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Interesting Facts about the Memorial and the Veterans on the Wall
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Vietnam Conflict Time Frame
The stationary or original Memorial (Washington DC) The Moving Wall Similarities of both Memorials Why does 1E have the dedication commencing on 1959? FamiliesSets of brothersFathers and sons that are on the Memorial Father not on the Memorial with son Youngest, OldestYoungest veteran on the MemorialOldest veteran on the Memorial Oldest veteran on the Memorial killed in country (Vietnam) Groups8 Female Nurses honored on the MemorialMale Nurses on the Memorial 16 Chaplains on the Memorial Veterans killed on the Mayaquez ship 12 high ranking officers killed How many Medal of Honor recipients are on the Memorial? NationalitiesForeign Country with most names on the Memorial But there is But!!!!! Other nationalities on the Memorial Which nationalities are represented? NamesMost common name on the MemorialHow many most common names are represented? Other most common names represented How many names have duplicates? Which duplicate name is the most famous? Embassy SaigonWho were killed at the American Embassy in Saigon?Embassy Evacuation on April 30, 1975 NotablesWho wrote "We are Soldiers"? Also a movie trivia factActor Jimmy Stewart's relative Is there a Rambo on the Memorial? Is there a John Wayne on the Memorial? Did John Wayne wear a POW/MIA bracelet? First CasualtiesAre Dale Buis and Chester Ovnard the first veterans killed in Vietnam?How many were killed on their first and last day in country? Veteran with the shortest tour of duty First veteran classified as killed in country First missing in action killed in country Month and year of most casualties Day, month and year of most casualties Circumstances and classifications of first casualties First veteran killed during occupancy in Vietnam First Air Force veteran killed in country First Army veteran killed in country First Navy veteran killed in country First Marine Corps veteran killed in country First Coast Guard veteran killed in country U.S. occupancy in Laos First veteran battlefield fatality Since 1982, yearly additions information 1. Native Americans on the Memorial 2. First veteran casualty in Cambodia 3. First veteran casualty in Communist China 4. First veteran casualty in Thailand Last CasualtiesCircumstances and classifications of last casualtiesParis Peace Accord Last Marine Corps veteran killed in country pre cease fire Last Air Force veteran killed in country after cease fire Last Navy veteran killed in country after cease fire Last Army pilots killed in country after cease fire Last Army helicopter crew member killed in country after cease fire Last veteran casualty in Laos Last veteran casualty in Cambodia Last veteran casualty at American Embassy Last pilot casualty during evacuation Last veteran to die in Southeast Asia
Vietnam Conflict Time FrameCongress recently designated the Vietnam War time frame from November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, ending with the Mayaquez incident. For clarification, Vietnam will also be referred to as "in country". Due to the date changes, names added to the Wall have increased to match the time frame. (This will be explained in the IDENTIFICATION section.)
The stationary or original Memorial (Washington DC)The stationary or original Memorial (Washington DC) is 493 feet long; east to west it is 246 feet from apex (center) to each infinity end (panels 70E and 70W). It is over 10 feet at the apex and there are a total of 140 panels (70 panels on each side of the apex). Indicator dots within the margins are every 10 lines on every other panel. The lettering is engraved (recessed), approximately three quarters of an inch in height. When you rub a name on paper, you obtain a black background with white letters. A graphite pencil is used for rubbing names on paper.
The Moving WallThe Moving Wall is approximately 252 feet; east to west is approximately 125 feet from apex (center) to infinity end (panels 70E and 70W). It is approximately 6 feet at the apex and there are a total of 148 panels (74 on each side). The extra 4 blank panels on each end are to create the illusion of the image of the memorial. Indicator dots within the margins are every 20 lines on every other panel of the Moving Wall. The lettering is silk screened (embossed), approximately one quarter of an inch in height. When you rub a name on paper, you obtain a light background with black letters. A carpenter crayon is used for rubbing names on paper.
Similarities of both MemorialsBoth memorials are exact with the longest panel 2E and 2W consisting of 137 lines. The shortest panels are 70E and 70W with just 1 line on each. The lines on any panel are completely determined by the topography of the land. Due to the 1959 and 1975 inscribed dedications, the apex (1E and 1W) has fewer lines than 2E or 2W. The memorial names are listed in chronological order as to their casualty date or missing in action (MIA) date. However, within each day listed on the memorial, the names are presented in alphabetical order. Each line has at least five names, but on some lines where the names are shorter - a sixth name could be added later.
