VIETNAM VETERANS
MEMORIAL DEDICATION
In memory of all who attended the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and sacrificed their lives during the Vietnam War.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2022
University of Wisconsin-Platteville Platteville, Wisconsin
SCHEDULE
Arrival and Seating
9:30–10 a.m.
Music: Guardian Winds – 132nd Army Band, Wisconsin Army National Guard
Dedication
10 a.m.–noon
Master of Ceremonies: Dr. James Lawton
Opening welcome Dr. James Lawton
Posting of the colors Joint Service Color Guard National anthem ........................................................................................................................................................ Singing Pioneers Invocation Vicar Andrew Perger
Recognition of Gold Star families and VIP guests Dr. James Lawton
Welcome from the university ........................................................................... Interim Chancellor Dr. Tammy Evetovich
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Acknowledgement VFW District 3 Commander Carla McAndrew
History of the UW-Platteville Vietnam Veterans Memorial Dr. James Lawton
Unveiling of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Greg Tremelling
Lieutenant Colonel Mac D. Kolar, USMC (retired) Dr. James Lawton Interim Chancellor Dr. Tammy Evetovich Interim Provost Dr. Wayne Weber
Intro and reading of names .................. Brandon Roeglin, Platteville Student Veteran Organization President Tolling of the bell for fallen Platteville Fire Department Placement of the wreath Platteville Student Veteran Organization
Service Songs
Guardian Winds – 132nd Army Band, Wisconsin Army National Guard
Keynote speaker .............................................................................................................. Lt. Col. Mac D. Kolar, USMC (retired) Taps UW-Platteville Pep Band
Statement and directions on reception Greg Tremelling
Benediction ......................................................................................................................................................... Vicar Andrew Perger
Closing Dr. James Lawton Processional Guardian Winds – 132nd Army Band, Wisconsin
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SCHEDULE
Luncheon and Reception
Noon–2 p.m.
Master of Ceremonies: Dr. James Lawton
Welcome Dr. James Lawton
Posting of the colors Platteville Student Veteran Organization
Lunch .................................................................................................................................................. Sponsored by Campus Climate
Keynote Speaker Professor Dr. David Krugler
Exhibit Space Overview Greg Tremelling
Introduction of Gold Star families Dr. James Lawton
Presentation of Cold War and Presidential Certificates
Lt. Col. Mac D. Kolar, USMC (retired) Dr. James Lawton
Presentation of quilts Shelby Lang
Presentation of flags and proclamations
President of Student Senate
Interim Chancellor Dr. Tammy Evetovich
....................................................................................................................................... Rebekah Poh
Retiring of the colors Platteville Student Veteran Organization
Closing Greg Tremelling
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INTRODUCTION
By Professor David KruglerIn April 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson delivered an important speech about the war in Vietnam. Although the United States had long been supporting the nation of South Vietnam with economic and military aid, sizable U.S. combat forces had only recently been deployed to Southeast Asia. Military operations to help South Vietnam protect itself from a communist takeover had already taken the lives of approximately 400 Americans. “Why must we take this painful road?” Johnson asked. “Why must this nation hazard its ease, and its interest, and its power for the sake of a people so far away?” Answering his own questions, the president said, “We fight because we must fight if we are to live in a world where every country can shape its own destiny. And only in such a world will our own freedom be finally secure.”
Protecting the world against the spread of communism had been the basic goal of U.S. foreign policy since the end of World War II. The United States funded the Marshall Plan, to restore capitalist economies in Western Europe; assembled the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, to provide for the common defense of member states against any attack; and went to war in Asia to prevent a communist conquest of South Korea. Supporting South Vietnam, a noncommunist state, was consistent with this foreign policy. Johnson’s predecessors in the White House—Truman, Eisenhower, and Kennedy—had also stated repeatedly that the United States must not allow the Soviet-backed regime of North Vietnam to achieve its goal of destroying the government of South Vietnam and unifying Vietnam under communist rule. It would be under Johnson, however, that the American commitment to South Vietnam would reach unprecedented levels and incur staggering costs. By April 1969, just four years after Johnson gave his speech, the number of U.S. military personnel in Southeast Asia exceeded 540,000. By this date, more than 35,400 Americans had died in active duty for the war, the majority of them in combat. All told, the Vietnam War took the lives of 58,202 Americans.
Twelve were students at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.
With the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, we offer our recognition and respect to these 12 young men and their families. Each man has a unique story, told below; at the same time, these individual histories are representative of the millions of Americans who served in Vietnam. Richard Eugene Sutherland, a native of Dubuque, left the university to join the Navy in 1965 after a close friend was killed in Vietnam. A similar sense of duty led many other young men across America to enlist in the military during the Vietnam War, even though, until 1969, being a college student in good standing exempted men from the draft. John Charles Imrie, who played football for the university during his freshman year, also left school and enlisted. As an infantry squad leader, Imrie died aiding his wounded men while under enemy fire. Giving one’s life to save comrades—this sacrifice was all-toocommon. During the war, the service branches typically commissioned college graduates as officers, as was the case with Vasilios “Bill” Demetris. After graduating from UW-Platteville in June 1967, Demetris completed the Marine Corps Officer Candidate School. Like many Marine and Army lieutenants, he lost his life while directing fire at enemy forces.
But the greatest similarity, and the one we must remember above all others, is that 12 men died young in service to their country. What lives could they have enjoyed had they been able to come home from war? As we dedicate this memorial and read the biographies of the fallen, we must never forget this question nor the sacrifice they made.
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Dear Next of Kin,
On behalf of the University of Wisconsin Platteville, I am humbled to honor and recognize the ultimate sacrifice your families made. All our nation’s heroes will hold a special place in my heart, and I am proud that we are recognizing our fallen soldiers who gave their lives in Vietnam.
