HUGH RUFUS MCKINNEY

Hugh Rufus McKinney died in the service of his country while serving in
E Company, 58th Infantry (Airborne) Long Range Patrol, 4th Infantry Division

Last name: McKinney
First name: Hugh Rufus
Home of Record (official): New York
State (official): NY
Date of Birth: December 11, 1947
Marital Status:

Branch: Army
Rank: E-4
Component: Infantry
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 11B1P
Major Organization: 4th Infantry Division
Unit of assignment: E Company, 58th Infantry (Airborne) Long Range Patrol

Entered Service:
Start of Tour: December 10, 1968
Date of Casualty: February 16, 1969
Age at time of loss: 21
Casualty type: Hostile, died
Reason: Gun, small arms fire, ground
Country: South, Vietnam
Province: Kontum

Vietnam Memorial Wall: Panel 32W , Row 45

Ranger Memorial Stone: Section C, Column 2

Lord we thank you for the privilege of having served along side of men of this caliber. Help us never to forget nor allow others to forget soldiers like Hugh. Encourage and embolden each of us to continue maintaining the belief that all men are created equal and deserves the right to choose. May we never accept injustice as an option but as a threat to freedom. The freedom of all freedom loving people around the world. Thank You Lord for sending so many like our brother that are willing to stand, and give their final breath to prevent the threat to freedom from becoming a reality. Hugh has now taken his place in our hearts as being one of America's best. Joined with like soldiers in a place of love, peace, and joy. All Glory belongs to you Lord but you said; "Honor is due where Honor is due". Today as every day we honor Hugh by remembering him and his sacrifice for Freedom! May you touch and comfort his loved ones this day and every day with the peace, peace that passes all understanding. We humbly ask it, in Jesus Name.

Hugh was adventurous, curious, and very inquisitive about things. He was born to be a risk taker, one who liked challenge. This is what most likely caused him to join one of the most "ELITE" units in the Vietnam war. The famed Long Range Patrol Rangers of the 75th Ranger regiment with a lineage back to the Merrill Marauders. Men of this unit was loved and respected by others outside the unit, but also a little envied . All would like to wear the uniform that depicted one who was either a little crazy or had guts of steel. I would say they had guts of steel, bravery, courage, and commitment to duty, and their fellow rangers. Only way in was to volunteer, but then you had to meet the standards to stay.
Hugh was well liked and always brought cheer into most situations when off patrol, but on patrol, he was a most serious ranger and took his job seriously.
He had run several missions and had faced the enemy up close, but on February 16. 1969 he would find himself in a different and lethal place. His team was on there way for insertion into a heavily enemy infested area when they were shot out of the air by enemy ground fire, none had a chance. The chopper took several hits causing it to crash. Hugh died a brave man and like his team mates and the chopper crew, they are heroes to many. They that perished with him were team mates Gerald handcock, Ralph Dunn, Jack Rightmyer. The pilots were Norman Perron and Arthur Papale with door gunners Richrad Oliver and Larry Alcos. This was a dark day, not only to the loved ones, but to the world. You might say earth's lose and heaven's gain. We can only hope God's angels were there to swiftly relieve all pain and carry them home to heaven. Gone but not forgotten until we fail to remember. Sua Sponte (of his own accord), Rangers Lead The Way. Hooah!
To the family that has had to bear the loss of Hugh McKinney, we offers our heart-felt thanks for your standing so strong. Many that enjoy real freedom have been affected by the great contribution he gave towards our freedom. He is still dearly loved and missed, even to this day.

Bob Smyers