First Lincoln Resident Vietnam War Casualty - David Paul Evans - Lincoln, Rhode Island
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N 41° 56.158 W 071° 27.146
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A public park dedicated in memory of David Paul Evans, the first Lincoln High School casualty of the Vietnam War, is in the central part of Lincoln, Rhode Island. Married at 21 for just eleven months, his son was born days after his death.
Waymark Code: WM165G3
Location: Rhode Island, United States
Date Posted: 05/10/2022
Views: 0
David Paul Evans of Lincoln, Rhode Island, was the first Lincoln High School graduate to die in the Vietnam War. A small public park with a pond, a path, and picnic pavilion dedicated to his memory is across the street from the high school. A cast metal plaque attached to a boulder reads:
EVANS PARK
In memory of
David Paul Evans
Member first graduating class
Lincoln High School '66
first Lincoln resident to give supreme sacrifice
Republic of Vietnam
April 9, 1970
"David was a wonderful person. He and I were married in May of 1969. We had a son on April 14, 1970. He died 5 days before David, Jr. was born. To this day he is truly missed." -- His wife, via Fold3
From HonorStates.org:
ORIGINS
David Paul Evans was born on December 28, 1947. According to our records Rhode Island was his home or enlistment state and Providence County included within the archival record. We have Lincoln listed as the city.
SERVICE
He was drafted into the Army. Entered the service via Selective Service. Served during the Vietnam War. He began his tour on October 5, 1969. Evans had the rank of Sergeant. His military occupation or specialty was Multi Engine Tandem Rotor Helicopter Mechanic. Service number assignment was 039329953. Attached to 101st Airborne Division, 159th Aviation Battalion, B Company.
CASUALTY
During his service in the Vietnam War, Army Sergeant Evans experienced a traumatic event which ultimately resulted in loss of life on April 9, 1970. Recorded circumstances attributed to: Died through hostile action, air crash on land. Incident location: South Vietnam, Thua Thien province.
REMEMBERED
David is honored on the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial in Washington DC. Name inscribed at VVM Wall, Panel 12w, Line 112.
COMMENDATIONS
- Purple Heart
- Parachutist Badge
- National Defense Service Medal
- Vietnam Campaign Medal
- Vietnam Service Medal
- Army Presidential Unit Citation
- Vietnam Gallantry Cross
- Army Good Conduct Medal
A Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund webpage gives substantial information about and tributes to Army Sergeant Evans, including this photo:
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