On Friday, November 11, 2022, we dedicate a memorial to the remembrance of all past students and alumni who served in the Vietnam War, especially the 12 who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The 12 UW-Platteville students and alumni who gave their lives in Vietnam include
• Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ronald R. Blohm, Army
• Sgt. Edwin F. Brown, Army
• 2nd Lt. Vasilios Demetris, Marine Corps
• Lance Cpl. Daniel F. Gallagher, Marine Corps
• Sp4 John C. Imrie, Army
• Hospitalman Larry W. Knight, Navy
• 1st Lt. Dean W. Krueger, Air Force
• Sp4 Paul E. Mattson, Army
• Cpl. Francis T. Mulvey, Army
• Sp4 Brian S. Perlewitz, Army
• Hospitalman Richard E. Sutherland, Navy
• Pfc. Louis L. Zittergruen, Army
We stand beside you as we mourn their lives and thank them for their service.
The lives of these young men will forever be honored.
Interim Chancellor Tammy Evetovich
Office of the Chancellor
2508 Ullsvik Hall | 1 University Plaza Stop 1 | Platteville WI 53818-3099 608.342.1234 | www.uwplatt.edu/leadership
SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES
Dr. James H. Lawton
Dr. James H. Lawton graduated from UW-Platteville in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science. He was an Athletic Letterman in soccer, an officer of the Letterman’s Club, and a member of Lambda Sigma Pi fraternity. He received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago in 1971, and completed his surgical residency in 1973. He is a Podiatric Surgeon, a Diplomate and Past-President of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, and a Fellow and Past-President for the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Lawton is also a Past-President of the UW-Platteville Alumni Association in 1999 and 2000. He received a Distinguished Alumni Award from UW-Platteville in 1995, and a Service Achievement Award from the John Barth Foundation in 2002.
Dr. David Krugler
Dr. David Krugler has taught at UW-Platteville since 1997, currently as a Professor of history. A historian of the modern United States, Krugler has published books on a variety of topics including Cold War propaganda, nuclear warfare, and racial conflict in the United States. A recipient of national research grants and fellowships, he has also served as a historical expert for various press publications, such as The New York Times , The Associated Press , and The Washington Post
Lieutenant Colonel Mac D. Kolar
Lieutenant Colonel Mac D. Kolar, US Marine Corps (retired), graduated from UW-Platteville in January of 1969 with a Bachelor of Science in history. Later that year, he was commissioned a Marine Corps Second Lieutenant and trained to be a Combat Engineer Officer. While assigned with Headquarters, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division in the Republic of Vietnam from July 1970 to May 1971, he served as the assistant S-4 (logistics) officer. Other Fleet Marine Force assignments over 24 years of service included tours with all three Marine Divisions, the 3rd Force Service Support Group, and the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing. Kolar retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1993. His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with valor device and gold star in lieu of second award, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Silver Star.
Interim Chancellor Dr. Tammy Evetovich
Interim Chancellor Dr. Tammy Evetovich began her career at UW-Platteville as provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs on May 15, 2020 and transitioned to the role of Interim Chancellor on June 1, 2022. Prior to this, Evetovich served in a variety of roles at Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska for more than 20 years. She was the dean of the School of Natural and Social Sciences at Wayne State College. She had been a professor in the Department of Health, Human Performance, and Sport since 2000, and served as chair of the department for seven of those years. Evetovich received her Bachelor of Science in biology and master’s and doctorate in exercise physiology, all from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
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Greg Tremelling
Greg Tremelling has served as Coordinator of UW-Platteville’s Wright Center for Non-Traditional and Veteran Students since 2018. Prior to working at UWPlatteville, he worked as a Correctional Officer and Dispatcher for the Iowa County Sheriff’s Department for 11 years. Tremelling is an Army veteran, serving three years of active duty and five years in the Wisconsin Army National Guard. He grew up in Dodgeville and Montfort, Wisconsin, and graduated from UW-Platteville in 2015. Tremelling is a member of Linden American Legion Post 493, Linden Masonic Lodge #206, Zor Shriners, and Southwest Wisconsin Shrine Club.
Rebekah Poh
Rebekah Poh is from Crivitz, Wisconsin, and is currently serving as UW-Platteville’s Student Senate President. She is a junior, studying professional sales. Poh joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2019. She serves as the Veterans’ Advocate on the UWPlatteville Student Senate, Treasurer of the Platteville Student Veteran Organization, and Vice President for the American Marketing Association. Poh also works in UWPlatteville’s Wright Center for Non-Traditional and Veteran Students.
Andrew J. Perger
Andrew J. Perger grew up in South Wayne, Wisconsin, and graduated from Black Hawk High School in 2008. In 2007, he joined the Wisconsin Army National Guard as an infantryman (11B) and then attended basic training at Fort Benning in summer of 2008. Perger served primarily with the 32nd Infantry in Wisconsin until his honorable discharge in 2013. He attended UW-Platteville from 2009–2012, studying as an English major. Before finishing his degree, he transferred to Midwestern Bible College and finished with a BA in Biblical Studies in 2019. He then started seminary at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, in 2020 and is currently completing his MDiv for ordination within the ELCA. Perger has been married to Rebecca Perger (Sigwarth) since 2013. They have two children, Levi, age 8, and Jude, age 5. He currently serves as Vicar at First English Lutheran Church in Platteville and as a Spiritual and Grief Counselor with Agrace Hospice.
Brandon Roeglin
Brandon Roeglin is a senior at UW-Platteville, majoring in industrial technology management. He is originally from Cedarburg, Wisconsin. Roeglin is President of the UW-Platteville Student Veteran Organization. He enjoys spending his free time with his black lab puppy, Briar.
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Birth Dec. 12, 1942
Hometown
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Parents
LeRoy W. and Dorothy Ann (Steinhoff) Blohm
Military branch Army
RONALD ROY BLOHM
Early Life
Ronald Roy Blohm was born on Dec. 11, 1942 in Clinton, Iowa to LeRoy W. and Dorothy Ann (Steinhoff) Blohm. LeRoy Blohm served as an Army Technical Sergeant during World War II. Blohm’s brother, Stephen, served in the Air Force. He had two sisters, Julie and Bette Anne. The Blohm family lived in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Blohm graduated from high school in Eau Claire in June 1961.
