A cross, constructed of wooden beams, carried to the top of a (appox) 900ft hill outside our base camp, erected by digging a hole to place the cross base in and piling rocks around it. Placed on the vertical piece was a plaque stating the cross was a memorial to the US military members who fought in Vietnam. We served our Time in Vietnam with the US Army. While we were doing that, we erected what we believe to be the World’s First Vietnam Veterans Memorial erected in-country by US Servicemen. Placed on the vertical piece was a brass plaque attesting to the fact that this memorial was “in honor of the US Servicemen” who had fought in Vietnam. The plaque was dated “28OCT1968.” And we’re proud of it. Participating in this project were; Bill Atkeison, now living in Semmes, Alabama. Larry Trusty, now living in Dayton, Ohio. Eddie Ledden, now living in Largo, Florida. Wayne Wylie, now living in St Paul, Minnesota. Jim Carwell, now living in Eglin, South Carolina. Gust Teague, deceased, November 6, 2013, in Fairfield, Ohio. Bob Gorse, deceased Sep 10, 2016 in Largo, Florida. Jim Fox, deceased, 2010, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Dave Behrens, deceased, 2010, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Will Padgett, living in Goose Creek, South Carolina. Chuck Bennett now lives in Alpena, Michigan.
Installation Date:
28 Oct 1968
Organization Responsible for Installation:
Bill Atkeison and others
Memorial War Era(s):
- Vietnam
Memorial Condition:
Poor
Location:
Located in II Corps area, South Vietnam; about a mile south of Hwy 19, a few miles east of An Khe Mountain.