19 May 2005 We would like Roy's family to know that we appreciate the fact that Roy made the supreme sacrifice for us. We are preparing for our 39th and 40th high school reunion, and we wish Roy could be there. He is thought of more than you think, his memory and what he did for his country will never be forgotten. Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Shanklin. Love, Perry Hall High School Classes of 1965 and 1966

 

Notes from The Virtual Wall Roy E. Shanklin entered the Army on 27 Oct 1966, was released from active duty on 28 Nov 1967, and died on 19 April 1968 of injuries previously received. His casualty record is coded as C2-D-7, which translates as Non-hostile, died of illness/injury; Gun, small arms fire; Ground casualty. His name was not included in the original list used to engrave the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington (the "Wall"), but was added in November 1987. Omissions of that sort usually indicate the individual was evacuated from Vietnam and died at a later date, most commonly after being released from military service to Veterans Administration care - and Roy Shanklin did indeed die in the Veterans Administration Hospital, Baltimore. While accidents of war were more common than anyone wished, they usually were coded "I" ("Misadventure"). Once again, a considerable delay between injury and death and potentially at least a disconnect between two branches of the government could explain a "friendly fire" incident being coded in this manner ... but it's also possible that PFC Shanklin was hit by enemy fire and the "Non-hostile" code is incorrect. A service record extract from the Military Personnel Records Center, Saint Louis, states that PFC Shanklin was awarded the Purple Heart medal, adding credence to the idea that he was wounded in action. The record extract also included two photos taken while PFC Shanklin was in the service: Finally, available records do not include PFC Shanklin's Military Occupational Specialty code. We do know, from his grave marker application at the National Archives, that he was assigned to the 554th Engineer Company (Float Bridge). At the time of PFC Shanklin's service with the 554th Engineer Company it was a part of the 39th Engineer Battalion, 45th Engineer Group. On December 8, 1967, the 554th was one unit used to form the Americal Division's 26th Engineer Battalion, becoming E Company, 26th Eng Bn. The Virtual Wall would appreciate assistance in resolving the questions about when and how PFC Shanklin was injured. Information on him may be sent to the Contact Us Webmaster@VirtualWall.org

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