Vietnam War

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Catawba County
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FAMILY
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SERVED

The LOFTINS
Boggs, James Russell
Peeler, James Calvin
Poovey, Charles Ray
Sigmon, Wm Spencer Jr.

The SETZERS
Burns, Larry
Poovey, Charles Ray


The GOBLES
Goble, Raymond Boyd


The JOHNSONS
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FAMILY
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LOFTIN:
Beatty
Corzine
Cranford
Fisher
Givens
Harwell
Kaiser
Lanier
Lomax
McCorkle
Rudisill
Sherrill
Upright
Washington
Work

SETZER:
Aderholdt
Barringer
Bovey
Bushart
Deal
Heavner
Herman
Ikert
Miller
Motz
Rankin
Witherspoon

GOBLE:
Babst/Bobst
Douglas
Faber
Fink
Fulbright
Hefner
Meinhert
Miller
Muller
Pabst/Bobst
Robinson

JOHNSON:
Corzine
Fink
Hamilton
Kaiser
Leslie
Lewis
Moore
Sherrill
Upright
Wilkinson

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Our Family in the Vietnam War                                                             01 November 1955 - 30 April 1975 LOCATION: South Vietnam, North Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos   The Vietnam War (also called the Second Indochina War or the Vietnam Conflict) was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its Communist allies, and the government of South Vietnam, supported by the United States and other anti-Communist countries.     Vietnam uniform and gear for the "Military Timeline" at Fort Dobbs, Statesville, NC   Photos courtesy of Curtis Loftin   South Vietnam was a state which governed southern Vietnam until 1975. It received international recognition in 1950 as the State of Vietnam (1949–55) and later as the Republic of Vietnam (1955–75). Its capital was Saigon. The terms South Vietnam and North Vietnam became common usage in 1954 at the time of the Geneva Conference, which partitioned Vietnam into Communist and non-Communist zones at the 17th parallel.   Great Britain did not get involved with the war.       Leaders During the Vietnam War           SOUTH VIETNAM ALLIES  -  ANTI-COMMUNIST FORCES   SOUTH VIETNAM   UNITED STATES   SOUTH KOREA     President   President   President Tran Van Tra   Lyndon B. Johnson   Park Chung-hee           Other Countries who joined the Anti-Communist Forces           AUSTRALIA   NEW ZEALAND   PHILIPPINES               THAILAND   KINGDOM OF LAOS   (Supported by) SPAIN                                     NORTH VIETNAM ALLIES - COMMUNIST ALLIES   NORTH VIETNAM   CHINA   USSR     President   Chairman   General Secretary Ho Chi Minh   Mao Tse Tung   Nikita Khrushchev                       Vietnam War Conclusions:  Decisive American defeat, withdrawal of American forces from Indochina, dissolution of South Vietnam, Communist governments take power in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.         Military Seals                   Vietnam War Family Involvement     Members of various branches of our family served in some capacity in the military during the Vietnam War.   Catawba County War Memorial Newton, North Carolina The plaque on the right lists the names of those who died during the Vietnam War         The LOFTINS         BOGGS, Rev. Col. James Russell b. 18 Nov 1923 - 22 Jul 2010   Son of Fitzhugh Boggs and Verdie Lee Loftin Husband of Mary Olivia Cloninger Grandson of Alonzo Lester Loftin & Cornelia Estelle Lowrance       Enlistment Date: 1954 Enlistment State: ?? Enlistment City: ?? Age at Time of Enlistment: 31 Branch: U.S. Army Grade: Colonel Education: College Marital Status: Married Height: ?? Weight: ?? Locations: Vietnam, Germany, Okinawa Terms of Enlistment: 23 years Discharged: 1977   Draft Registration Card   OBITUARY   Rev. James Russell Boggs, a chaplain and retired U.S. Army colonel, 86, died Thursday, July 22, 2010, at home in Fort Worth. Service: 3 p.m. Monday at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, Fort Worth. The Rev. Dr. Craig Erickson and The Rev. Michael Masterson, pastor, will officiate. Interment: St. Mark's Lutheran Church Cemetery, Claremont, N.C.   Russell was born Nov. 18, 1923, the eldest son of the late Fitzhugh and Verdie Lee Loftin Boggs. He married Mary Olivia Cloninger of Claremont, N.C., in 1943.   Russell and Mary with Terry and Olivia   He was a graduate of Lenoir Rhyne University, Hickory, N.C., and Southern Lutheran Seminary, Columbia, S.C., and did advanced studies at Duke Divinity School, Durham, N.C. He received two honorary doctor of divinity degrees from Newberry College, Newberry, S.C., and Lenoir Rhyne University.   