F/51st LRP - KIA
This web site is dedicated to the memory of Col. William C. Maus, Jr. (1928 - 1998)
Then I heard the Lord Saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here I am. Send me!" Isaiah 6:8 (Bible verse suggested by Ted Godwin)
NAME Daniel Hinson Lindsey John H. Lattin, Jr. Kenneth Ray Blair Jan Victor Henrickson Willie Whitfield, Jr. Raymond Michael Enczi Richard Walter Diers Larry La Mont Cunningham Leslie Donald Rosekrans David Lee Urban Freemon Evans Roy Antonio Aubain
DATE KIA 5 Dec 67 15 Dec 67 12 Aug 68 12 Aug 68 12 Aug 68 31 Oct 68 20 Nov 68 3 Dec 68 3 Dec 68 3 Dec 68 4 Dec 68 4 Jan 69
Information from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (“The Wall”) about each man is courtesy of The Wall-USA. If any information about any of the men KIA is incorrect, please contact annette@i-served.com and provide eye- witness account or Army documentation for corrections. To add a remembrance about one of these men, please contact annette@i-served.com.
DANIEL HINSON LINDSEY, KIA 5 Dec 67 Panel 31E - Line 40 SGT - E5 - Army - Regular , 20 year old Single, Caucasian, Male, Born on Sep 18, 1947. From ORLANDO, FLORIDA. Length of service 1 year. His tour of duty began on Sep 29, 1967. Casualty was on Dec 05, 1967 in BIEN HOA, SOUTH VIETNAM. HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY, MULTIPLE FRAGMENTATION WOUNDS. Body was recovered. Religion BAPTIST IN REMEMBRANCE OF Daniel H. Lindsey: “Dan was a quiet kind of guy who was looking forward to going home to his girlfriend. He and I used to compare how similar his girlfriend and my fiancée, Annette, looked in their photos. He volunteered to go on the mission that ultimately took his life. I wrote Dan’s mother after his death, a very difficult task for anyone to have to do. She wrote back several times and said that she thought a lot of all of Dan’s friends in F/51st and hoped we would all come home safe and sound. Dan’s loss was a blow to us all.” Don Hall (Dan’s team leader in Vietnam). < Daniel H. Lindsey. Photo courtesy of Don Hall)
JOHN L. LATTIN, JR., KIA 15 Dec 67 Panel 32E - Line 5 1LT - O2 - Army - Regular 23 year old Single, Caucasian, Male, Born on Mar 24, 1944, From COLUMBUS, OHIO, Length of service 1 year. His tour of duty began on Apr 14, 1967. Casualty was on Dec 15, 1967 in PHUOC LONG, SOUTH VIETNAM, HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY, GUN, SMALL ARMS FIRE, Body was recovered. Religion ROMAN CATHOLIC. < John H. Lattin, Jr. Photo courtesy of Virginia Military Institute.
IN REMEMBRANCE OF John H. Lattin, Jr.: “Johnny Lattin and I roomed together at VMI from our second night there until we graduated. He was the best friend I have ever had, and his picture, diploma, and saber are hanging in my office now. Since I lost my Class Ring, I now wear his. Johnny was an only child, an Army Brat whose father was a well-known Airborne officer. Col. Lattin had been with Merrill's Marauders in the CBI during WWII and he retired, as CO of the 504th (I think), while we in our third class year. Johnny was a unique individual. I have recently, within the last couple of years, heard from two men who were in his outfit. Bruce Avant, from Statesville, GA, and Tom Green, from Greensboro, NC. I have spoken with Bruce on the phone, and exchanged emails with him, but we have never met in person. Each year at the VMI/GA Southern football game, Bruce will give an alumnus a check for the Lattin Scholarship fund. Bruce was not on the patrol [when John was KIA], but was with the team that went in to extract the patrol. Tom was with Johnny when he was killed. He and I got together down in Greensboro last summer and spent several hours together telling Lattin stories. It's good to know that the men in his outfit remember him as we do.” —Al Carr (John’s roommate at VMI, class of ‘66). “John Lattin, who you paid tribute to on your KIA web page, served in our Company as a Platoon Leader when he first arrived in Vietnam after volunteering for combat