Why does 1E have the dedication commencing on 1959?Dale R. Buis (1E, 001) and Chester A. Ovnand (7E, 046) were originally listed as the first hostile casualties on July 8, 1959. After the engraving commenced, it was discovered that Harry Cramer's accidental death on October 21, 1957 would have been the first casualty. He was immediately engraved (out of sequence on 1E, 078).
Sets of brothers
Fathers and sons that are on the Memorial
Father not on the Memorial with sonAlthough both father and son served in Vietnam during the same time frame, the father is not on the Memorial. Lt. Rex Chrisman, US Navy, died of a heart attack while assigned on the USS Estes that was being serviced in Bangkok. The ship was waiting for its next maneuver to the China Sea. His son, PFC Rex G. Chrisman took his father back home for burial. Returning to Vietnam, Rex was killed a month later (45W, 013).
Youngest veteran on the MemorialDan Bullock, US Marine Corps who was 15 years old (23W, 096).
Oldest veteran on the MemorialDesignated after the new time frame authorized by Congress, Frank Huddleston, US Army who was 68 years old (16E, 109) died in the United States.
Oldest veteran on the Memorial killed in country (Vietnam)Kenna Taylor, US Navy who was 62 years old (7W, 082) was killed in country, also known as Vietnam.
8 Female Nurses Honored on the MemorialWomen did not serve in the same military capacity as they do now. There were approximately 7,484 female nurses who served in Vietnam, which was the only military assignment that they were allowed to participate. Since there were only 8 female nurses who died, the information on the nurses is featured in greater detail.ALEXANDER, Eleanor Grace (Captain, New Jersey): Eleanor worked with Hedwig Diane Orlowski in a hospital in Pleiku. They were aboard the same plane along with two other nurses, Jerome E. Olmstead (31E, 015) and Kenneth R. Shoemaker (31E, 017), when the plane crashed on the return trip to Qui Nhon, November 30, 1967. She was with d the 85th Evacuation (31E, 008). DONOVAN, Pamela Dorothy (2nd Lieutenant, Massachusetts): Pamela died of a rare Southeast Asian virus on July 8, 1968. She was with the 85th Evacuation in Qui Nhon. (53W, 043) DRAZBA, Carol Ann (2nd Lieutenant, Pennsylvania): Carol was killed in a helicopter crash near Saigon on February 18, 1966, along with Elizabeth Ann Jones. She was with the 51st Field Hospital. (5E, 046). GRAHAM, Annie Ruth (Chief Nurse, North Carolina): Annie suffered a stroke on August 14, 1969. She was with the 91st Evacuation in Tuy Hoa. (48W, 012) JONES, Elizabeth Ann (2nd Lieutenant, South Carolina): Elizabeth was killed in the same helicopter crash as Carol Drazba, near Saigon on February 18, 1966. She was with the 51st Field Hospital. (5E, 047). KLINKER, Mary Therese (Captain, Indiana): On April 9, 1975, Mary was part of the on-board medical team, carrying 243 Vietnamese children and infants. Once airborne, the flight developed pressure problems and crashed on the return to the airport. It occurred 3 weeks before the fall of Saigon. (1W, 122) LANE, Sharon Ann (1st Lieutenant, Ohio): Sharon was in-country less than 10 weeks when she was killed by rocket explosion on June 8, 1969. She was with the 312th Evacuation at Chu Lai. (23W, 112) ORLOWSKI, Hedwig Diane (1st Lieutenant, Michigan): Hedwig was working with Eleanor Alexander in the same hospital in Pleiku. She was aboard the same plane along with two other nurses, Jerome E. Olmstead (31E, 015) and Kenneth R. Shoemaker (31E, 017), when it crashed on the return trip to Qui Nhon, November 30, 1967. She was with the 67th Evacuation. (31E, 015)
Male Nurses on the Memorial
16 Chaplains on the Memorial
MOH* Received the Medal of Honor
Veterans killed on the Mayaquez shipOn May 15, 1975, there were 15 veterans killed on the Mayaquez ship. This incident is considered the very last incident of the Vietnam conflict (there has always been a question on three Marines left in country. This is addressed in the Last veteran to die in Southeast Asia section).
