In Memory of CPL Donald (Don) Ragsdale ......(HHC) attached to Company C
A "Currahee Brother" who was killed in action (KIA). We invite all Currahee Brothers which were friends of his and knew him well to make some comments.
Donald Ray O. Ragsdale, CPL E3 __________________________________ KIA on April 1st, 1970 in Thua Thien Province, RVN ________________ Cause: Combat, Hostile Enemy Action, Mortar Fire _ Born: Febuary 2, 1948 in Dewey , OK _________________________ __ Vietnam Memorial Wall Coordinates: W12 Line 74
DONALD RAGSDALE, CORPORAL, U.S. ARMY, DEWEY, OKLAHOMA
AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Combat Infantryman's Badge (CIB), Paratrooper Wings, Air Assaut Wings, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal
Charlie Company 2016 Memorial for Don Ragsdale
We arrived at Bartlesville OK where Donald Ragsdale is buried in Memorial Park Cemetery Bartlesville. We had received a map showing the location but when we located the site it as not where they had marked. Quickly Glenn Shuman and Glenn Green began the search which would take over 30 minutes to locate and begin preparing for the memorial.
People began to arrive and told us they were expecting several to join. Vic Rubidoux came from Perkins OK joined us at this location. A young police officer arrived then led the procession to Don's gravesite. There Gary, Vic, escorted the two sisters Dorothy and Weavon, an older lady escorted by Glenn Green, who had joined telling us "her son died in Vietnam and this memorial was meaningful to her too". Glenn Shuman escorted Don's daughter Rebecca, who was a baby when Don was killed in Vietnam. Along with Rebecca was her daughter and granddaughter to remember their father, grandfather and great grandfather. Rebecca said "I was only a baby and this was important to have this memorial; it brings needed closure, know who my father was and knowing he has never been forgotten". His sister Weavon told me she had read the Ripcord book many times trying to find her brothers name. I asked if she remembered the young pathfinder who took the place of a brother and was guiding in the helicopters on the firebase? She tearfully sobbed and finished the story in the book which she knew by heart, "I finally know that was my brother, I have needed to know for 46 years." Peace comes in many different ways. Her older sister Dorothy wasn't smiling when she asked "why did it take you 46 years, I couldn't have waited much longer?" I told her the first 20 years we run from the war, the next 10 we had tried to forget and bury the memories but we realized by facing those memories together we have found many of the answers we have been looking for 46 years. We are here because we remember and it is the right thing to do.
It was the normal ceremony with prayer, introductions, plaque, poems, honors/taps. What a beautiful day to remember. We visited for a few minutes and it was time to head to Oklahoma City for another memorial.
To our fallen Brother! We will never forget you. . "Together, Then, Now, & Always!!"
"Thank you brother for a job well done". Until we meet again my friend ..... "Currahee"......"Stands Alone"
Send your comments, write-ups, and info for posting to ... rparmley@verizon.net