University of Wisconsin-Platteville Blohm attended UW-Platteville intermittently from 1961 to 1966. He was majoring in business administration and was a member of the Lambda Sigma Pi fraternity.
Military
Blohm joined the Army in the fall of 1966 and received basic training at Fort Polk, Louisiana. After basic training, he attended the Army Primary Helicopter Center at Fort Wolters, Texas and was a member of the Class 67-17 4th Warrant Officer Class. Follow up training took place at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Having orders to Vietnam, Warrant Officer Blohm married Donna Louise Mousel in Eau Claire on Oct. 28, 1967.
Warrant Officer Blohm’s tour in Vietnam began on Nov. 11, 1967, and he was assigned to the 176th Assault Helicopter Company, 14th Aviation Battalion, 16th Aviation Group, 23rd Infantry (Americal) Division where he flew UH-1 (Huey) helicopters. After six months in Vietnam, Blohm met his wife Donna in Hawaii for R&R.
On Sept. 10, 1968, while commander on his aircraft, it was hit by hostile ground fire in a hot landing zone during a combat assault. The Distinguished Flying Cross, awarded posthumously, citation provides details of the incident. “Warrant Officer Blohm distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as light fire team leader on a mission to escort a flight of troop-carrying helicopters during a combat assault near Quang Ngai. When he was informed that the prestrike gunships had received enemy fire, he immediately positioned himself on the south side of the formation. As the formation began its
Ronald Blohm’s name appears on the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. on panel W44, line 14.
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Among Chief Warrant Officer 2 Blohm’s awards are the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Air Medal with Numeral 21, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four service stars, Vietnam Military Merit Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Bronze Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Valorous Unit Award, and Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation. He was also authorized the Army Aviator Badge, Expert Badge with automatic rifle bar, and the Sharpshooter Badge with pistol bar.
final approach, Warrant Officer Blohm moved ahead and positioned himself between the formation and the southern part of the landing zone. Ignoring the intensity of the enemy fire, he continued to hold his aircraft in its tactical position until the slicks were on the ground. Remaining undaunted, he continued to screen the formation until he was hit and mortally wounded by a heavy caliber machinegun bullet. As the rounds struck the ship, it went out of control but his last reactions of pulling the cyclic back,
kept the aircraft from crashing to the ground until the co-pilot could regain control. Warrant Officer Blohm died minutes later. His rare and exceptional bravery undoubtedly kept the enemy gunners from attacking his defenseless comrades and prevented the destruction of many aircraft and lives.”
Ronald Blohm was posthumously promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 2 and was buried in Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Birth Nov. 22, 1945
Hometown Beloit, Wisconsin
Parents Donald W. and Dorothy (Langrehr) Brown Military branch Army
EDWIN FAY BROWN
Early Life
Edwin Brown was born on Nov. 22, 1945 in Beloit, Wisconsin, to Donald W. and Dorothy (Langrehr) Brown. He had a brother, Roger, and a sister, Karen. He was a 1963 graduate of Beloit Memorial High School. He married Cheryl Kennedy on July 15, 1966. Together they had a daughter, Sharon, who was only 3 moths old at the time of her father’s death. He was employed by the Wisconsin Telephone Company as an installer.
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Brown attended UW-Platteville in the fall of 1963 and in the fall of 1965 and spring of 1966. He majored in electrical engineering.
Military
Brown was drafted into the Army on Feb. 6, 1967 and attended basic training at Fort Bliss, Texas. He attended advanced individual training at Fort Polk, Louisiana from April to June 1967. He was assigned the Military Occupational Specialty of 11B10 Light Weapons Infantryman.
Brown reported to Vietnam on June 10, 1967 and was assigned to D company, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry, 196th Light Infantry Brigade.
The Silver Star Citation, awarded posthumously, reads as follows: “For gallantry in action against a hostile force on 10 January 1968 in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Four Brown distinguished himself while serving as a radio operator with Company D, 3d Battalion, 21st Infantry. On that date Company D was on a combat operation in the Que Son Valley [Quang Nam Province] when Specialist Brown was cut off from the remainder of the company by a fierce rocket and mortar barrage from a hostile force of undetermined size. During the torrid barrage of firepower from the enemy, the company commander was mortally wounded which left Specialist Brown the only man between the enemy and the remainder of the company. Specialist Brown, seriously wounded by this time, began relaying the enemy’s movements back to the rear command post which enabled the artillery forward observer to direct artillery right in on the enemy positions. As the onslaught
Edwin Brown’s name appears on the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. on panel 34E, line 15.
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Brown was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Among his awards are the Silver Star, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one service star, Vietnam Military Merit Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation. He was also authorized the Expert Badge with machine gun bar, Sharpshooter Badge with automatic rifle bar, and Combat Infantry Badge.
Birth April 18, 1945
Hometown New York, New York
Parents Leonidas and Kalliope (Magoutsos) Demetris
Military branch Marine Corps
VASILIOS DEMETRIS
Early Life
Vasilios Demetris was born on April 18, 1945 in Thasos, Greece, to Leonidas and Kalliope (Magoutsos) Demetris. Leonidas Demetris served as a US Army Private in 1918 during World War I. The Demetris family lived in New York City, New York. Also known as Bill, Demetris attended Haaren High School and had a sister, Eustratia.
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Demetris matriculated to UW-Platteville in 1963. While there, he was a member of the newly created soccer team and is known to have played every minute of every game as a defensive fullback and was the team captain for each playing year. The 1964, 1965, and 1966 UW-Platteville Men’s Soccer Teams won the NAIA District 14 Championships. In 2000, Demetris was inducted into the UW-Platteville Athletic Hall of Fame, the first soccer player so honored. He was a member of the Lambda Sigma Pi fraternity and graduated in June 1967 with a bachelor’s degree in English. Demetris met Judy Shea, of Fennimore, Wisconsin, while at Platteville, and the two were married on March 7, 1968 in Manassas, Virginia.
