He had served from 12/1/1961 to 6/8/1965 with Co K3 Bn 3 MAR DVI PH oft he US Marines.
According to the communique reporting his death, he received "gunshotw ounds in the chest from hostile forces while on patrol duty in thevici nity of Chu Lai, Republic of Viet Nam." He had been on duty inViet Na m for only 2 months.
As the first Coles County casualty of the Viet Nam War, a memorial wase rected in Peterson Park, Mattoon, consisting of a flag pole and abould er bearing a plaque. The memorial was dedicated during aceremony with a ddresses made by two congressmen who said the Earl had"given his ultim ate for the freedom we enjoy." There were several
newspaper articles detailing those final events.
The funeral was held at the Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral home in Mattoonwit h Rev Earl O'Neal officiating and full military graveside rites.
