Vietnam War Military Personnel From Hartford Michigan

1964 « Vietnam Era » 1975
A - D A - D E - J K - N O - T U - Z
Killed in Action Wounded in action POW/MIA Died during active duty + Contracted disease-illness-disability during service
Brief Timeline May 4, 1964 - Trade embargo imposed on North Vietnam in response to attacks from the North on South Vietnam August 2 and 4, 1964 - North Vietnamese torpedo boats attacked the U.S. destroyer *Maddox* in the Gulf of Tonkin. A second attack allegedly occurs on August 4. March 8, 1965 - The first U.S. combat troops arrive in Vietnam. April 6-8, 1965 - President Johnson authorizes the use of U.S. ground combat troops for offensive operations January 23, 1973 - United States, South Vietnam, and North Vietnam sign Paris Peace Accords, ending American combat role in war. U.S. military draft ends. A cease-fire goes into effect 5 days later March 29, 1973 - Last U.S. combat troops leave Vietnam April 1, 1973 - Hanoi releases last 591 acknowledged American POWs April 29-30, 1975 - Saigon falls. U. S. Navy evacuates U.S. personnel and South Vietnamese refugees. The last American combat death in Vietnam occurs. South Vietnamese President Duong Van Minh surrenders. North Vietnamese forces take over Saigon; South Vietnam surrenders to North Vietnam, ending the war and reunifying the country under communist control, forming the Independent Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Washington extends embargo to all of Vietnam November 11, 1982 - The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, "The Wall," is dedicated in Washington, D.C.
Allen, Sr. Kenneth M. US Navy b 6-26-1942 d 6-3-2004 Michigan City IN Age 61y, 11m, 10d 1962 - Honorable Discharge Ken's brother, David Allen, served in the US Navy during Vietnam. His father, Marion Allen Jr., served during WW2. Kens' son, Kenneth M. Allen Jr. served in the US Navy 1987-1989 Attend Hartford High School until enlistment into the Navy. Loved NASCAR, working on cars as a mechanic and auto body repairman. Son of Marion and Lena (Bouma) Allen Jr. Ken lived with his family in Winnie, TX at the time of his death. He died as a result of an automobile accident in Michigan City IN. 4-2007 - information submitted by his son, Kenneth Allen Jr. 11-8-2007 - photo submitted by his daughter, Michelle Hoyt.	Allen, David US Navy - E4 Vietnam In service 1964-1968 HHS Class of 1966 From Hartford MI Dave's Vietnam Friend Son of Marion and Lena Allen Jr. David's brother, Kenneth M. Allen Sr., served in the Navy during Vietnam Era. His father, Marion Allen Jr., served during WW2. David's nephew, Kenneth M. Allen Jr., served in the US Navy 1987-1989.	Asaro, Dan In service 19__ to 19__
Ament, Michael US Navy USS Forrestal In service 1966 to 19__ HHS Class of 1963 From Hartford MI	Bachman, Richard G.	Baker JR, Frank Christ
	US Army - SP5 E5 Artillery Surveyor Germany In service 12-15-1967 to 11-25-1969 Honorable Discharge HQ BTRY, 6th Battalion 10th Arty USA REUR Bamberg, Germany Ft Knox, Louisville KY Ft Sill, OK Medals » National Defense Service Medal » Marksman M14 HHS Class of 1966 From Hartford MI Son of Donald and Alice (Snyder) Bachman Married Ernestine Green HHS 1966	US Air Force - SGT E4 47151 Auto Repairman (CDC) b 1-23-1943 So. Haven MI In service 8-30-1968 to 8-30-1970 Reserves 8-31-1964 to 8-30-1968 Active Duty Training: Auto Rpmn (CDC), Multi Fuel Engine, OJT Training/Supv. Awards and Medals » National Defense Medal » Vietnam Service Medal » Air Force Good Conduct Medal » Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (SAEMR) » AFM 900-3 From South Haven MI SHHS Class of 19__ 2004 update: Resides in Hartford MI
Baxter, Edward US Air Force England In service 1965 - from HHS Class of 1966 From: Watervliet MI Resided in Hartford from 1962-1965	Beam, Robert US Air Force - E4 Bien Hoa, Vietnam Clovis, New Mexico Air Rescue Team 832nd Security Police Co. In Service 1967-1970 18 years old Wounded in Action Awards and Medals » Recipient of the Purple Heart » Vietnam Service and Campaign medals » National Defense Ribbon » Presidential Unit Citation for involvement in the Tet Offensive of 1968 among others. HHS Class of 1966 From Hartford MI Newspaper Article1 Article 2 Bob is the son of Clare H. Beam, who served during WW11. His great grandfather, John Jordan Beam, served during the Civil War. Bob's son, Richard Alan Beam, served during the Persian Gulf War-Desert Storm. Another son, Robert Beam II, served during 1993-1997 in the USMC.	Bigelow, Jan
		US Army-Navy MOSC 20 - Spec 5 PBR, Patrol Boat River b 3-10-1947 St. Joseph MI In Service 1968-1970 Served in South Vietnam Awards and Medals From Hartford HHS Class of 1968 Resided in Hartford 1947-1980
Birmele, Raymond In Service 196_ to 19__ HHS Class of 1966 From Hartford MI Ray's father, Marvin E. Birmele, served during WW11.
