Naperville in DuPage County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Sp 5 Kenneth J. Shimp
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, July 5, 2026
1. Sp 5 Kenneth J. Shimp Marker
April 1967-June 1968
Born: April 13, 1947
Enlisted: September 1966
Arrived in Vietnam April 1967
Awarded first Air Medal with "V" device with one Oak Leaf Cluster for distinguished meritorious achievement in sustained aerial flight support of combat ground forces of the Republic of Vietnam during the period of April 14, to September 21, 1967.
Awarded the Bronze Star with "V" device for Heroism and an extended tour of duty July 7, 1968 in connection with military operations against hostile forces May 2, 1968.
Awarded second Air Medal with 27 Oak Leaf Clusters July 7, 1968 signifying that he completed 750 combat missions in Vietnam.
Departed Vietnam June 1968
Discharged from service October 1968
Employed by the City of Naperville August 30, 1970 to May 22, 1975
Died in a work-related accident May 22, 1975, 28 years, 30 days old.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, Vietnam. In addition, it is included in the Valor in Aerial Operations series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1967.
Location. 41° 45.531′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Gold Star Families Memorial Monument (here, next to this marker); Celebration of Peace (a few steps from this marker); Revolutionary War Patriots (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Park: Remembrance, Nature and Community Service (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Restoring the Riverbank at Lincoln Greenway
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, July 5, 2026
2. Sp 5 Kenneth J. Shimp Marker
The marker is next to the tree in the far background, near the Gold Star Families Memorial.
Regarding Sp 5 Kenneth J. Shimp. Details about Ken Shimp's death in 1975 at age 28 could not be immediately found. He was raised in Naperville and attended Naperville High School (now Naperville Central). He is buried at Naperville Cemetery, about a mile northwest of here.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 9, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 3 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 9, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