Rev. Boggs served as pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Liberty, N.C., and Cedar Grove Lutheran Church, Leesville, S.C. He was mission developer and pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Montgomery, Ala., and Hope Lutheran Church, Vance, S.C.   Chaplain Boggs served 23 years in the military, including tours of duty in Germany, Vietnam, Okinawa, the Army Air Defense Command and several other stateside assignments. He retired in 1977 as command chaplain, United States Army Europe. He also served as director of Chaplains and chaplain to Corps of Cadets, the Citadel, Charleston, S. C., and later as director of Church Relations at Newberry College, Newberry, S.C.   Russell and Mary returned to their home in Claremont, N.C., and later moved to Fort Worth, living and sharing in each place the life of church, civic community, the work of justice and mercy, the arts and the immense joys of food, flowers, family and friends - always abounding in faith, hope and the love of God that has found them.   Russell was preceded in death by his sister, Cornelia Boggs, and brothers, William B. and Walter Roy Boggs. Survivors: Mary Cloninger Boggs, his wife of 67 years and dearest friend of Fort Worth; daughter, Olivian Russell Boggs Boon and husband, James A. Boon, of Princeton, N.J.; son, the Rev. Dr. Terry K. Boggs and wife, Marcia VanGundy Boggs, of Fort Worth; grandchildren, Tili Cuille and husband, Lionel Cuille, of St. Louis, Jessica Boon, Dallas, Kristan VanGundy Boggs and Ashley Boggs Miller and husband, Brian C. Miller, Fort Worth; and great-grandchildren, Ian Cress Boggs, Alexander Christian and Abigail Lou Miller, Elena Livia and Remi James Cuille.   Russell was buried in the St. Mark's Lutheran Church Cemetery, Claremont, NC             PEELER, James "Jim" Calvin b. 11 Aug 1927 - 04 Sep 1988   Son of Cortez & Mattie J. Peeler Husband of Celia Jo Connor Son-in-Law of Willie Thelma Loftin Connor Lanier     Date Enlisted: 05 Jan 1946 Enlisted State: Mississippi Enlisted City: Camp Shelby Age at Time of Enlistment: 16 Branch: U. S. Army Grade: Private, SFC (Sergeant First Class) Education: 1 Yr. High School Marital Status: Single Length of Service: 25 years                James "Jim" Calvin Peeler was born 11 Aug 1927 in Cullman County, Alabama.  Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army toward the end of World War II on 05 Jan 1946 at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, at the age of 16 - and one year of high school.  You couldn't joint the Army at age 16, so Jim told them he was 18 when he enlisted - making the military his career and serving for 25 years.   Jim started as a Private but rose to the rank of Sergeant First Class, serving as a E7 Medic.   Jim served in the military at the end of World War II, during the Korean War and also during Vietnam - marrying Celia Jo Connor and raising a family while he traveled all over the world and serving his country.   Jim and Jo with Jeff and the twins, Jerry and Larry   Jim did a military tour in the Pacific, served in Northford, Virginia (where Jeff was born), Nuremberg, Germany (where the twins were born), in Ft. Benning, Georgia (where Tina was born), he did a tour in Europe, Vietnam, and also at Ft. George G. Meade, Maryland.   Jim's son Jerry said, "When Dad was doing the Tour in Europe, he'd work night shift - and he would take the kids with him sometimes.  I remember once a soldier came in who had a broke nose - he had been fighting.  He was drunk and when he got to the Emergency Room (after they had set his nose), he tried to fight again, so Dad took a metal tray and smashed him upside the face -  broke his nose again.  I thought it was cool!"   Jerry also said, "Dad was in a MASH Unit and that's where he learned his emergency skills.'   When asked about memorable events from his dad's time in the military, his son Larry said, "We were coming back to New York from Dad's second tour in Europe in 1968, Martin Luther King had been assassinated, and there were riots in New York.  Jeff was about 12, Jerry and I were about 9, Tina was about 4.  The rioters tried to turn our bus over - until they realized we were military families.  Our parents told us to get down on the floor and the men moved to the front of the bus.  It was scary."   Jim retired from the military after 25 years in 1971 and went to work at the Catawba Memorial Hospital where he started his second career.  He worked as a medic/male nurse in the Emergency Room for 15 years and an additional 6 years in Surgery.  His son Larry said, "Dad told me that he delivered between 400 - 700 babies in the Emergency Room during those years.  