duty while serving in Korea. We remembered him well and regarded him as a very able Officer. He served with us from May, 1967 through September, 1967. He left our unit after his request for transfer to LRRP was approved. How could it have been otherwise, since his dad had made his reputation... in Merrill's Marauders, the illustrious LRRP unit of World War II fame? —Bill Comeau, President, Historian, Website Host and Publisher for Alpha Association.” Note: John served in A/2/12 in the 3rd Brigade of the 4th Division prior to joining F/51st. There is a tribute to him on their association’s website: Lattin Tribute: 'A' company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, Vietnam, 1966-67
KENNETH RAY BLAIR , KIA 12 Aug 68 Panel 49W - - Line 50 SP4 - E4 - Army - Regular. 19 year old Single, Caucasian, Male. Born on Dec 19, 1948. From MABLETON, GEORGIA. His tour of duty began on Jul 08, 1968. Casualty was on Aug 12, 1968. in TAY NINH, SOUTH VIETNAM. HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY. MULTIPLE FRAGMENTATION WOUNDS. Body was recovered. Religion METHODIST. IN REMEMBRANCE OF Kenneth Ray Blair: If you have a remembrance of Ken, or a photo of him, please contact annette@i-served.com.
JAN VICTOR HENRICKSON, KIA 12 Aug 68 Panel 49W - - Line 54 SGT - E5 - Army - Regular. 2nd Field Force, 20 year old Single, Caucasian, Male, Born on Mar 11, 1948. From HARTLY, DEL. Length of service 1 year. His tour of duty began on Aug 02, 1967. Casualty was on Aug 12, 1968 in TAY NINH, SOUTH VIETNAM. HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY, GUN, SMALL ARMS FIRE, Body was recovered. Religion UNITARIAN UNIVERSAL. IN REMEMBRANCE OF Jan Victor Henrickson:. “I knew Jan and we talked a couple of days before his last mission, about the mission. He was telling me that he was coming back for a second tour as an MP, and had 30 days leave coming up, and that he didn't have to take that mission, but I could tell by the way he was talking that he didn't want to sit back while his team was in the field. He was a good soldier.” —Dave Nichols. “Henrickson, who I called ‘Hardrock’ [and who was my pointman] was a quiet and steady soldier, whose abilities were befitting of a future team leader. Perhaps the greatest tribute I could make is that I considered him a good friend. The light of this world was greatly diminished with his passing. “—Roger Roberts, Team 1-1 & 1-6
RAYMOND MICHAEL ENCZI, KIA 31 Oct 68 Panel 40W - - Line 64 SP4 - E4 - Army - Selective Service. 2nd Field Force. 20 year old Single, Caucasian, Male. Born on Jul 26, 1948. From ELYRIA, OHIO. Length of service 1 year. His tour of duty began on Apr 13, 1968. Casualty was on Oct 31, 1968 in HUA NGHIA, SOUTH VIETNAM. HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY, GUN, SMALL ARMS FIRE. Body was recovered. Religion PROTESTANT. IN REMEMBRANCE OF Raymond Michael Enczi: “Ray, it's been a long journey for me since that day. I only knew you for a very short time,but long enough to remember that you were a man of principle and character. Reliving the mission was difficult, but necessary for closure. You made it possible. Thank you, my friend.“ —Chico Hernandez (Served with Ray).
WILLIE WHITFIELD, KIA 12 Aug 68 Panel 48W - - Line 4 BAPTIST. PFC - E3 - Army - Regular. 2nd Field Force. 20 year old Single, Negro, Male. Born on Dec 18, 1947. From COLUMBUS, MISSISSIPPI. His tour of duty began on Apr 12, 1968. Casualty was on Aug 12, 1968 in TAY NINH, SOUTH VIETNAM. HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY. MULTIPLE FRAGMENTATION WOUNDS. Body was recovered. Religion BAPTIST. IN REMEMBRANCE OF Willie Whitfield: “Willie was the the second eldest sibling, and the eldest son of 14. I was only 5 years old at his death, yet I do know that my brother changed our lives for the better.” Retired U S Army First Sergeant Lamont Whitfield, the youngest brother of Willie Whitfield Jr. If you have a remembrance of Willie, or a photo of him, please contact annette@i- served.com.
