Aldwin Ardean Ellis, Jr

The database page for Aldwin Ardean Ellis, Jr

6 Dec 2001 Aldwin received the following decorations: Silver Star (for his last act of bravery), Bronze Star for meritorious service, and two Orders of the Purple Heart. South Vietnam awarded him the following: the Military Merit Medal and the Gallantry Cross with Palm. In addition to these awards for bravery he received the following awards: National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Combat Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge and Expert Badge with bars for machine gun, mortar and rifle. He served with his company from August 3, 1967, until his death. Aldwin was the radio operator for 2nd Platoon, A Company, 502nd PIR, 101st Airborne Division, when he was killed. In a letter to his parents the company executive officer, 1LT Jerry R. Barnhill, said "The men of 2nd Platoon remember your son as being a good soldier and radio operator. In fact they respected his abilities with the radio so much that they nicknamed him "Sparky". They remember him also as being good natured and usually easy going and as one who often spoke of his girl and home." Aldwin lost his life while on night patrol. He saw a machine gunner in his platoon had been wounded and got in between him and the enemy. This act of bravery saved the machine gunner's life but cost Aldwin his. He was posthumously promoted to Corporal and awarded the medals previously described except for one Purple Heart that he received for a wound inflicted in August or September 1967. Rest in peace, Screamin' Eagle. 07 Oct 2002 Well, Sparky, it's been thirty five years since you were killed. I just wanted to let you know despite the passage of time your sacrifice has not been forgotten. RIP Screamin' Eagle John 15 Dec 2002 Hey Sparky, just thought I'd wish you a happy birthday wherever you are. Rest in Peace. 7 Oct 2003 Sparky, it's been another year since you've been gone. Just wanted you to know that I won't forget your death anniversary or your birthday - that's a promise. Rest in peace; you're not forgotten. From a friend, John M. Vaughn III suvyankee1@aol.com

The point-of-contact for this memorial is a friend, John M. Vaughn III 854 Hibiscus Street, Boca Raton, Florida 33486-3540 suvyankee1@aol.com  6 Dec 2001

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Channing Prothro, former CAP Marine
Last updated 10/10/2003