It was one of his favorite things to do."   Jim's son Jerry said, "Dad learned the 'EMERGENCY' business from the war, so when he went to work at the hospital, all the doctors wanted him in Emergency Room Units."   Jim died 04 Sep 1988 and was buried in the Bethlehem Methodist Church Cemetery, Claremont, NC     Thanks to Jim's sons, Jerry and Larry Peeler, for the photos and information about their dad         BURNS, Larry b. 06 Sep 1946 - d. LIVING   Husband ofLynn Paulette Setzer Son-in-Law of J.D. Setzer and Joyce Elizabeth Murray Grandson-in-law of Sadie Elizabeth Loftin Murray Lee   Larry's Vietnam biography could have been listed with the LOFTINS or the SETZERS, and since his wife, Paulette, was a Setzer, I've listed him there.  SEE BELOW.           POOVEY, Charles Ray b. 28 Dec 1946 - d. LIVING   Son of Grover Herman Poovey and Rosa Beard Husband of Patricia Diane Setzer Son-in-Law of J.D. Setzer and Joyce Elizabeth Murray Grandson-in-law of Sadie Elizabeth Loftin Murray Lee   Charle's Vietnam biography could have been listed with the LOFTINS or the SETZERS, and since his wife, Diane, was a Setzer, I've listed him there.  SEE BELOW.       Vietnam uniform and gear for the "Military Timeline" at Fort Dobbs, Statesville, NC Photo courtesy of Curtis Loftin       SIGMON, Jr., Corp. William Spencer "Spence" b. 22 Jun 1949 - 01 May 1970, Quang Ngai, VietNam   Beatty Family Relation to Loftins Loftin Family Wm. Able Beatty & Isabella McCorkle   Wm. Able Beatty & Isabella McCorkle Charles Manson Beatty & Judith Sherrill Siblings Thomas Loftin & Sally/Sarah Lavina Beatty Gilbert Manson Beatty & Adaline Susan Sherrill 1st Cousins James Franklin Loftin & Frances Elizabeth Fisher Bruce Alexander Gabriel & Cedona Lovenia Beatty 2nd Cousins William Alexander Loftin & Laura Rossie Cranford Spencer Harrison Sigmon & Annie Myrtle Gabriel 3rd Cousins Alonzo Lester Loftin & Ida Lillian Setzer William Spencer Sigmon Sr & Clarice Howell 4th Cousins Sam William Loftin & Willie Aleen Goble William Spencer "Spence" Sigmon, Jr. 5th Cousins Curtis Dean Loftin   Son of William "Billy" Spencer Sigmon & Clarice Howell Sigmon     William Spencer Sigmon, Jr.   Date Enlisted: 1969 Enlisted State: North Carolina Age at Time of Enlistment: 20 Tour Start Date: 02 Oct 1969 Company: D Regiment: 21st Infantry Batallion: 4th Batallion Branch: U. S. Army Grade: Corporal Religion: Baptist Marital Status: Single Length of Service: 1 year   Corporal William Spencer "Spence" Sigmon, Jr., served with Delta Company, 4th Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment 11th Infantry Brigade, US Army.                Corporal Sigmon was a casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Army Selective Service and an Elisted Person, CPL Sigmon served our country until 01 May 1970 in Quang Ngai, South Vietnam. Spence was 20 years old and was not married. It was reported that he died from stepping on a booby trap as he stepped out of a helicopter coming back from Sick Call. His body was recovered. CPL Sigmon is on panel 11W, Line 082 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. He served our country for one year.   He was awarded The Combat Infantryman's Badge (CIB), The Purple Heart Medal for his combat related wounds, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal and The National Defense Service Medal.   Spence was buried alongside his father and mother in Hollybrook Cemetery, Lincolnton, NC.   Mick Caskey, Newton, NC: "We were high school friends. Spencer was a full-of-life guy, took on the impossible task for short man, had no fear and wanted to serve in the Army and do his part for his country. All your classmates miss you. See you one day in heaven."                 The SETZERS           BURNS, Larry b. 06 Sep 1946 - d. LIVING   Son of Husband of Lynn Paulette Setzer Son-in-Law of J.D. Setzer and Joyce Elizabeth Murray Grandson-in-law of Sadie Elizabeth Loftin Murray Lee     Date Enlisted: 26 Apr 1966 Enlisted State: North Carolina Enlisted City: Raleigh Age at Time of Enlistment: 19 Branch: U. S. Navy - Seabees Grade: Petty Officer, 3rd Class, E-4 Education: High School Graduate Marital Status: Single Height: ?? Weight: ?? Terms of Enlistment: 2 years                Larry Burns enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam war on 26 Apr 1966 in Raleigh, North Carolina, at the age of 19.    Larry served in the Seabees.  Seabees were (are) members of the United States Navy construction battalions. The word Seabee comes from the initials of Construction Battalion, (CB) of the United States Navy. The Seabees have a history of building bases, bulldozing and paving thousands of miles of roadways and airstrips.    