RICHARD WALTER DIERS, KIA 20 Nov 68 Panel 38W - - Line 16 SGT - E5 - Army - Regular. Special Forces. 20 year old Single, Caucasian, Male. Born on Dec 19, 1947. From PINELLAS PARK, FLORIDA. His tour of duty began on May 01, 1967. Casualty was on Nov 20, 1968, near the Cambodian border. HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY. MULTIPLE FRAGMENTATION WOUNDS. Body was recovered. Religion ROMAN CATHOLIC. IN REMEMBRANCE OF Richard W. Diers: “I was finishing my second tour when I met Richard. We immediately became friends. He was a team leader, such as I. When we were not in the field, Richard would talk about his home and his family. He loved life, and lived it to the fullest, such as a soldier might do. Richard and I partied together, just prior to his last mission. He was just a few weeks from going home, and looking forward to it. He did not have to go on that mission. However, in keeping with the highest standards of American morality, bravery and leadership, he chose to go on ‘one last mission.’ He gave his all. I have never forgotten Richard, my eight children know his name, and who he is. I was told his name was inscribed on a plaque, which was sent hurdling in a rocket ship and will continue, to forever roam the universe, as I am sure his soul is doing this very moment.” submitted by “A sky soldier forever.”
LARRY LA MONT CUNNINGHAM, KIA 3 Dec 68 Panel 37W - - Line 30 SSGT - E6 - Army - Regular. 2nd Field Force. 23 year old Single, Caucasian, Male. Born on Jun 10, 1945. From LOUISVILLE, MISSISSIPPI Length of service 1 year. His tour of duty began on Sep 10, 1968. Casualty was on Dec 03, 1968 in PHUOC LONG, SOUTH VIETNAM. HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY. GUN, SMALL ARMS FIRE. Body was recovered. Religion PRESBYTERIAN. IN REMEMBRANCE OF Larry L. Cunningham: If you have a remembrance of Larry, or a photo of him, please contact annette@i-served.com.
LESLIE DONALD ROSEKRANS, KIA 3 Dec 68 Panel 37W - - Line 35 SP4 - E4 - Army - Selective Service. 20 year old Single, Caucasian, Male. Born on Jul 19, 1948. From AUBURN, MICHIGAN. His tour of duty began on Sep 10, 1968. Casualty was on Dec 03, 1968 in PHUOC LONG, SOUTH VIETNAM. HOSTILE, HELICOPTER - NONCREW AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND. Body was recovered. Religion LUTHERAN & MISSOURI SYNOD. IN REMEMBRANCE OF Leslie D. Rosekrans: If you have a remembrance of Leslie, or a photo of him, please contact annette@i-served.com.
DAVID LEE URBAN, KIA 3 Dec 68 Panel 37W - - Line 34 PFC - E3 - Army - Selective Service. 2nd Field Force. 25 year old Single, Caucasian, Male. Born on Apr 27, 1943. From CHARDON, OHIO His tour of duty began on Oct 31, 1968. Casualty was on Dec 03, 1968 in PHUOC LONG, SOUTH VIETNAM. HOSTILE, HELICOPTER - NON-CREW AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND. Body was recovered. Religion METHODIST. IN REMEMBRANCE OF David L. Urban: This is his college senior picture at Mount Union College, Alliance, OH, from which he graduated in the Spring of 1966 with a bachelor's degree in business administration. David was quiet, good natured, and well liked by all who knew him. He knew how to have a good time with his best buddies in Miller and King Halls, both mens' dorms at our college. He is sorely missed by all his classmates and others who knew this gentle soul. Recognition of David Urban's Army service and sacrifice in Vietnam has been long over-due in my opinion...I am taking this on as a personal challenge and project to honor and remember our friend, college classmate, and BIA. Five graduates of Chardon, Ohio, High School (including David) died in Vietnam. They were finally recognized in 2014 with induction into the school's Hall of Fame by their CHS alumni association. I am working to get David recognized and remembered at his college, Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio, where he graduated n 1966. Three graduates there, including David, were lost. — Tony Zurbrugg, LTC, MS, USA (Ret.)