Bisbee, Terry Lee
Wounded in Action Awards and Medals: » Award of the Army Commendation metal for heroism with "V" device. » Received 8 Air Medals. Five Oak Leaf Clusters to an air medal. Each oak leaf cluster signified 25 or more combat missions in hostile territory in Vietnam. Flew at least 200 combat missions. » Meritorious Unit Citation » Valorous Unit Award » Vietnam Expeditionary Medal » Purple Heart - for injuries sustained in Vietnam when a machine gun aboard a helicopter exploded. Bisbee was crew chief of the helicopter. View photo of Terry with his helicopter and a special photo that appeared in Time Life Magazine in 1964. Read letter Terry wrote from Vietnam to his Mother about the Purple Heart award and conditions of the battle front at that time.	US Army - SP6 b 12-13-1937 d11-15-1995 Age 57y, 11m, 4d Flight Engineer, Chinook Helicopter with at least 200 combat missions 120th Aviation and Attached Units 1964-1965 145th Aviation Battalion In service 1956 to 1976 Served 3 terms in Vietnam Member of the HHS Class of 1956. Did not graduate from Hartford, but left school to enter service. +At age 57, Terry died in 1995 of cancer from agent orange used during the Vietnam War. Thanks to Terry's sister, Peggy Harris, for providing this information. Beautiful photos came from the website of his daughter, Carole Breidenbach. View other photos at www.geocities.com/shy_tiggress.	June 28, 1967 The Hartford Day Spring Sp-6 Terry L Bisbee, son of Mr. and Mrs. Augustus Bisbee recently received an award of the Army Commendation medal for heroism with "V" device. In the letter sent home to his parents, signed by Daniel B. Pyler, Adjutant General, and Co. George W. Casey, Chief of Staff, it read: For heroism in connection with military operation against a hostile force. Sp-6 Bisbee distinguished himself by heroism in action on April 5, while serving as flight engineer of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter during a night troop extraction near Song Mao, Republic of Vietnam. On this date he demonstrated courage and professional competence while leading his crew and directing his aircraft into a small, unmarked clearing close to hostile force. While maintaining a watchful eye on critical components of his helicopter, he was continuously alert for North Vietnamese snipers. Due to the successful completion of the night extraction under trying conditions, the high moral and fighting spirit of the infantry unit was maintained. Spec. Bisbee's courageous action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Burgess Jr., Freeman
US Army b 8-25-1948 d 3-26-2008 Winter Haven FL Berrien Center MI Age 59y, 7m, 1d Buried at Shore Memory Gardens Hagar Shores MI In service 1968 - 1970 Son of Freeman and Annie Mae (Matthews) Burgess Sr. Married to Donna Paul Burgess Retired from Bosch Braking Systems in April 2004 after 37 1 ⁄ 2 years of service. Last resided in Hartford MI
Brinsfield, Dale US Army Vietnam In service 19__ to 19__ From HHS class of 1966 From Hartford MI Instrumental in the establishment of Vietnam Memorial in Ely Park. Dale maintains the grounds around the memorial at the park.	Brinsfield, Kenneth Charles US Army Vietnam b 1-12-1948 d 12-24-1999 Age 51y, 11m, 13d Buried in Maple Hill Cemetery Hartford MI In service 19__ to 19__ From HHS Class of 19__ From Hartford MI	Brinsfield, Robert Lee US Army Vietnam b 2-28-1949 d 9-17-1977 Age 28y, 6m, 20d Died at Dowagiac MI Buried in Maple Hill Cemetery Hartford MI In service 1966-1967 AWARDS 2 Silver Stars From Hartford MI HHS Class of 19__ Graduate of Paw Paw High School Information submitted 1-2003 by Kristen Downey Dixon, niece.
