Cleveland Evans, Jr

The database page for Cleveland Evans, Jr

12 Nov 2001 I found no entry for SSGT Evans and felt he needs to be remembered as well as everybody else that gave the supreme sacrifice. He was a married 28 yr old African American male who disappeared on March 13, 1968 and was never found. His last known location was in Quang Nam, South Vietnam. I wish there was more info for this soldier because I would like to learn more about him. I have his bracelet that was sent to me. His religion is Protestant. He is on Panel 44E Line 35. Thank You, Cleveland, for serving your country. PFC Richard L Dykstra (United States Army) 2275 Oak St, Lynden, Wa 98264 E-Mail address not available

22 Jul 2004 In loving memory of a "brother" never met. I wore your MIA bracelet for many years and watched as you did not come home. Finally, I had it straightened and mounted on a plaque. I am humbled by your sacrifice, and will never forget the gift of freedom you gave to me and your country. Rest, knowing you will not be forgotten. Sally Deem Decatur, Illinois E-Mail will be forwarded by the Webmaster@VirtualWall.org

25 Jul 2004 You Shall Always Be Remembered. From a MIA Bracelet wearer for CWO Jimmy Lee Watson, Mark Shanks highlandbrave75@hotmail.com

10 Oct 2005 There is a beautiful memorial web site that I came across for Sgt Evans - you can visit it by going to http://sgtclevelandevanspowmia.homestead.com/ Thought I'd add this for those who may be interested.... J W Hardin USMC (Ret), johnwesleyhardin@gmail.com Note: The web page referenced no longer is available.

05 Aug 2006 I just got home from a night out with friends and got on the web. I decided to look up his name on the web. While stationed in Virginia, I went to D.C. for the 4th of July in 2000 and bought an MIA bracelet. Being a Marine I naturally looked for a Marine who was MIA. I just found out that he was born on the same date as my oldest daughter (Hana - 22 Nov 2000) and went MIA on the birthday of my youngest daughter (Mina - 06 May 2006). I don't know what to make of it but it makes me feel some kind of connection with him. By the way, I was stationed with 3rd MARDIV and my MOS was 3531 - MT! Semper Fi, Brother!! Denis A. Saenz Louisiana dns_snz@yahoo.com

20 Sep 2006 I have worn your bracelet since it was first issued. I will wear it until you come 'home', or until I go 'home'. You are NOT forgotten, and never will be. When I'm asked what it is, I tell your story and the sacrifice you made for all of us. I never knew you, but you are my brother Marine, and always will be. We'll meet on the streets of heaven, which I will help you guard. Semper Fi, Mac. Dale "Mad Dog" Messmer (GySgt, USMC, Ret) maddogusmc@centurytel.net

15 Jan 2007 Being a prior Marine (Semper Fi!) I found your bracelet amongst a shelf of many, you served in the year that I was born. I am proud of you. I am proud of your family, I am proud of your decision, I am proud of my American soldier! I received your name in 1996, and I will continue to honor your name until one of us is home ... You make America proud. You are always in our thoughts, and you will never leave mine... I will meet you someday, and we will drink to our purpose! Elena Branzaru Cpl USMC Devil dogs ALWAYS Baton Rouge, La epaulbran@cox.net

Notes from The Virtual Wall On 13 March 1968 a UH-1B HUEY (hull number 67-17254) departed Phu Bai Airfield (Hue) enroute Camp Evans, some 27 miles to the northwest. Ten men were aboard the aircraft: From HQ Troop, 1st Sqdn, 9th Cavalry LT Purda, pilot and aircraft commander CWO Jimmy L. Watson, Lucama, NC, copilot SFC Eugene Gubbins, Albion, IL, crew chief SSG Steven W. Heitman, Indianapolis, IN, passenger PFC Larry J. Moore, Exeter, CA, door gunner Others SGT Cleveland Evans, 3rd MT Bn, 3rd MarDiv, passenger 4 unidentified personnel from 1st Cav Div units At 1830 the aircraft was approximately 5 miles southeast of Camp Evans when it was brought down by enemy ground fire. None of the 10 men aboard the Huey were injured in the incident and all of them safely exited the aircraft. Believing there was a better chance of making their way to Camp Evans in two small groups they split into two 5-man teams. LT Purda and the 4 unidentified soldiers comprised one team; WO2 Watson, SFC Gubbins, PFC Moore, Sgt. Evans and SP5 Heitman comprised the second team. The two elements separated shortly thereafter taking slightly different routes toward the northwest and Camp Evans. LT Purda and the four soldiers walked into Camp Evans at 2000 hours. Once the situation became clear, an immediate and intensive search and rescue operation was organized to locate the rest of the flight crew and passengers. However, the initial search failed to locate either the aircraft or the missing personnel. On 28 March elements of the 1st Cavalry Division did locate the downed aircraft and found two bodies (identified as SFC Eugene Gubbins and PFC Larry Moore) in a shallow grave not far from the crash site. SAR efforts continued for the three men in and around the location where the two bodies were found, as well as between Camp Evans and the crash site, but without success. When the formal SAR efforts were terminated WO Jimmy Watson, SGT Cleveland Evans, and SSG Steven W. Heitman were listed Missing in Action. On 06 May 1975, the Secretary of the Navy approved a Presumptive Finding of Death for Staff Sergeant Evans, and his status was changed to Killed in Action, Body not Recovered. As on 12 November 2001, his remains have not been repatriated.

The point-of-contact for this memorial is one who wears his MIA bracelet, PFC Richard L Dykstra (United States Army) 2275 Oak St, Lynden, Wa 98264 E-Mail address not available

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 12 Nov 2001
Last updated 05/25/2007