Military Demetris attended the Marine Corps Officer Candidate School at Quantico, Virginia, and earned a commission as a Second Lieutenant. Additional training included attendance at The Basic School, (H Company Class 8-68) and the Army Artillery Officer Basic Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
Demetris reported to the Republic of Vietnam on Jan. 8, 1969 and was assigned to A Battery, 1st Battalion, 11th Marines [Artillery], 1st Marine Division. While supporting D Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines [Infantry] in the Quang Nam Province as a Forward Artillery Observer, he was wounded on Jan. 24, 1969 and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal.
A Bronze Star Medal, with Combat Distinguishing Device, citation, awarded posthumously, reads as follows: “On February 23, 1969,
Vasilios Demetris’ name appears on the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. on panel W31, line 34.
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the Second Platoon was participating in a combat operation in Quang Nam Province when the Marines came under a heavy volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire from a well-concealed enemy force. During the ensuing engagement both the platoon commander and platoon sergeant were seriously wounded, and realizing he was the senior Marine present, Second Lieutenant Demetris unhesitatingly assumed command of the unit. Quickly organizing the platoon, he completely disregarded his own safety to direct effective suppressive fire
Demetris’ awards include the Bronze Star with Combat “V”, Purple Heart with gold star in lieu of second award, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two service stars, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Vietnam Civil Action Unit Citation, and Vietnam Campaign Medal.
“On the following day, 24 February, when the platoon came under heavy fire from a North Vietnamese Army unit, Second Lieutenant Demetris was fearlessly exposing himself to adjust supporting arms fire when he was mortally wounded. Second Lieutenant Demetris’ courage, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.”
Birth Dec. 13, 1947
Hometown Dodgeville, Wisconsin
Parents
Stanley L. and Jane M. (Bilkey) Gallagher
Military branch Marine Corps
DANIEL FREDERICK GALLAGHER
Early Life
Daniel Gallagher was born on Dec. 13, 1947 in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, to Stanley L. and Jane M. (Bilkey) Gallagher. He had two brothers, Stanley and Donald, and two sisters, Randi and Lois.
The Gallagher family lived in Blanchardville, Wisconsin. Gallagher attended Blanchardville High School and was a member of the Class of 1966. He was a member of the Blanchardville High School Letterman’s Club and was a catcher for the Blanchardville Home Talent Baseball Team. He was a member of the Blanchardville Lutheran Church. He had a fiancée, Lisbeth Ann Francis.
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Gallagher was a student at UW-Platteville from 1966 until 1969, majoring in business administration. While at Platteville, he was a member of the Lambda Sigma Pi Fraternity, the soccer team, and the Letterman’s Club. He was also a member of the Pioneer Glee Club.
Military Gallagher enlisted in the Marine Corps in July 1969 and trained at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California. He graduated from recruit training as a platoon honor man in Dress Blues and was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Private First Class. Upon the completion of infantry training, he was ordered to Vietnam, arriving on May 9, 1970.
In Vietnam, he was assigned to the Combined Action Platoon 2-72, Combined Action Company 2-7, 2nd Combined Action Group, III Marine Amphibious Force with the infantry specialty of mortarman. Before reporting to his unit, he attended the 2-week Combined Action School and the 4-week Vietnamese Language School. On Sept. 10, 1970, while operating in Hoa Vang District, Quang Nam Province, Lance Corporal Gallagher was killed when shouldering a light antiarmor weapon accidentally exploded. Another Marine was killed and
Daniel Gallagher’s name appears on the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. on panel W7, line 52.
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four others were wounded as well as a Vietnamese Kit Carson Scout.
Among Lance Corporal Gallagher’s awards are the Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 service stars, Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal (Second Class), Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Expert Rifle Badge.
Services for Lance Corporal Gallagher were held in Blanchardville with burial in Graceland cemetery in Blanchardville.
Birth Oct. 19, 1945
Hometown Watertown, Wisconsin
Parents Victor G. and Mildred M. (Feutz) Imrie
Military branch Army
JOHN CHARLES IMRIE
Early Life
John Imrie was born on Oct. 19, 1945 in Watertown, Wisconsin, to Victor G. and Mildred M. (Feutz) Imrie. He had two brothers, Victor Jr. and Robert, and a sister, Mary.
Imrie attended Lake Mills High School and was a standout on the football and wrestling teams. As a junior, he received the annual Spoon and Spade award for his outstanding scholarship and all-round student participation. He was a preceptor for the Fort Atkinson DeMolay Chapter. He was a member of the Lake Mills Congregational-United Church of Christ.
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Imrie attended UW-Platteville from 1963 to 1964. He majored in agriculture and was on the 1963 football team.
Military
Imrie enlisted in the Army on Feb. 20, 1966 and attended Basic Training at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He completed airborne training and participated in cooperative maneuvers with the Norwegian military in Barfrost, Norway. He also completed Recondo School, specializing in survival and leadership. He was a member of the Sky Diving Club at Fort Campbell.
He began his tour in the Republic of Vietnam on June 20, 1967 and served with A Company, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division.
Specialist Four Imrie’s Silver Star, awarded posthumously, citation provides the following details of heroism. “For gallantry in action against a hostile force on 18 August 1967 in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Four Imrie distinguished himself by demonstrating the utmost in personal bravery and sacrifice. While conducting a search and destroy mission in the vicinity of Chu Lai, the platoon became heavily engaged with an undetermined sized Viet Cong force firing from well-concealed positions with automatic weapons. With the first burst of hostile fire,
John Imrie’s name appears on the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. on panel 25E, line 12.
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Among Specialist Imrie’s awards are the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one service Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation. Badges include the Combat Infantry Badge, Army Parachutist Badge, and Expert Badge with Rifle bar.
