Jasper Dean Sturdivant

The database page for Jasper Dean Sturdivant

7 Mar 2001 Lt Sturdivant was killed in action just South of the Catecka Tea Plantation on the northern edge of the Ia Drang Valley in Pleiku Province. He was one of 20 KIA's that day and was awarded the DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS posthumously. Lt Sturdivant was the 3rd Platoon Leader and I was one of his Squad Leaders. He is not forgotten. Alonzo Jones 467 Oak Hill Lane, Huntsville, Tn jones25_1cav@highland.net Second Lieutenant Sturdivant is remembered by his classmates on Verdugo Hills High School's Vietnam Memorial

HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES ARMY VIETNAM APO San Francisco 96307 3 October 1966 GENERAL ORDERS NUMBER 5894 AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS 1. TC 320. The Distinguished Service Cross is AWARDED posthumously to: STURDIVANT, JASPER D 05326494 SECOND LIEUTENANT INFANTRY United States Army Co B, 1st Bn, 35th Infantry Date action: 03 July 1966 Theater: Republic of Vietnam Reason: For extraordinary heroism in connection with the military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. On 3 July 1966, Second Lieutenant Sturdivant was leading a two squad patrol during a search and destroy near Thang Duc. When his unit received intense hostile fire from a reinforced Viet Cong company, Second Lieutenant Sturdivant and many of his men were seriously wounded. As the insurgent onslaught continued, a portion of his hasty defense was overrun and the remainder of his force was surrounded. Despite the severity of his wounds and repeated attacks by the fanatical Viet Cong, Second Lieutenant Sturdivant rallied his isolated force, radioed for reinforcements, and continued to direct and encourage his comrades. Realizing that his force was about to be overrun, Second Lieutenant Sturdivant, with complete disregard for his own safety, called artillery onto his own position in an effort to break the encirclement. He continued to operate the radio and fire his weapon until his ammunition was expended. Fully aware that he was critically wounded, Second Lieutenant Sturdivant disassembled his weapon, placed the bolt under his body, and died. Second Lieutenant Sturdivant's extraordinary heroism at the cost of his life was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. Authority: By direction of the President under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 25 July 1963, and Department of the Army message 782774, dated 19 September 1966.

Remembered by his fellow soldiers of the 35th Infantry - the Cacti Regiment Photo courtesy of the 35th Infantry Assn

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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 08/10/2009