The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, PFC Lawrence Allen Letterman, who died in the service of his country on November 13th, 1967 in Quang Tin Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Recoilless Rifle Fire, Securing Downed Chopper. At the time of his death Lawrence was 22 years of age. He was from Seattle, Washington. Lawrence is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 29E, Line 90.
The decorations earned by PFC Lawrence Allen Letterman include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star, 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.
Foster Youth Dies in Viet Copter Crash
Last rites will be held Friday at 1 from Washington Memorial Funeral Home for Larry A. Letterman. Larry was killed near Da Nang. Vietnam, on November 13 (1967). His squad was on a late evening mission via helicopter when the aircraft was subjected to intense hostile rifle fire which knocked out its power and caused it to crash. Letterman was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ray H. Letterman, 15022 Military Rd. S. Born in Seattle, 5 Sep 1945 he spent virtually his entire life in this area. He attended Showalter Elementary School and Foster Junior and Senior High Schools where he participated in band for nine years and was a basketball letterman. He attended college in Phoenix Arizona for a year and was a student at Central Washington State College when he entered the service. Besides his parents, Larry is survived by a brother, Les, and a sister, Linda Abernathy, as well as two grandmothers, Mrs. Ella Letterman and Mrs. Leola Hymmen. The family suggests that gifts in his memory may be sent to Duane Magee, Foster High School. Burial will be in Washington Memorial Park, Seattle (Record-Chronicle, Renton WA 22 Nov 1967)
Never Forgotten
Posted for: LAWRENCE ALLEN LETTERMAN:
Hi Larry,
I remember that day well, the day you left us. As we rode in the chopper you gave me your feelings about the war. I knew then that you were one good person. You taught me a lot that day in the things you said. I got down off the chopper that was to be taken away. I walked over to you and we sat down on the rice patty dike. As we sat there and talked, I finally felt like I was part of the squad and your friend. I remember so well how you took me under your care and taught me the ways of Nam. Then the rocket hit as we sit there side by side. I hollered "lets head for cover" and took off. Then I realized that you were not behind me. I ran back to you.
I held you for a moment and I knew. Why you and not me. We sitting side by side, why you my friend and not me. I have carried memories of you in my heart all this time. As long as I live your spirit will remain with me. You my dear fellow comrade will always remain young, true to your beliefs, and with God. You my friend will never be forgotten.......
Mike
Posted by: Mike McCann
Email:
Relationship: We served together
Wednesday, February 19, 2003
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