FREEMON EVANS, KIA 4 Dec 68 Panel 37W - - Line 38 SGT - E5 - Army - Regular. 2nd Field Force. 19 year old Single, Negro, Male. Born on May 26, 1949. From GORDON, GEORGIA. Length of service 1 year. His tour of duty began on Jul 10, 1968. Casualty was on Dec 04, 1968 in PHUOC LONG, SOUTH VIETNAM. Hostile, died of wounds. GROUND CASUALTY. MULTIPLE FRAGMENTATION WOUNDS. Body was recovered. Religion BAPTIST. IN REMEMBRANCE OF Freemon Evans: If you have a remembrance of Freemon, or a clearer photo of him, please contact annette@i-served.com. <Freemon Evans. Photo courtesy of Chico Hernandez.
ROY ANTONIO AUBAIN, KIA 4 Jan 69 Panel 35W - - Line 32 CPL - E4 - Army - Regular . 2nd Field Force. 20 year old Single, Negro, Male. Born on Jan 23, 1948. From ST THOMAS, VIRGIN ISLANDS. Length of service 1 year. His tour of duty began on Apr 23, 1968. Casualty was on Jan 04, 1969. SOUTH VIETNAM. Hostile, died of wounds. GROUND CASUALTY. GUN, SMALL ARMS FIRE. Body was recovered. Religion ROMAN CATHOLIC. IN REMEMBRANCE OF Roy A. Aubain: “Ever since Vietnam, I carried a color photo of Roy and others while we were in the boonies out of Cu Chi, before going in with the SEALS. I finally tried to get the photo to Roy’s folks, but couldn’t find them. Top (First ergeant Walter Butts) said that the entire time I had guarded that photo, Roy WAS with his family: U.S. LRP Rangers!” — Steve Davis (served with Roy)
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John Lattin’s gravesite Arlington National Cemetery Section 7, Grave 9893
Home  |  I Served  |  Silent Victory  |  Order |  Contact Jan Victor Hendrickson Photo courtesy of Roger Roberts. Raymond M. Enczi Photo courtesy of Al Souza. Richard W. Diers Photo courtesy of Al Souza. Roy A. Aubain Photo courtesy of Al Souza
The F51st LRP company area was named “Camp Lindsey-Lattin” in honor of the first two men KIA.
Larry La Mont Cunningham Photo courtesy of Anton Zurbrugg David Lee Urban Photo courtesy of Anton Zurbrugg Freemon Evans Photo courtesy of Chico Hernandez Leslie Donald Rosekrans Photo courtesy of Anton Zurbrugg Willie Whitfield Photo courtesy of Anton Zurbrugg Kenneth Ray Blair Photo courtesy of Anton Zurbrugg
US Army Distinquished Service Cross Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Larry LaMont Cunningham (ASN: RA-12868960), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company F, 51st Infantry, II Field Force. Staff Sergeant Cunningham distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 3 December 1968, as the team leader of a long range patrol in Phuoc Vinh Province. Sergeant Cunningham's team was conducting a reconnaissance mission when it was suddenly ambushed by a company-size, well entrenched enemy force. Although wounded in the leg during the initial barrage, he determinedly provided defensive fire for his men and directed their withdrawal to a nearby landing zone. Realizing that the aggressors' murderous fire would endanger the security of the pickup site, Sergeant Cunningham courageously exposed himself to the fusillade and provided covering fire so that the team could reach the extraction point. While insuring the safe evacuation of his comrades, he was mortally wounded by hostile rifle fire. Staff Sergeant Cunningham's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 280 (January 24, 1969) Action Date: 3-Dec-68 Service: Army Rank: Staff Sergeant Company: Company F Regiment: 51st Infantry Regiment Division: II Field Force ***
DSC citation for SSG Larry La Mont Cunningham provided by Tony Zurbrugg, LTC, MS, USA (Ret.) A complete list of DSC recipients can be found here. https://valor.defense.gov/recipients/army-distinguished-service-cross-recipients/ SSG Cunningham’s name is included in the Vietnam War list of recipients.