Birth May 23, 1945
Hometown Rockford, Illinois
Parents James and Ada (Sherman) Knight
Military branch Navy
LARRY WILLIAM KNIGHT
Early Life
Larry Knight was born on May 23, 1945 in Rockford, Illinois, to Ada (Sherman) and James Knight. He had three brothers, James, Jack, and Richard.
Knight attended Stillman Valley High School, where he was a member of the 1960 football team, played basketball, and was a member of the band. He was a member of the Stillman Valley Congregational Church, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge 140, and the Royal Neighbors of America. He graduated from Stillman Valley High School in 1963.
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Knight attended UW-Platteville from the fall of 1963 to the spring of 1964. His intended major was industrial education. Following attendance at UW-Platteville, he attended Colorado State University at Greeley, Colorado from the fall of 1964 to the spring of 1965.
Military
Knight enlisted in the Navy on Oct. 28, 1965 and attended Recruit Training at the Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois from Jan. 12 to March 24, 1966. He then trained to be a Navy Corpsman at the Navy Hospital Corps School. His first assignment after Corps School, from July 1966 to March 1967, was as a Senior Corpsman on the Neurology and Neurosurgery Ward at the Great Lakes Naval Hospital. Knight also played trombone in the Navy Band during his time at Great Lakes. From April 20 to May 23, 1967, Knight trained at the Field Medical Training Battalion at Camp Pendleton, California.
He received orders to Vietnam and reported to the 3rd Marine Division on May 26, 1967. On June 1, he arrived at his assigned unit, Headquarters ad Service Company, 3rd Battalion 9th Marines. The 9th Marines had become involved in some of the bitterest fighting of the war, operating near Con Thien, Quang Tri Province. Operation Cimarron commenced on June 1, 1967, the very day Knight reported to his unit. On that day, while patrolling near Camp Carroll, Lima Company 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, the unit to which Knight was attached, ran into
Larry Knight’s name appears in the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C., on panel 21E, line 28.
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a North Vietnamese Army unit deeply entrenched in a cleverly concealed and heavily defended bunker. The resulting fight led to the deaths of 10 Marines and three Navy Corpsmen, one of whom was Hospitalman Knight, who was mortally wounded by enemy gunfire.
The Vietnam Military Merit and Cross of Gallantry with Palm Medals, presented to Hospitalman Knight posthumously, was accompanied with the following
Among Hospitalman Knight’s awards are the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two service stars and Fleet Marine Force Combat Operations Insignia, Vietnam Military Merit Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Vietnam Civil Action Unit Citation, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Armed Forces in blocking the Red Wave of aggression from engulfing South Vietnam and Southeast Asia. With his enthusiasm and exemplary devoted manner, he willingly executed all of entrusted assignments and disregarding all hardships and dangers, set a brilliant example for his comrades-in-arms. He died in the performance of his mission. His loss is greatly mourned by both American and Vietnamese friends.”
Birth Oct. 13, 1945
Hometown Reedsville, Wisconsin
Parents
Wilbur L. and Edith Grace (Goldie) Kreuger Military branch Air Force
DEAN WILBUR KRUEGER
Early Life
Dean Krueger was born on Oct. 13, 1945 in Reedsville, Wisconsin, to Wilbur L. and Edith Grace (Goldie) Kreuger. He had two brothers, Joseph and Russell, and a sister, Grace.
Krueger graduated from Valders High School in 1963, where he was active in 4-H, Future Farmers of America, and was on the Science and Industrial Arts honor rolls.
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
While attending UW-Platteville from 1963–1967, he was a residence hall counselor, a member of Phi Eta Sigma National Men’s Honor Society, Kappa Delta Pi National Honor Society in Education, and the Collegiate Agriculture Association. He was on the Dean’s List each semester and was among 34 seniors nominated by the student governing board to be included in “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.” He graduated in 1967 with high honors with a Bachelor of Science, Smith-Hughes Comprehensive Agriculture.
In the summer of 1967, he was an assistant county supervisor for the Farmers Home Administration in Juneau, Wisconsin. He was one of three UW-Platteville students to receive an assistantship in agriculture economics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison with the goal earning a master’s degree.
Military
In May 1968, Krueger enlisted in the United States Air Force and attended basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. After basic training, then Staff Sergeant Krueger volunteered to participate in a research project in the field of aerospace medicine. Following that assignment, he attended Officer Training School, was a distinguished graduate, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant on March 31, 1969. Second Lieutenant Krueger completed 53 weeks of flight training at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio, Texas and received his wings with honors on April 11, 1970. He trained on the A-37 Dragonfly at England Air Force Base, Alexandria, Louisiana and was promoted to First Lieutenant on Sept. 1, 1970.
Dean Krueger’s name appears on the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C., on panel W4, line 80.
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First Lieutenant Krueger went to Vietnam on Jan. 18, 1971. There he was assigned to the 8th Special Operations Squadron, 35th Tactical Fighter Wing, 7th Air Force at the Bien Hoa Air Base. The following details of the deadly incident on March 26 were provided to Lieutenant Krueger’s parents by the Commander of the 35th Tactical Fighter Wing. “Dean had taken off from the Bien Hoa Air Base on March 26th in his A-37 aircraft as number two man in a flight of two. His assignment was a combat mission in Cambodia. It was a day mission and the weather was scattered clouds with visibility approximately 10 miles. The lead aircraft made his first delivery as Dean circled for an approach from a different direction. This technique we employ to preclude the enemy from barrage firing and hitting the second aircraft if he follows the same flight path as the lead aircraft. Dean made a normal call and was cleared by the Forward Air Controller (FAC) for his first attack. The FAC states that the attack appeared to be normal with a 20 degree dive angle. The aircraft then began a slight right turn and went into the ground about one quarter mile short of his intended target. There were no transmissions received from Dean concerning any aircraft malfunctions and a ground team verified that he was still in the aircraft at impact and death was instantaneous. There had not been any reported
Lieutenant Krueger’s awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with “V”, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one service star, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross (Unit Citation), and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
enemy ground fire in the area on this date; however, enemy reactions had been intense on previous strikes. It is my opinion that Dean was hit by ground fire and was unable to recover or eject prior to impact.”
