EDDIE DEAN CARPENTER

Eddie Dean Carpenter died in the service of his country while serving in
K Company (Ranger), 75th Infantry (Airborne), 4th Infantry Division

Last name: Carpenter
First name: Eddie Dean
Home of Record (official): Lexington
State (official): KY
Date of Birth: June 26, 1950
Marital Status: Single

Branch: Army
Rank: Corporal E-4 (awarded posthumously)
Component: Infantry
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 11B1P
Major Organization: 4th Infantry Division
Unit of assignment: K Company (Ranger), 75th Infantry (Airborne)

Entered Service:
Start of Tour: July 1969
Date of Casualty: November 13. 1969
Age at time of loss: 19
Casualty type: Hostile, died
Reason: Multiple Fragmentation Wounds
Country: South, Vietnam
Province: Peiku

Vietnam Memorial Wall: Panel 16W, Row 69

Ranger Memorial Stone: Section B, Column 23

Most gracious Lord, we offer our humble thanks for the life of Eddie. His time was short but he did bring honor to your Name. He expressed your love through his unselfish giving. Truly he represents the Words spoken by your Son, Jesus; "Greater love hath no man than this, that he give his life for a friend". The flame of hope lives on today because of men and women like Eddie, sent by You to guard the "WALL". Prayerfully we hope we will always have those that will continue this deed until your return, bringing peace on earth and good will to all. Sleep our brother, rest from your labors until we meet again. To the family that has had to bear the loss of Eddie, we offers our heart-felt thanks for your standing so strong, and hopefully God's peace has kept you during all these years.. Many that enjoy real freedom have been affected by the great contribution he gave towards our freedom. He is still loved and missed even to this day.

Eddie, In my United States history class we are doing a project to honor all the brave soldiers who gave their lives fighting for this country and what it stands for. At nineteen, you gave up your life, goals, and dreams for your future to help all those in need. We will never be able to repay you for this selfless act, but we will never forget you. You will always be remembered as an American Hero; courageous, selfless, and free! Thank you! God bless you and your loved ones!

Kaleigh Schipf

Eddie was a man that jelled easily with men of like kind. He though being drafted, did upon arrival in Vietnam volunteered to serve with 75th Ranger Regiment. One of the "Elite" units that would cause the enemy to have nightmares. Working with three other men deep in enemy territory, they wouldd gain much needed information that commanders could plan effective use of the larger units. This not only proved effective but, untold numbers of American and Allied casualties were reduced. The teams also brought much havoc upon large enemy forces with the expert use of ambushes, artillery, gun ships, and at times air strikes. Such a threat that the North Vietnamese government formed tracker teams to hunt for the teams. They went one step further and offered rewards for them of $1000-$2500 dead or alive. This did not deter Eddie or men of his unit. Eddie displayed constancy, bravery, and extreme courage on the field of battle. Why he left so young only God can answer. All people enjoying freedom should honor his contribution and teach future generations the cost of freedom. Eddie you are remembered as a man of great convictions and the courage to see them through. We are indebted to you and men like you. It should also be noted that Eddie was promoted to Corporal E-4 posthumously, exampling his leadership qualities. Gone but not forgotten. Loved and missed by family, friend, and the men of like spirit. Thanks Eddie.

Bob Smyers