12 high ranking officers killed
How many Medal of Honor recipients are on the Memorial?There are 154 Medal of Honor recipients on the Memorial, as opposed to the 60 Vietnam recipients still living.
Foreign Country with most names on the MemorialCanada has 56 veterans on the Memorial.
But there is But!!!!!Canada remained firm that it would not get involved with the War since it was a part of NATO. Canada believed it should refrain from involvment and be more of a non-aligned state. However, with the anti-war demonstrations taking place in Canada and Americans fleeing into Canada, the Canadians without government support believed they should be more involved. Therefore, many volunteered for our military (1) because they were attending US schools (2) some were drafted because they were in the United States with a green card and their families and (3) some just could not make it in the Canadian military. There were numerous Canadians who crossed over the borders from Washington State to Maine to join within an American city home of record. Once again, it was the inaccuracy of the DD-214 that confused the recruits "what was truly their home of record?"
Other nationalities on the MemorialThere are 22 countries represented on the Memorial.
Which nationalities are represented?
Country * Home of Record is exact as veteran recorded on his DD-214 (military record).
Most common name on the MemorialSmith is represented by 667 veterans.
How many most common names are represented?There are 16 names that have at least 173 entries or more.
Other most common names represented
How many names have duplicates?There are 263 duplicate names on the Memorial with the same first and last name and in some cases the same middle initial.
Which duplicate name is the most famous?Billie Joe Williams is on the Memorial twice (1W, 94). Both names are next to one another on the same panel, same line. However, one was in the US Marine Corps (casualty 1966) and the other was in the US Air Force (casualty 1972). There is also a Billy Joe Williams (11W, 119).
Who were killed at the American Embassy in Saigon?During the TET offensive (North Vietnam's invasion on south Vietnam) on January 31, 1968, the Embassy in Saigon was attacked. There was a plaque erected on the Embassy for Charles Daniel, James Marshall, Owen Mebust, William Sebast, and Jonnie Thomas. All are located on 36E, lines 005 - 039.
Embassy Evacuation on April 30, 1975The only evacuation from the American Embassy took place at the end of April 1975. Frequent Wind was the code name for the evacuation plan. On the Armed Forces Radio station, "White Christmas" was played. The last flight out was at 7:53 pm on April 30, 1975.
Who wrote "We are Soldiers"? Also a movie trivia factJoe Galloway wrote the book, "We are Soldiers" about Lt Col Hal Moore and his troop's battle on November 14 through 18, 1965. This was also also made into a movie. These veterans are located on panel 38E, lines 048 - 100.Movie Trivia Fact: At end of the movie, Mel Gibson portraying Col Moore is at the Wall and touches a name. We presume that he did some research on the names of fallen warriors in the La Drang Valley because he touches the name PFC David James Carnevale who indeed did die on November 15, 1965, and is on 3 E, line 53.
Actor Jimmy Stewart's relativeJimmy Stewart's stepson, Ronald Walsh McLean (23W, 113) is listed on the Memorial.
Is there a Rambo on the Memorial?There is an Arthur John Rambo (16W, 126) on the Memorial, but the plot of this movie with Sylvester Stallone had nothing to do with this actual veteran.
Is there a John Wayne on the Memorial?John Wayne (actor) made the Vietnam War movie, "The Green Berets". There is no one actually listed on the Memorial with their first and last name as John Wayne. However, there are 36 veterans on the Memorial whose first and middle name is John Wayne, but all have a different last name.
Did John Wayne wear a POW/MIA bracelet?Yes, he actually wore two. One was of Captain Stephen Paul Hanson, (21E, 046) who was repatriated in 2000. The second bracelet was from the Montagnard Strike Force Special Forces that was given to him as a team symbol of friendship and respect.
Are Dale Buis and Chester Ovnard the first veterans killed in Vietnam?Dale Buis (1E, 001) and Chester Ovnard (1E, 001 - incorrect spelling) were originally thought to be the first veterans killed, since both were killed on the same day.Chester is also on panel 7E. Chester A. Ovnand's (7E, 046 - correct spelling) name was originally spelled incorrectly during the engraving process (see 1E, 001) and later was re-engraved correctly (see DISCREPANCIES). Both entries for Chester are on the memorial (as indicated).
