Remembering Those Who Died 50 Years Ago

As we celebrate our Nation's birthday, pause to remember these 18 men who gave their lives in Vietnam in the service of our country on Independence Day 50 years ago, July 4, 1970. I had the privilege of talking with the families of many of them while writing my book, Died on the Fourth of July. They are much in my thoughts this holiday.

There was Marine Private Jimmie Slim, a Navajo from the Four Corners area of Arizona who as a boy loved horseback riding and basketball.

Army Warrant Officer Richard John Warden kept the helicopter he was piloting under control despite being mortally wounded, saving the lives of those on board.

PFC Randolph Spiers loved to race around his Missouri farm in a beat-up old pickup truck. He left it in the field when he departed for Vietnam. His family keeps the rusted hulk in that same place as a reminder of him.

Each man has a story. Each name represents a family whose life was never the same.