our language school class are on that Wall, but Glenn moved me the most because of how soon after we talked he died. God bless him, his family and the others on the wall. Semper Fi.”

Today, he is buried at Beulah Baptist Cemetery in Boaz and is honored at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 22e, Line 85.

Today we honor Charles Edward Martin of Gadsden, Alabama, who would have celebrated his 75th birthday today. He fell in combat during the Vietnam War on March 29th, 1969.

Private First Class Martin served with F Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Division. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps following his high school graduation. He fell during combat in Quang Tri Province by an enemy gr***de while on patrol. He was 19 years old.

In April 1969, the Marine Corps presented Martin’s young widow, who was his high school sweetheart, and his mother with his medals, including the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal and Vietnamese Campaign Medal. He was buried with full military honors, with members and coaches of the Gadsden High football teams in 1964, 1965 and 1966, the faculty of Gadsden High and personal friends as honorary pallbearers.

He was a beloved son, caring brother, and loving husband. He is remembered by his wife: “I remember the day in January, when you walked down the sidewalk and off to Nam. Thank you for being in my life, if even for a short time. I will see you, again, one day. You were and are the love of my life.”

Today, he is buried at Crestwood Memorial Cemetery in East Gadsden and is honored at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 28w, Line 83.

Today we honor Gary Morgan Pridgen of Kinston, Alabama, who fell on this day in 1970 during the Vietnam War. He was 21 years old.

Specialist Pridgen served with the 18th Aviation Company, 223rd Aviation Battalion, 17th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade. He fell when the U-1A Otter on which he was the crew chief in support of B Company, 5th Special Forces Group out of Pleiku crash-landed at Dak Pek Special Forces Camp; he had served six months of his tour.

He was a beloved son and loving sibling to four brothers. A fellow veteran reflects: “I am honored and proud to have known and served with you. Four of us went through AIT together at Fort Eustis, VA and were sent to Viet Nam. You gave the ultimate sacrifice for the lives of others and freedom. Looking forward to when the four of us will be together again. Thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice, some of us will always remember it.”

Today, he is buried at Early Town Church of Christ Cemetery in Earlytown, Alabama and is honored at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 9w, Line 99.

Today we honor Jerry Dewayne Carver of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, who fell on this day in 1970 during the Vietnam War. He was 20 years old.

Sergeant Carver served with A Troop, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. He had served almost six months in Vietnam before he fell in combat while fighting in Cambodia.

He was a graduate of Tuscaloosa High School and had briefly attended Livingston University before joining the US Army.

He was a beloved son and loving brother. He is remembered by a fellow veteran: “Jerry Carver is a valiant and courageous trooper who did not return home. He made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and for us, his fellow soldiers. He will always be in our memories.”

Today, he is buried at Memory Hill Gardens in Tuscaloosa and is honored at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 9w, Line 93.

Today we honor Richard Louis Barnes of Five Points, Alabama, who fell on this day in 1970 during the Vietnam War. He was 19 years old.

Corporal Barnes served with Company A, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. He had served six months in Vietnam before he fell in combat in Thua Thien Province.

He was a beloved son and loving brother.

Today, he is buried at Sweet Home Baptist Church Cemetery in Chambers County and is honored at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 9w, Line 90.

Today we honor Albert Junior Jones of Rogersville, Alabama, who fell on this day in 1969 during the Vietnam War. He was 20 years old.

Specialist Jones served with Company D, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. He fell in combat in Binh Duong Province one day before his 21st birthday. He had served over eight months of his tour.

Today, he is buried at Lone Oak Baptist Church Cemetery in Kossuth, Mississippi and is honored at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 21w, Line 7.

Today we honor Larry Douglas Williams of Birmingham, Alabama, who fell on this day in 1966 during the Vietnam War. He was twenty years old.

Specialist Douglas served with B Battery, 1st Battalion, 21st Artillery, 1st Cavalry Division. He had served six months in Vietnam before he fell in combat in Kontum Province.

He was a beloved son and loving brother. A fellow veteran reflects: “Still remember that happy, go lucky guy. Always laughing. You taught me the correct way to pronounce New Orleans. ‘Naw Lins’ will always ring the bell.”

Today, he is buried at Pleasant View Cemetery in Dutton, Alabama and is honored at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 8e, Line 83.

Today we honor Harry J. Johnson of Bessemer, Alabama, who fell on this day during the Vietnam War in 1967. He was 22 years old.

Sergeant Johnson served with A Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade. He had served eight months in Vietnam before he fell in combat in Kontum Province during the Battle of the Slopes in the hills near Dak To; he was one of 79 losses suffered by the 173rd Airborne during this three-day battle. He had proudly served four years in the US Army.

His son reflects: “You died when I was only three. I have no memories of you holding me or playing with me. There are a few pictures and a lot of stories but it's not enough. I missed growing up with you and sometimes the loss is more than I can bear. After all these years I am finding out who you were and how much you loved us all. I live with an emptiness inside me but through God I will heal and go on to love my own daughter with the intensity she deserves. I look at you and my heart aches and then I go and hug my child. I love you.”

Today, he is buried at Highland Memorial Gardens in Bessemer and is honored at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 22e, Line 42.

Today we honor John Newt McClendon Jr. of Fyffe, Alabama, who fell on this day in 1970 during the Vietnam War. He was 20 years old.

Private First Class McClendon served with the 79th Transportation Company, 34th General Support Group, 14th Transport Battalion, United States Army Vietnam. He had been in Vietnam less than two weeks when he fell in Ninh Dinh Province.

He was a beloved son and loving brother. A distant relative reflects: “We never really meet so you don’t know me but I know you. The Wall came to my school last week and I found your name. It stood out to me because we have the same last name, so I researched your name and pictures. It turns out I am related to you…who knew. I just wanted to say this I will always love you like my brother. I will never let you go inside. Even though we don’t personally know each other our souls will somehow connect. Thank you for all that you have done for fighting for your country. You are very brave and I give you all my respect.”

Today, he is buried at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery in Grove Oak and honored at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 9w, Line 76.