The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, PFC Richard Martin Vasko, who died in the service of his country on February 7th, 1968 in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Small Arms/AW. At the time of his death Richard was 21 years of age. He was from Swanton, Ohio. Richard is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 38E, Line 17.
The decorations earned by PFC Richard Martin Vasko include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, 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.
The following news story was taken from the Swanton Enterprise newspaper from approximately March 5 - 10, 1968.
Swanton man Killed in Vietnam
Pvt. Richard M. Vasko, son of Mr. And Mrs. Alfred Vasko, Swanton, was killed in action on Vietnam on February 7. He died of gunshot wounds received during action in the DaNang area. He had been in Vietnam 96 days, and had previously been listed as missing.
Private Vasko was drafted in January 1967 and was sent to Vietnam on November 3. He was a 1964 graduate of Swanton High School; a member of St. Richards Church, and had attended Ohio State University for 2 1/2 years. He was the recipient of the Swanton Exchange Club's first scholarship award, and was camp counselor for the Boys Club of Toledo. Also surviving are brothers, Christopher, Gregory, and Martin and sisters, Regina, Helen and Carla.
Funeral services were held March 5 at St. Richard's Church with military rites and burial in the church cemetery. The Swanton business district and residents of Swanton are observing a mourning period through March 8 and will fly the American flag at half mast in respect for Pvt. Vasko.
I took this picture. Richard and I went to basic and AIT together. He started me in bird watching every day we would travel to training he would comment on what bird was what and what call they made. He kept me laughing all the time. He lives in my dearest memories. Col. R.V. Baker U.S Army (Ret) Posted by: Col.R.V. Baker (Ret) PhD.
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