Aberdeen in Brown County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Aberdeen, South Dakota Vietnam Veterans Memorial
(northwest section, side 1)
Day is done. Gone the sun.
From the lake. From the hills. From the sky:
All is well. Safely rest: God is nigh.
Fading light. Dims the sight.
And a star gems the sky. Gleaming bright.
From afar drawing nigh. Falls the night.
Then good night. Peaceful night.
Till the light of the dawn shineth bright;
God is near. Do not fear friend. Good night!
(northwest section, side 2)
"If you are able,
Save for them a place
Inside of you…
And save one backward glance
When you are leaving
For the places they can
No longer go
Be not ashamed to say
You loved them,
Though you may or
May not have always
Take what they have left
And what they have taught you
With their dying
And keep it with your own …
And in that time
When men decide and feel safe
To call the war insane,
Take one moment to embrace
Those gentle heroes
You left behind…"
Written by Army MAJ. Michael Davis O'Donell
New Years day 1970 on a Vietnam battlefield.
(northeast section, side 1)
[scenes of war]
(northeast section, side 2)
Is but one time wound.
And no man should have
The power to tell at
What hour - late or early -
The hands will finally stop.
Navy Disbursing Officer, So. China Sea
Ronald R. Schnaidt 8-6-1946 - 4-5-1967
Air Force Loadmaster, Tan Son Nhut
Lanny R. Krage 1-31-1947 - 4-21-1967
Marine Corps Infantryman, Da Nang
Joel C. Kervin 12-13-1848 - 5-3-1967
Army Rifleman, Da Nang
Charles J. Milbrandt 7-27-1947 - 5-13-1967
Army APC Driver, Pleiku
Bernhardt W. Miller 9-20-1942 - 11-10-1967
Army Rifleman, Dak To
Vern J. Fried 5-9-1948 - 2-7-1968
Marine Corps Infantryman, Quang Tri
Richard F. Rennolet 5-12-1949-4-14-1968
Army Long Range Patrol, Bien Hoa
William E. Pasch 10-3-1947 - 5-11-1968
Army Tank Crewman, Ban Cat
Dennis R. Volk 3-25-1947-6-5-1968
Army Company Clerk, Lai Khe
Donald D. Korb 3-25-1947-6-5-1968
Army Platoon Sergeant, Phouc Vinh
Edgar D. Matthews 1-6-1919-6-3-1970
Army Supply Sergeant, Can Tho
Donald D. Lalyton 4-26-1949-8-4-1970
Army Rifleman, Chu Lai
Lonnie L. Stern 6-6-1949-1-3-1971
Army Transportation Crewman, Da Nang
"Ask not what your country can do for you,
But what you can do for your country"
-J.F.K.-
(south section, side 1)
[map of Vietnam]
(south section, side 2)
To those who gave their lives,
May we never forget their sacrifice
To those still missing,
Let us strive for their return
Or a full accounting.
To those who were disabled,
May they find comfort and peace.
To all who serve and returned,
Sincere Gratitude.
The Vietnam War was the longest in our nation's history. Two American advisors were killed on July 8, 1959 and the last casualties in connection with the war occurred on May 15, 1975 during the Mayaquez incident. Approximately 2.7 million Americans served in the war zone. 300,000 were wounded and approximately 75,000 permanently disabled. Of the casualties, about 2,400 remain missing and unaccounted for. Over 58,000 were killed.
Brown County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Organization
In consideration of the community of Aberdeen and the area of Brown County, we veterans and concerned citizens have joined together in order to procure funding for and erect a memorial to Brown County Vietnam veterans. Our organization is devoid of any political ramifications and has no intention of prolonging the conflicts associated with the Vietnam War. But rather, to act as a catalyst to identify and memorialize those brave men and women who, for whatever reasons, surrendered their lives in the Vietnam War Furthermore, it is our hope that this endeavor will serve as a healing process and that all those individuals who experienced the Vietnam War, whether citizen or soldier, may find comfort and peace.
Dedicated Nov. 11, 1987
Brown County Vietnam Veterans
Erected 1987 by the Brown County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Organization. (Marker Number 554.)
Topics and series. This historical marker and memorial is listed in this topic list: War, Vietnam. In addition, it is included in the South Dakota State Historical Society Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1970.
Location. 45° 27.536′ N, 98° 28.135′ W. Marker is in Aberdeen, South Dakota, in Brown County. Marker is on 6th Avenue Southeast (U.S. 12) east of South Harrison Street, on the left when traveling west. This memorial is located in Anderson Park near the Aberdeen Area Senior Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1303 7th Ave SE, Aberdeen SD 57401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. South Dakota Boy's State (approx. 0.8 miles away); Northern State University World War I Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away); Northern State University Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away); First United Methodist Church (approx. 0.9 miles away); The Great Northern Railroad Depot (approx. 0.9 miles away); Masonic Temple, Aberdeen (approx. 0.9 miles away); Brown County Courthouse (approx. 0.9 miles away); Dacotah Prairie Museum (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Aberdeen.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 14, 2018, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 270 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 27, 2022. 2. submitted on January 14, 2018, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. 3. submitted on September 27, 2022. 4. submitted on January 14, 2018, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. 5, 6. submitted on September 27, 2022. 7. submitted on January 14, 2018, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.