The following details of an earlier incident are provided in the citation which accompanied the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumous). “First Lieutenant Dean W. Krueger distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-37 pilot in Southeast Asia on 26 February 1971. On that date Lieutenant Krueger’s flight attached a hostile builtup area. Despite the constant threat of ground fire and poor weather conditions, Lieutenant Krueger made repeated passes on the hostile positions, placing ordnance exactly on the Forward Air Controllers’ marks. Because of Lieutenant Krueger’s aggressiveness and accuracy, the hostile location was completely destroyed.”
Funeral services were conducted on April 3, 1971 at the First Presbyterian Church in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, with burial in the Evergreen Cemetery.
Lieutenant Krueger’s name appears on the University of Wisconsin-Madison Gold Star Honor Roll.
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Birth Sept. 13, 1944
Hometown Lake Forest, Illinois
Parents
Military branch Army
PAUL EDWARD MATTSON
Early Life
Paul Mattson was born on Sept. 13, 1944 in Lake Forest, Illinois, to Eric G. and Hilda Louise (Jernberg) Mattson. He had a sister, Arlene, and a brother, Robert.
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Mattson graduated from Lake Forest High School in 1963 and attended UW-Platteville for two years, where he majored in engineering. He worked for the Illinois State Highway Department as a draftsman before enlisting in the army.
Military
Mattson enlisted in the Army in Chicago, Illinois, and began his basic training on May 19, 1966, followed by advanced individual training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Following advanced individual training, he attended an eight-week personnel specialist course. He was designated as a Light Weapons Infantryman and served as a light truck driver and infantry operations and intelligence specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry, United States Army Europe from Sept. 30, 1966 to Nov. 28, 1967.
On Jan. 19, 1968, Specialist 4 Mattson reported to Company E, 4th Battalion, 3rd infantry, 11th Light Infantry Brigade, 23rd Division (Americal) Division in Vietnam. There he served with the reconnaissance platoon in the Chu Lai area of the Quang Ngai Province. On April 20, 1968, Mattson lost his life from wounds received on combat operations when hit by fragments from a hostile land mine.
Mattson was awarded a Bronze Star posthumously. The accompanying citation reads that “he 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
Paul Mattson’s name appears on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washinton D.C., on panel 51E, line 9.
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Eric G. and Hilda Louise (Jernberg) Mattson
Among Specialist 4 Mattson’s awards are the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three service stars, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. Additional awards include the Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar.
Birth Nov. 20, 1944
Hometown Fennimore, Wisconsin
Parents Francis M. and Loretto (Trainor) Mulvey
Military branch Army
FRANCIS TRAINOR MULVEY JR.
Early Life
Francis Mulvey was born in Madison, Wisconsin, on Nov. 20, 1944 and was the only child of Francis M. and Loretto (Trainor) Mulvey.
The Mulvey family resided in Fennimore, Wisconsin. Francis, also known as Francie, attended St. Mary’s Catholic Grade School followed by attendance at the Fennimore High School, class of 1963. During his high school years, he was active in athletics, being on the football team all four years. He was on the baseball team as a freshman and was the basketball and track team’s manager. He was in chorus his junior and senior years. Additionally, he played Robert Ablett in the play “Red House Mystery.” He was active backstage in the community’s “Little Theater” and the Democrat Party.
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Mulvey attended UW-Platteville from 1963 to 1967, where he studied business and comprehensive social science. He left school after his mother’s death in August 1967.
Military Mulvey joined the Army and began basic training on Nov. 29, 1967 at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He attended advanced individual training at Fort Polk, Louisiana and was designated as an Infantryman.
He reported for duty in the Republic of Vietnam on May 23, 1968 and was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion (Mechanized) 50th Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade.
On Aug. 25, elements of B Company were attacked by an estimated company size unit of enemy soldiers in the Binh Din Province. Heavy fire rained down on the Americans in the form of small arms, automatic weapons, and B-40 rockets. An attached artillery forward observer grabbed a radio from the unit’s radioman who had been shot and subsequently was killed himself while calling for artillery support during the fierce fighting. Helicopter gunships were the first to respond and sprayed the enemy with their arsenal of automatic weapons and rockets.
Francis Mulvey’s name appears on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washinton D.C., on panel W46, line 18.
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Mulvey reacted by trying to establish radio contact with higher headquarters but was unsuccessful because the radio network was jammed. Realizing that any effort of radio contact was useless, he left his position and moved into the open to his platoon’s forward position at great risk to his life. There he grasped a machinegun and began placing heavy and effective fire on the enemy. As members of the platoon began to withdraw to avoid flanking maneuvers,
Mulvey was posthumously promoted to the rank of Corporal. His awards include the Bronze Star with valor device, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two service stars, Vietnam Military Merit Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, the Combat Infantry Badge, Marksman Badge with rifle bar, and Sharpshooter badge with machinegun bar.
Mulvey stayed behind to cover his comrades with machine gun fire. Shortly thereafter, intense hostile fire zeroed in on his position and he was mortally wounded.
Corporal Mulvey is buried in the St. Lawrence O’Toole Catholic Cemetery near Mt. Hope, Wisconsin.
His name appears on the Fennimore Veterans Memorial.
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Birth June 30, 1947
Hometown Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Parents Ralph L. and Ann B. (Radocha)
Military branch Army
Perlewitz
BRIAN SCOTT PERLEWITZ
Early Life
Brian Perlewitz was born on June 30, 1947 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Ralph L. and Ann B. (Radocha) Perlewitz. He had two brothers, Roger and Mark, and a sister, Susan. The Perlewitz family lived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Ralph Perlewitz served as an Army Lieutenant during World War II. Brian was a 1965 graduate of Custer High School in Milwaukee. While in high school, he was a member of the wrestling and football teams.
