Every Oregonian Killed in Viet Nam Read Aloud at Brookings City Hall

Since 1996, the Viet Nam Veterans Association, Chapter 757 of Brookings conducts a somber reading of every Oregonian who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Viet Nam / Cambodian War, during the 60s and 70s.

This year’s reading took place this past Friday, May 24 at 6pm in front of the flagpole at City Hall. Chapter president John Banuat told The Pilot the list totaled 652 names including those Missing in Action. Chapter Vice president Howard Floor said, the first several names were read aloud were Brookings, Curry County young men. Banuat commenced the ceremony with the Viet Nam Honor Rifle Guard conducting a three volley salute, and conducting the Pledge of Allegiance by telling those attending the ceremony, “these brave soldiers never had a chance to experience life, have careers, marry and have families, children and grandchildren before they were taken so early in their lives’ journey. Then he read the five local young men from Brookings / Harbor who were killed:

• Gaylord Nathan Klinefelter, 1944-1966, Viet Nam

• Jerry D. Schroeder, 1943-1968, Viet Nam

• Keith Reitz, 1948-1970, Cambodia

• William Westley Davis, 1949-1970, Cambodia

• John Leslie Beannon,1952-1971, Viet Nam

20 different individuals recited from an alphabetical list of at least 32 or more names. Among those reading names of those killed was 1st District Oregon State Representative, Court Boice.

58,220 Southeast Asia casualties were reported by the Dept. of Defense from 1961-75.