He rose to the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class - equivalent to a corporal in the U.S. Army and Marines.     Larry served in Port Hueneme, California and Vietnam - serving as Battalion Driver.   Larry was Discharged on 21 Jan 1968 at Port Hueneme, California, after serving for 21 months   A special thanks to Diane Setzer Poovey for the photo and information about Charles' military service         POOVEY, Charles Ray b. 28 Dec 1946 - d. LIVING   Son of Grover Herman Poovey and Rosa Beard Husband of Patricia Diane Setzer Son-in-Law of J.D. Setzer and Joyce Elizabeth Murray Grandson-in-law of Sadie Elizabeth Loftin Murray Lee     Date Drafted: 27 Jun 1966 Drafted State: North Carolina Drafted City: Charlotte Age at Time of Draft: 19 Branch: U. S. Army Grade: Private - Sergeant, Corporal Education: ?? Marital Status: Single Height: ?? Weight: ?? Terms of Enlistment: 2 years                Charles was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war on 27 Jun 1966 at the age of 19.    While he was in Vietnam, he served as a Scout Dog Handler with the 42nd Infantry Platoon - Scout Dog; 101st Airborne.   Charles served in Fort Jackson, South Carolina; Fort Ord, California; Fort Benning, Georgia, and VIETNAM from 27 Jun 1966 to 19 Jun 1968.   He was Discharged on 19 Jun 1968 at Fort Dix, New Jersey.   A special thanks to Diane Setzer Poovey for the photo and information about Charles' military service           Vietnam gear for the "Military Timeline" at Fort Dobbs, Statesville, NC         The GOBLES         GOBLE, Raymond Boyd b. 25 Aug 1946 - d. LIVING   Son of Harlee Goble and Dovie Alean Helms Grandson of Martin Luther Goble and Beulah Vernesta "Nessie" Johnson Husband of Beckie McRee     Enlistment Date: 14 Feb 1966 Enlistment State: Georgia Enlistment City: Fort Gordon Age at Time of Enlistment: 19 Branch: U. S. Army Grade: Private Education: ?? Marital Status: Single Height: ?? Weight: ?? Terms of Enlistment: 2 years                Information from a telephone interview that I conducted with Boyd on 07 Jun 2012.  He was living in Newton, NC.  He said: I was drafted into the U. S. Army as a Private on February 14, 1966 (Valentine's Day), at the age of 19 and reported to Fort Gordon, Georgia.   I served for two years during the Vietnam War but never had to go to Nam.   When asked about training he had while in the military, he said: I had advanced training at San Antonio, Texas, and from there went to El Paso and to Fort Bliss, Texas.   My battalion was on alert and "build up" for Vietnam (meaning they were waiting to get enough men ready to go to VN).  Before Christmas, we were supposed to go to Nam but a change of orders came through and we stayed in Texas.   I asked Boyd what his specific responsibilities were and he responded: I served as a Medic in the 31st Battalion (Engineering) in Texas.  I rose in rank to Specialist 5th Class (which was the same think as a "Buck Sgt.").  I was actually stationed in White Sands, New Mexico.  My battalion was responsible for seeing those who were sick and treating them.  If they neede to see a doctor, we took them to Fort Bliss.   I was discharged after two years.     A special thanks to Boyd Goble for the photo and information about his military service           The JOHNSONS               Military Pages     Check out all of these Family Genealogy Military Pages to see which family members served - as well as when and where Check out all of these Family Genealogy Military Pages to see which family members served - as well as when and where   Revolutionary War (1775 - 1783) The Civil War  (12 Apr 1861 - 22 Jun 1865) World War I (28 Jul 1914 - 11 Nov 1918) World War II (01 Sep 1939 - 02 Sep 1945 Korean War  (25 Jun 1950 – 27 Jul 1953) Vietnam War  (01 Nov 1955 - 30 Apr 1975) Gulf War (17 Jan 1991 – 28 Feb 1991) War on Terror (07 Oct 2011 - Present)   If you have photos or information to share about any of these Military pages, please contact me using the email address below or by calling 828-241-2233.           SOURCES:     "Vietnam War" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnam_war "South Vietnam"  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_Vietnam "Vietnam Art" http://www.history.army.mil/art/A&I/Vietnam/VN-Inf.htm "Vietnam Uniforms"  http://www.onesixthwarriors.com/forum/attention-detail-1-1-talk/100197-vietnam-reference-q.html                                                               If you have additional information or photos of family members who served in the military during the Vietnam War, please contact me.