Brodock, Ronald Martin US Army - SP4 b 12/1/1952 d 7/15/1999 Hartford MI Age 47y, 6m, 3d Buried at Ft. Custer National Cemetery Augusta MI Plot: Q 0 202 Last residence - Hartford MI	Brunais, Frank US Army - MSG E-8 (Ret) b 10-12-1947 Manistee MI + Contracted disease-illness-disability during service In service 1965-1989 Served in 1986-1989 - Chief 12F 1985-1986 - 2nd Engr Bn, Camp Pelham S. Korea 1978-1981 - 23d Engr Bn Hanau Germany 1975-1978 - Ft L Wood, Drill Sgt, Instructor 1966-1975 - 58th Engr Co Fulda Germany 1965 - Ft Leonard Wood Mo, 5th Enger Bn From Hartford MI, HHS Class of 1965 Resided in Hartford 1955-1965 12-2005 Update Dr. Frank Brunais retired from the US Army in 1989. Now resides in Waynesville MO and has served as Pastor of Victory Fellowship Church since retirement.	Cade, David

	Clemens JR., Corydon (Butch) US ARMY - Sp4 Vietnam In service 1966-1969 HHS Class of 1966 From Hartford MI	Csepregi Jr., John US Navy - Seaman E3 In service 1968-1972 Served in Vietnam and Connecticut Medals and Awards » Navy Unit Commendation » Meritorious Unit » MUC Gallantry Grass Run From Benton Harbor MI BHS Class of 1967 Resided in Hartford since 1978. 7-1-2004 Photo and information submitted via Bill Dyer
Daisy, Richard Lee US Army S Sgt b 3-17-1947 d 3-23-1979 Age 31y, 11m, 28d Buried in Maple Hill Cemetery Section 5 - Lot 90 E1/2 Hartford MI In service 19__ to 19__	Davis, Carl	Davis, James Jefferson
	US Army Served in Vietnam In service 19__ to 19__ From Keeler MI HHS Class of 1965 Carl's brother, James Davis, served in the US Army National Guard.	US Army - National Guard In service 19__ to 19__ From Keeler HHS Class of 1962 Jim's brother, Carl Davis, also served in the military.
Deckert, Ronald US Army 23rd Infantry (Americal) Instructor In service 1967 to 1970 Vietnam and 1984 to ? Middle East and Germany From HHS Class of 1966 From Hartford MI Resides in Kansas	Disbrow, Roger Glenn US Army b 11-1-1943 d 12-23-2006 Brisbane Australia Hartford MI Age 63y, 1m, 23d In Service 19__ to 19__ From Hartford HHS Class of 1962
Dockter Jr., Frank A. US Army - Medic Specialist 4th Class b 11-15-1944 In service 1965 - 1967 Cu Chi, Vietnam Awards » Army Commendation with "V" device » Combat Medic Badge » Good Conduct Medal » Vietnam Campaign Medal HHS Class of 1963 Resided in Harford 1944-1973. Information submitted by Frank's daughter, Dana Goetter, who comments, "He is a wonderful man who is NEVER in a bad mood!!!"	Dodd, David National Guard In service 19__ to 19__ HHS Class of 1966 From Keeler MI	Downey, Michael D. US Army Helicopter Mechanic Specialist 4th Class b 9-22-1949 In service 1969 - 1970 Vietnam From Coloma MI CHS Class of 1967 Resident of Hartford 1969 to present Information submitted on 2/1/2003 by his daughter, Kristen Downey Dixon
Drake, Thomas US Army In service 19__ to 19__ HHS Class of 1966 From Hartford MI