On this Veterans Day, let’s remember the many classmates who have served this country in the Armed Forces. And let us honor, in particular, three classmates who gave all, in Vietnam.
James Bogacz died August 27, 1969, at age 23. An Army corporal, he was killed in Thua Thien Province.
Charles Parsons was killed February 28, 1968, when the helicopter in which he was riding on a recovery mission to Khe Sanh was shot down. He was a Marine sergeant and 21 years old.
Mark Rivest, of Chicopee Falls, was killed on June 4, 1970. A first lieutenant in the Army, he was 24 years old at his death. An article in the May 28, 2007 Republican about Springfield men on the Vietnam Memorial Wall featured Mark’s service as a member of Army Special Forces. Great photo and information. Tom Robinson made a pdf of the article — Mark Rivest-The Republican
The names of these men, of course, are engraved on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. Information was collected from the Virtual Vietnam Veterans Wall of Faces.
If we lost another classmate in Vietnam or during military service, please let us know. And if you knew any of the men named here, we welcome recollections and comments.
Rest in peace, James, Charles, and Mark.
Bill’s article about Mark brings back many memories. Mark, “Pinky” (he would flush when embarrassed), was a good friend and classmate. He brought an enormous amount of enthusiasm to everything he did–swimming, sports, his cars (including the British racing green Triumph), and his friends. Mark joined the Army and became an officer in the Green Berets. I’m sure he was a wonderful officer. I miss him.
Hi Ray
Dan O’Malley here. Tom Murphy told me about site. I have been to Viet Wall 3 times now. I always look. It was very sad every time
Charlie sat behind me for 4 years at CHS and Mark was a friend for many years prior to CHS. Each time I go to Washington DC, I make an effort to stand in front of their names on the wall and say a prayer.
Charlie Parsons was my first love in H.S. He taught me how to drive – he had nerves of steel! I was saddened when I heard of his death in 1968.