How many were killed on their first and last day in country?There were 997 killed on their arrival day.There were 1443 killed on their departure day.
Veteran with the shortest tour of dutyLeslie Gene King arrived on his second tour in Saigon on August 1, 1965. Within four hours in country, Leslie was rushed to the hospital with chest pains and died. (2E, 047)
First veteran classified as killed in countryFlying Tiger John T. Donovan was killed on May 12, 1942, but our involvement in Vietnam was not considered official and his name is not on the Memorial.
First missing in action killed in countryA. Peter Dewey, with Office of Strategic Services (OSS) was the first killed on September 26, 1945, but our involvement in Vietnam was not considered official. His remains were never returned and he is also considered the first Missing in Action (MIA) in Vietnam.
Month and year of most casualtiesIn May 1968, 2,415 casualties were incurred.
Day, month and year of most casualtiesThe Tet offensive began on January 31, 1968 and incurred 245 casualties on that one day.
Circumstances and classifications of first casualtiesDue to various circumstances and classifications, there are numerous categories of which a veteran was considered the first killed in action. I have broken down the various variations in the following sections:
First veteran killed during occupancy in VietnamAlthough the first to die in action at the start of the conflict on July 8, 1959 was Dale Buis (1E, 001) and Charles Ovnand (7E, 046), after just 3 days in Vietnam, they were officially classified by the Department of Defense as murders, not action casualties. Charles Ovnand is also on the Wall as Charles Ovnard (1E, 001) - see DISCREPANCIES.
First Air Force veteran killed in countryRichard G. Fitzgibbon Jr., was killed on August 6, 1956 (52E, 021) due to the authorized official change by Congress of our official occupation in Vietnam. However, due to the length of his full name, it was too long to be engraved on any line on the beginning panels (i.e., 1E to 51E). Engraving his name was finally etched on panel 52E.
First Army veteran killed in countryHarry Cramer Jr., once considered the first official casualty killed in Vietnam, died on October 21, 1957 (1E, 078). He actually died when he was flown to Thailand for treatment.
First Navy veteran killed in countryGeorge Alexander was killed February 17, 1960, (13E, 006).
First Marine Corps veteran killed in countryThese five men of the US Marine Corps all died at the exact same time. Thomas Anderson, Richard Hamilton, Jerald Pendell, Michael Tunney, Miquel Valentin were killed on October 6, 1962, listed on 1E, lines 012-013. However, Thomas Anderson is still considered a POW/MIA since his remains have never been repatriated (returned to the Unites States and the family).
First Coast Guard veteran killed in countryThere were only seven US Coast Guard killed during the entire Vietnam conflict. However, Charles Brostrom and Jerry Phillips, both died on August 11, 1966, listed on panel 9E, lines 126 - 128.
U.S. Occupancy in LaosLaurence R. Bailey, Alfons A. Bankowski, Frederick T. Garside, Ralph W. Magee, Glenn Matteson, Leslie V. Sampson, Oscar B. Weston Jr., and Edgar W. Weitkkamp were all on temporary duty (TDY) in Laos. The last seven were all killed on March 23, 1961, panel 1E, lines 001 - 003. However, from this group only Laurence R. Bailey survived, and he was held as the first Prisoner of War (POW) in Laos. There were a total loss of 730 veterans.
First veteran battlefield fatalitySpecialist 4 James T. Davis was killed on December 22, 1961. He was officially assigned to the military, however, he was traveling on a civilian passport. His dual status still qualified his name to be engraved on the Memorial, (1E, 004).
Since 1982, yearly additions informationSince 1982, there have been yearly additions of names engraved on the Memorial due to various authorizations from the Department of Defense and Congress. Although there are press releases on these veterans, there is vague information with no details available. Therefore, these four frequently asked questions are based on the CCAAF information available as of August 11, 2002.
