26 Apr 2005 James was born and raised in Midland, Texas. He attended schools through Midland High School, completing his junior year. His family moved to Colorado before his senior year and he graduated from high school there in 1964. He enlisted in the Army in the fall of 1965, trained in infantry, and deployed with the 101st to Vietnam in July 1966. He was killed in hostile action on December 29, 1966. He was 20 years old. He was well known and well liked during his time in Midland. His name is listed on the Midland County Memorial at the courthouse for those who perished from Midland County in the Vietnam War. He is remembered by Midland County, and by the Permian Basin Vietnam Veterans' Memorial in Midland, Texas. My his sacrifice never be forgotten. 03 Jan 2006 James' mother, Dorothy Elder of Denver, Colorado, sent me the photo. James had married and is the father of a son he never saw. His son was born three months after his death and now is a grown man and lives in Denver. A memorial initiated by a PBVVM representative, Billy M. Brown 4015 Melody Lane, Odessa, Texas 79762 bmbrown@grandecom.net

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall The First Battalion, 327th Infantry, lost six men on 29 Dec 1966: B Company: PFC Michael R. Brown, Fresno, CA PFC Gary W. Prather, Festus, MO C Company: SSG Ernest Kelly, Bladenboro, NC SP4 Ralph L. Henderson, Washington, DC PFC James B. Elder, Wheatridge, CO HQ Company: SP4 Charles Williams, Baltimore, MD

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