Sharon Ann Lane

The database page for Sharon Ann Lane

Sharon Ann Lane was born in Zanesville, Ohio, but grew up in North Industry, Stark County, Ohio. She was graduated from Canton South High School in June 1961 and entered the Aultman Hospital School of Nursing the following September. After graduating from Aultman in 1965, she worked at the hospital until May, 1967, when she decided to try her hand in the business world. After three quarters at the Canton Business College she quit to join the U.S. Army Nurse Corps Reserve on April 18, 1968. 2LT Lane began training on May 5 at Fort Sam Houston in Texas. On 17 June she reported to Fitzsimons General Hospital in Denver, Colorado. While at Fitzsimons, she was promoted to First Lieutenant. On 24 April 1969 she reported to Travis Air Force Base in California with orders for Vietnam. She arrived at the 312th Evac Hospital at Chu Lai on 29 April and was assigned to the Intensive Care ward for a few days before being assigned to the Vietnamese Ward. She worked 5 days a week (12 hours per day) in this ward and on the sixth day worked in Intensive Care. At 0605, 8 June 1969, the 74th Medical Battalion reported a rocket hit between Wards 4a and 4b of the 312th Evacuation Hospital. The explosion killed two and wounded 27 US and Vietnamese personnel (see the 67th Medical Group log). 1LT Lane was killed by fragmentation wounds. Although seven other American military nurses died while serving in Vietnam, 1LT Lane was the only American servicewoman killed as a direct result of enemy fire throughout the war. A Memorial Service was held at Chu Lai on June 10, 1969, and a Catholic Mass was held June 11, 1969. Services in Canton were held June 14, 1969. 1LT Sharon Ann Lane was buried in Sunset Hills Burial Park, Canton, Ohio.

01 September 2001 Sharon Lane, the All-American Girl She came to Vietnam not to fight or warrior to be but to serve a higher purpose across the sea. She knew the hurt, the pain, the dying Sharon came to heal them and to stop the crying. With purpose in her steps she made her rounds To give hope to the soldier and to turn his frown upside down. Whether it be the boy from back home or the Viet Cong She did her job with care--she knew this is where she belonged. She was cut down in the middle of the night A piece of flying metal took her life. She died alone So far from home. Her life was taken from us Sharon's presence we still miss. Let us never forget that freedom has a cost Sharon became our hero-our hearts are empty by her loss. Sharon was the All-American girl She was perfection in an imperfect world. Remembered by "Doc" Kerry Pardue, a field medic in Vietnam 3226 N Sycamore Place, Chandler, AZ 85224 kerrypardue@hotmail.com

A memorial from one who remembers, 07 Feb 1998 Updated 01 Sep 01 to include "Doc" Kerry Pardue, a field medic in Vietnam 3226 N Sycamore Place, Chandler, AZ 85224 kerrypardue@hotmail.com

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)