1. Native Americans on the MemorialAlthough there are various categories within each veteran biographical sheet which could be investigated, some categories were too limited in descriptions or details.- It is often asked how many Native Americans are listed on the memorial?There are 226 Native Americans on the Memorial .- Who is the most requested Native American name?Frank W. Jealous-of-Him, Wounded Knee, (22W, 002) is the most requested Native American name.- How many Native Americans are still considered POW/MIAs?There are still two Native American POW/MIA's still listed, Elliott Crook (1W, 026), and George Joe Bu Eisenberger (3E, 126)
2. First veteran casualty in CambodiaEdward S. Krukowski, Charles P. Sparks, Ernest J. Halvorson, Robert G. Armstrong, Theodore B. Phillips, Eugene Richardson and Valmore W. Bourque were serving together and all seven were killed together on October 24, 1964, in Cambodia. They are located on panel 1E, lines 067 - 069. Cambodia had a total of 520 veterans that were killed or missing in action.
3. First veteran casualty in Communist ChinaRonald J. Fegan and Terence M. Murphy were both killed on April 9, 1965, in the Communist China arena (1E, 103). The Communist China arena had a total of 10 veterans either missing in action or killed.
4. First veteran casualty in ThailandBruce R. Jones was the first veteran killed in Thailand on August 10, 1961 (1E, 004). Thailand had a total of 178 veterans either killed or missing in action.
Circumstances and classifications of last casualtiesDue to various circumstances and classifications, there are numerous categories of which veteran was the last killed in action in Vietnam. I have broken down the various catagory entries listed below:
Paris Peace AccordThe Paris Peace Accord was signed on January 17, 1973 and the cease-fire was official on January 27, 1973 at 7 pm, Washington DC time. This time frame is important for the last casualties.
Last Marine Corps veteran killed in country pre cease fireMark J. Miller was killed on January 26, 1973 (1W, 112), a day before the cease fire was official.
Last Air Force veteran killed in country after cease fireJohn O'Neal Rucker was killed on January 27, 1973, (1W, 113) on the day the cease fire was official.
Last Navy veteran killed in country after cease fireHarley H. Hall was killed on January 27, 1973 (1W, 112) on the day the cease fire was official.
Last Army pilots killed in country after cease fireEleven hours after the cease-fire was official, William B. Nolde was killed on January 27, 1973 (1W, 112). Although Anthony Dal Pozzo, (7W, 069) was actually wounded one hour and 45 minutes after the cease-fire, he did not die until the next day. FYI Anthony is also on the Memorial twice (1W, 113). His name was originally engraved but his name was spelled incorrectly (see DISCREPANCIES.)
Last Army helicopter crew member killed in country after the cease-fireJames L. Scroggin on February 23, 1973, was the last pilot killed after the cease fire (1W, 116). He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for saving a CH-47 Chinook helicopter from a SA-7 heat-seeking missile.
Last veteran casualty in LaosThe conflict in Laos ended on February 21, 1973. Robert E. Bernhardt, Arthur R. Bollinger, Peter R. Cressman, Joseph A. Matejov, Todd M. Melton, Severo J. Primm, George R. Spitz, were serving together and all were killed at the same time on February 5, 1973, 1W, lines 114 - 116.
Last veteran casualty in CambodiaThe conflict in Cambodia ended on August 15, 1973. Samuel B. Cornelius and John J. Smallwood were both killed together on June 16, 1973 (1W, 119).
Last veteran casualty at the American EmbassyAs the pullout continued in Southeast Asia (SEA), there were only 209 uniform soldiers serving in Vietnam, of which 159 uniformed soldiers were Marine Security Guards (MSG) and the other 50 were assigned to the Defense Attache Office (DAO) at the American Embassy. Darwin Judge and Charles McMahon Jr. were both killed on April 29, 1975 (1W, 124).
Last pilot casualty during evacuationDuring the Embassy evacuation in Saigon, William C. Nystal and Michael J. Shea both died on the helicopter on April 30, 1975 approaching the USS Hancock in the China Sea (both are located at 1W, 124).
Last to die in Southeast AsiaGary L. Hall, Joseph N. Hargrove and Danny G. Marshall were the last three US Marines Corps veterans mistakenly left behind on May 15, 1975. They were last seen together but unfortunately to date, their fate is unknown. They are located on panel 1W, lines 130 - 131.
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