Memorials › SGT Durl Gene Calhoun
SGT Durl Gene Calhoun
13 Feb 1949 – 20 Jul 1970
| Birth | 13 Feb 1949 |
| Death | 20 Jul 1970 |
| Cemetery | Rosepine Cemetery Rosepine , Vernon Parish , Louisiana , USA |
| Added by | SFC USA RET Duffie and Kathy on 19 Feb 2009 |
| FaG | https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/34009737 |
Bio
Durl Gene Calhoun was born a day before Valentine's Day, 1949, to Levi and Gertrude (Turner) Calhoun. He was raised in Vernon Parish alongside his siblings. As a young man, Calhoun entered the military on January 6th, 1969 and began his tour months later on June 3rd, 1969. The 326th Engineer Battalion (also known as the "Sapper Eagles), as part of the 101st Airborne Division (known as the "Screaming Eagles"), deployed to South Vietnam where its efforts included major construction projects, route clearance, and defensive engineering. Calhoun was a part of Company B, whose actions earned a Valorous Unit Award during operations in the Thua Thien Province. Calhoun died on July 20th, 1970 in the Battle of Fire Support Base Ripcord, a 23-day battle between elements of 101st Airborne Division and two divisions of the People's Army of Vietnam. This battle would be the last major confrontation between US ground forces and the PAVN in the Vietnam War. The Firebase Ripcord had just reopened in April 1970, and was under heavy artillery attack by July. Calhoun was one of 75 US soldiers killed in action during the battle, and one of 7 US soldiers killed between July 19th to 22nd. During those 4 days, there were 51 tactical air strikes directed into the area. By July 20th, US defensive capabilities were greatly diminished, and US forces learned that day that they were about to be greatly outnumbered. Evacuations took place on July 23rd for the remaining US soldiers. Unfortunately, Calhoun had already been killed days earlier. At the time of his death, he was a Specialist Fourth Class (SP4 E-4), and was promoted to Sergeant (SGT) as a posthumous promotion. This type of promotion often times could mean that a soldier had been qualified or even recommended for promotion prior to their death, and is to recognize their dedication and significant contributions. His father Levi filled out and sent the application to the US Military for his son's headstone. He is decorated with the following: Bronze Star Medal + Oak Leaf Cluster Air Medal Army Commendation Medal Purple Heart Combat Infantryman Badge Parachutist Badge National Defense Service Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal Vietnam Service Medal Army Presidential Unit Citation Vietnam Gallantry Cross He and the others in company B were entitled to: Valorous Unit Award Meritorious Unit Commendation Durl Gene Calhoun Sex: M Birth: 13 FEB 1949 in DeRidder, Beauregard, Louisiana Death: 20 JUL 1970 in Republic of Vietnam of Killed in action Burial: Rosepine Cem., Rosepine, Vernon, Louisiana Military Service: SGT, Co. B, 326 Engr. Bn, U. S. Army, Republic of Vietnam Father: Levi Anderson Calhoun b: 17 DEC 1919 in Louisiana Mother: Gertrude Fee b: 9 APR 1929 in Cottonwood, Vernon, Louisiana ========= VIETNAM WALL DURL GENE CALHOUN SGT - E5 - Army - Regular 101st Airborne Division His tour began on Jun 3, 1969 Casualty was on Jul 20, 1970 In THUA THIEN, SOUTH VIETNAM HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY ARTILLERY, ROCKET, or MORTAR Body was recovered Age: 21 Race: Caucasian Sex: Male Date of Birth Feb 13, 1949 From: LEESVILLE, LA Religion: PENTECOSTAL Marital Status: Single Panel 08W - Line 34
Inscription
SGT CO B 326 Engineer BN Vietnam BSM + OLC AM ARCOM PH
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