History Secrets

We remember and honor Corporal Richard Frank Crudo.
Richard Crudo of East Meadow, New York, was only 20 years old when he was killed in action in Vietnam on January 2, 1969.
Before a dangerous patrol, a fellow Marine named Ted had finally been approved for a rare R&R break after months of combat. Wanting his friend to have that opportunity, Rick volunteered to take his place on the mission.
Ted left. Rick stayed behind.
Only hours later, devastating news arrived. Richard Crudo had been killed in action.
For the rest of his life, Ted carried the memory of that selfless act and the sacrifice his friend made. Rick never sought recognition or praise. He simply chose to put someone else first.
He was a loyal Marine, a trusted friend, and a young man whose kindness cost him everything.
His courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

We remember and honor Specialist Fourth Class Robert Lee Denmark.
On December 31, 1971, the 20-year-old helicopter crew chief with the 101st Airborne Division was flying a reconnaissance mission near Khe Sanh, Vietnam, when his UH-1H Huey came under enemy fire and crashed in hostile territory.
Rather than remain in the wreckage, Robert grabbed his M60 machine gun and climbed out to defend his fellow crew members against approaching enemy forces. Outnumbered and trapped, he fought bravely to protect the men around him during a desperate firefight.
Robert was killed in action that day.
For his extraordinary courage, he was posthumously awarded the Silver Star. His name is forever etched on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
He was more than a soldier—he was a kind, loyal young man whose sacrifice will never be forgotten.