The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, PFC Ronald Wayne Ward, who died in the service of his country on May 22nd, 1967 in Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Small Arms/AW. At the time of his death Ronald was 19 years of age. He was from Alexandria, Virginia. Ronald is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 20E, Line 88.
The decorations earned by PFC Ronald Wayne Ward include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star with V, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.
Buried in the Mt. Comfort Cemetery/ 6600 S. Kings Hwy/ Alexandria, VA. Alexandria is a southwestern suburb of Washington DC. Take Exit 177 (Rt 1 south) off of the Washington Beltway on the south side (note this is the last Virginia exit before crossing the river to MD) Go south on Rt 1 about 1 1/2 miles to where Rt 1 meets Rt 241. At this intersection you should also be able to turn right onto Kings Hwy (southwest). (Note: It gets a little confusing here. What actually happens is that you come to 2 intersections for N. Kings Hwy. They are about a block apart and both at traffic lights. When coming from the Washington Beltway on Rt 1 take the 2nd N Kings Hwy. Turn right here and then immediately left again and this is S. Kings Hwy) Go about .7 miles to cemetery at 6600 S. Kings Hwy on your right.. Within the cemetery he is buried in the Garden of Mt. Eagle section in Lot 9 - 10 C Site 5. When you enter the cemetery there is a large brick columned building straight ahead. Turn left just in front of this building. As you go around the curve of the road here (and before the next curve) there will be a sign post that says "Mt. Eagle". Ronald is buried just before you get to this sign post and about 3 rows in. His father (Edward W. Ward Jr died Jan 13, 2001) is buried beside him. (visited by Jim Hall in May 2004)
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(His BSV Citation)
Award Of The Bronze Star Medal For Heroism
For heroism in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. On 22 May 1967, Private First Class Ward distinguished himself while serving as a Rifleman in Company B, 1/35th Infantry, as it conducted a search and destroy mission near Duc Pho. As the company entered a small village, there was an outbreak of automatic weapons fire. The enemy hit two men almost immediately, and when they fell, they lay still exposed to the enemy's fire. Private First Class Ward had been advancing with the rest of the company when he saw the plight of the wounded men. Unhesitatingly, he dashed through the intense enemy fire to the side of the wounded men; and he and another soldier evacuated one of the wounded. He then returned to the exposed area and, placing a highly effective fire on the enemy positions, he covered the removal of the other stricken man. He was mortally wounded in the course of this heroic action, but as a result of his bravery, both the wounded men had been carried to safety. Private First Class Wards personal bravery and dedication to his fellow soldiers are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
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