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Perlewitz attended UW-Platteville in the fall of 1965 and continued his enrollment for one and a half years. He was pursuing an engineering major. He had a fiancée, Bonnie Hempel.
Military
Perlewitz enlisted in the Army on March 22, 1967. After completing basic training at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, he attended Advanced Individual Training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, from May 29, 1967 to July 28, 1967 where he was assigned the Military Occupational Specialty of Infantry Individual Fire Crewman. Ordered to Vietnam, he reported on Aug. 21, 1967 and was assigned to Company A, 4th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade. Six months into his tour, he requested a transfer to serve as a helicopter aerial (door) gunner. That request was not approved based on the need of a continued requirement of his specialty with his unit.
The citation accompanying a Bronze Star Medal with “V” provides details of his heroic actions follows: “Private First Class Perlewitz distinguished himself by heroism in connection with ground operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 6 December 1967 while assigned to Company A, 4th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade. On that date, Private First Class Perlewitz was serving as a rifleman on a search and destroy operation when his company became heavily engaged in combat with a Viet Cong battalion. As the company mounted an assault on enemy positions, it immediately began suffering numerous casualties when the insurgents
Brian Perlewitz’s name appears on the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C., on panel 45E, line 58.
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detonated claymore mines in its advancing elements. Observing a wounded comrade lying in an open area, Private First Class Perlewitz, with complete disregard for his own safety, rushed through intense enemy automatic weapons fire to administer first aid to the wounded soldier. As Private First Class Perlewitz was attempting to rejoin his comrades and renew the attack, the order was issued to disengage. He returned to his wounded comrade and carried him fifty meters to a small landing zone for evacuation. After the company had been reinforced, a second assault was mounted against the well-entrenched enemy. He again exposed himself to intense fire in order to aid another injured man. Although an armed claymore mine was immediately to his front, he remained with his wounded comrade and continued to place effective fire upon the enemy. Because of his courage, the lives of two comrades were saved. Private First Class Perlewitz’s valorous actions and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 199th Light Infantry Brigade, and the United States Army.”
Perlewitz’s awards include the Bronze Star Medal with valor device and an Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two service stars, Vietnam Military Merit Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Valorous Unit Award, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Vietnam Civic Action Unit Citation, Combat Infantry Badge, and the Expert Badge with rifle bar.
Specialist Four Perlewitz again distinguished himself by heroism. The citation accompanying a second Bronze Star Medal with “V” follows: “Specialist Four Perlewitz distinguished himself by heroism in connection with ground operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 22 March 1968 while assigned to Company A 4th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade. On that date, Specialist Perlewitz was acting squad leader with his company’s lead element on a search and destroy operation near the village of Thai Hang in Bien Hoa Province. As his squad was moving through dense underbrush, Viet Cong activity was detected to its front. Realizing the possibility of an ambush, Specialist Perlewitz unhesitatingly advanced to the front of the formation to determine enemy positions and to provide early warning in case of a Viet Cong attack. Through the thick jungle, he observed an enemy bunker complex. With complete disregard for his own safety, Specialist Perlewitz exposed himself in order to direct his squad’s deployment and point out enemy positions. Without warning, the Viet Cong detonated a claymore mine mortally wounding Perlewitz. Specialist
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Continued on page 32
Birth June 24, 1945
Hometown Dubuque, Iowa
Parents
Eugene and Marian (Oneyear) Sutherland
Military branch Navy
RICHARD EUGENE SUTHERLAND
Early Life
Richard Sutherland was born in Dubuque, Iowa, on June 24, 1945 to Marian (Oneyear) and Eugene Sutherland. He had two younger sisters, Carol and Jeanne. The Sutherland family lived in Dubuque. Eugene Sutherland served as a Navy Corpsman in the South Pacific during World War II.
Sutherland attended Wahlert High School from 1959–61 and Dubuque Senior High School from 1961 until graduating in 1963.
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Sutherland attended UW-Platteville from 1964 to 1965 with the goal of becoming a psychologist.
Military
After a close friend was killed in Vietnam, Sutherland joined the Selected Naval Reserve, Naval Reserve Surface Division (M) at the Naval Reserve Training Center, in Dubuque on Aug. 25, 1965. There, he was advanced to the rate of Seaman Apprentice (SA) (E-3). Before reporting for active duty on Sept. 8, 1966, the only time spent away from his Reserve Unit in Dubuque was time spent at Great Lakes, Illinois from July 16–29, 1966.
Upon reporting for active duty to Naval Station San Diego, California on Sept. 8, 1966, he struck for the Hospitalman (HM) rate. From Sept. 14 to Dec. 22, 1966, he attended Navy Hospital Corps School in San Diego. He attended Field Medical School at Camp Pendleton, California from Jan. 5 to Feb. 7, 1967. Upon completion of training, he cared for hospitalized wounded Sailors and Marines at the San Diego (Balboa) Naval Hospital. After receiving orders and before deploying to Vietnam, he married Cynthia McComish, of Dubuque on Feb. 25, 1967.
Having been promoted to the rate of HN, Hospitalman (E-3), he reported to Vietnam on Aug. 30, 1967 and was assigned to Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Battalion 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Division. In 1967, the 9th Marines had become involved in some of the bitterest fighting of the war. In September of that year, an outpost
Richard Sutherland’s name appears in the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. on panel 26E, line 108.
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at Con Thien, Quang Tri Province, near the DMZ, came under one of the heaviest artillery poundings of the war, lasting 12 days. Elements of the regiment who manned the outpost, believed to be Hill 158, turned back several NVA assaults, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers. With the aid of air and artillery support, the 9th Marines turned the enemy attack into an enemy disaster. During the period of July 16 to Oct. 31, 1967, known as Operation Kingfisher, Marine,
Among Sutherland’s awards are the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Meritorious Commendation, Navy Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one service star and FMF Combat Operations Insignia, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Vietnam Civil Action Unit Citation, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.
including Navy, casualties were 340 dead and 1,461 wounded. HN Sutherland was among those killed when he was struck by enemy artillery fire on Sept. 21, 1967. On that day 2nd Battalion 9th Marines suffered 7 Marines and 2 Navy Corpsman killed.
Hospitalman Sutherland is buried in the Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.
Birth March 30, 1949
Hometown Guttenberg, Iowa
Parents Marvin W. and Ariel (Mueller) Zittergruen
Military branch Army
LOUIS LLOYD ZITTERGRUEN
Early Life
Louis “Louie” Zittergruen was born on March 30, 1949 in Guttenberg, Iowa, to Marvin W. and Ariel (Mueller) Zittergruen. He had two brothers, Sheryl and Duane. Duane perished in a house fire in 1951 when he was 18 months old. Sheryl served in the Army including a tour in Vietnam. He had two sisters, Shirley and Linda.
Zittergruen and his siblings grew up on the family farm near Monona, Iowa. He attended the Monona Farmersburg Luana High School, where he was an outstanding football player and member of the track team. He earned a trip to the state track meet by excelling at the longer distances. He was a talented musician, playing the contrabass clarinet and also played the bass drum in the marching band. He was chosen to travel in Europe with the Band of America. He was known for his singing abilities and was a member of the choir at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Monona, where he was an active participant in the youth program.
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
After graduation from high school, class of 1967, he matriculated at UW-Platteville for one year and was pursuing an engineering degree. The next year, he attended the Area 10 Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Military
On July 8, 1969, Zittergruen entered service with the Army and attended basic training and advanced individual training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, where he was assigned the military occupational specialty of 11B10 Infantryman.
In January 1970, he was ordered to Vietnam where he received additional training at the Americal Combat Center. He was assigned to 2d Platoon, B Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry, 11th Light Infantry Brigade, 23rd (Americal) Division.
PFC Zittergruen was supposed to have been on R&R in Japan, however he remained in Vietnam. On July 17, 1970, an M113 Armored Personnel
Louis Zittergruen’s name appears on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. on panel W8, line 26.
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Carrier from E Troop 1st Cavalry, 11th Infantry was on a search and clear mission about seven and a half miles northwest of the Quang Ngai Airfield when it detonated a concealed 250-pound bomb. Private First Class Zittergruen was among the six soldiers who were killed with nine more soldiers being wounded.
Zittergruen was awarded the Bronze Star, posthumously. The citation provides the following: “For distinguishing himself [Private First Class Zittergruen] by outstanding meritorious service in connection with ground operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam during the period of 12 January 1970 to 17 July 1970. Through his untiring efforts and professional ability, he consistently obtained outstanding results. He was quick to grasp the implications of new problems with which he was faced
Among Private First Class Zittergruen’s awards are the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three service stars, Vietnam Military Merit Medal, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. Additional awards include the Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, the Sharpshooter Badge with automatic rifle bar, and the Combat Infantry Badge.
as a result of the ever changing situations inherent in a counterinsurgency operation and to find ways and means to solve those problems. The energetic application of his extensive knowledge has materially contributed to the efforts of the United States mission to the Republic of Vietnam to assist that country in ridding itself of the communist threat to its freedom. His initiative, zeal, sound judgement and devotion to duty have been in the highest tradition of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the military service.”
Services for Private First Class Zittergruen were held on July 27, 1970 at the St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Monona. Burial was in the Monona Cemetery.
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Special Thanks to those who assisted and contributed to the development of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.
Project vision and research to make this memorial possible
LtCol Mac D. Kolar, USMC, Retired Dr. James Lawton
Dr. David Krugler – Professor, UW-Platteville
Patricia Ballweg – Southwest Wisconsin Room, UW-Platteville Arghya Das, Ph.D., UW-Platteville
Memorial stone, plaque, and site location build
International Bronze Midwest Decorative Stone & Landscape
Big River Engraving UW-Platteville Facilities Management Team
Dr. Donita Cartmill – Professor, UW-Platteville
UW-Platteville Campus Committee
Johanna Belken
Josh Boots
Paul Erickson
Chief Joseph Hallman
Katrina Hecimovic
Shelby Lang Missy Lipska April McNett
Angela Miller Kayla Mohr
Haley Morrissey
John Niehaus
Alison Parkins
Rebekah Poh Debi Sigwarth
Crystal Taylor Andrew Timmerman Greg Tremelling Tyler Uhls Dr. Wayne Weber
Contributions of UW-Platteville Wright Center
College of BILSA College of LAE College of EMS Campus Climate University Relations
Additional Contributors
Office of Congressman Ron Kind, U.S. Congress, Wisconsin 3rd District
Mark Aumann, Staff of Congressman Ron Kind
Kim Craft – Together We Served Dan Pelgrin – Vets Club, UW-Platteville
Donors
Platteville American Legion Montfort VFW
John Lamb in honor of Dean Krueger Ted and Monica Atkinson Dr. JoAnn Wilson Karen Demaree
BRIAN SCOTT PERLEWITZ - Continued from page 27
Four Perlewitz’s valorous actions, and devotion to duty, at the cost of his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflected great credit upon himself, the 199th Light Infantry Brigade and the United States Army.”
Specialist Perlewitz is buried in the Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum in Milwaukee.
The family of Brian Perlewitz writes, “Our Brother Brian was your typical teenager who loved hunting, fishing, camping, and fixing cars. What made him special was his ability to help family and friends with anything; repair or update problems in their home, refinish a bathroom, change the oil or flat tire on the car. Any small task that overwhelmed relatives was easily tackled by Brian.
His confidence, devotion, and leadership were just beginning to exert itself as was his endurance to face tasks that had to be done and accept that role.
Little did we the siblings foresee the heroism that Brian would exhibit to disregard his own wellbeing and save lives, and it did not surprise us one bit.
We are blessed and have a gift in remembering the attributes of a true hero. Our favorite picture of Brian is him lying in the bush of Vietnam, in full army camouflage, with his weapons at his side and a big smile on his face. A happy moment in his life we will always treasure. Thank you for honoring Brian and all the service members today.”
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