KENNETH JAMES SMOLAREK

Kenneth James Smolarek died in the service of his country while serving in
K Company (Ranger), 75th Infantry (Airborne), 4th Infantry Division

Last name: Smolarek
First name: Kenneth James
Home of Record (official): Detroit
State (official): MI
Date of Birth: August 3, 1950
Marital Status: Single

Branch: Army
Rank: E-4
Component: Infantry
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 11B2P
Major Organization: 4th Infantry Division
Unit of assignment: K Company (Ranger), 75th Infantry (Airborne)

Entered Service:
Start of Tour: October 19, 1969
Date of Casualty: November 27, 1969
Age at time of loss: 19
Casualty type: Hostile, died
Reason: Explosive device, ground
Country: South, Vietnam
Province: Pleiku

Vietnam Memorial Wall: Panel 16W, Row 128

Ranger Memorial Stone: Section B, Column 19

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 Ken. 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. Ken 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 we honor Ken by remembering him and his sacrifice for Freedom, may you touch and comfort his loved ones this day and every day with the peace that passes all understanding. We humbly ask it, in Jesus Name. To his loved ones we say, it may seem all for naught seeing how the world is today, but Ken then, as soldiers of today, and all future soldiers, will continue to assure our freedom remains alive, and the hope alive for the many oppressed of the world. Thanks for standing strong all these many years with just his memory. Know our hearts are joined with yours. May the peace of our Lord be with you always.

The "Flag of The United States of America" that we hail, is a symbol of one nation, under God, with Justice, and liberty for all still flies free over our Capital because of the men and women like our brother. One must salute him not only because he died for what he believed to be right, "the belief that all should live free and live their life accordingly". But, we must also salute him for being a special person, one that God had ordained long ago to be a "Warrior" in a time of turbulence for our nation, and the world. His service in Vietnam was not the usual, no he went a step further and volunteered to serve in one of the most dangerous units of this war. One had to have guts of steel and be a team player to be in such a unit as "The Famed Long Range Patrol Rangers of the 75th Ranger Regiment". A unit that pulled some of the most dangerous patrols in the history of the army. This was because they work deep inside of enemy held territory with a team of 4 men. This is why the 75th rangers only took volunteer. Growing up in Detroit Michigan he was a young energetic kid that liked challenges. Perhaps this was what drew him to want to serve in a unit such as the 75th rangers. His actions truly represents his loyalty to his family, his nation, and the United States Army. Truly one of America's Best! This page will remain on the world wide web site of the proud 75th Rangers Regiment as long as there is an organization. He is also Honored on the Virtual Wall in Washington D.C. Ken we salute you for contributing the highest cost of war, the giving of one's life. We your brothers of like spirit, still remember and love you. Your life was short but, you died a "VALOROUS MAN". TAPS DAY IS DONE, GONE THE SUN, FROM THE LAKES ,FROM THE SKY. ALL IS WELL, SAFELY REST. GOD IS NIGH. FADING LIGHT, DIMS THE SIGHT, AND A STAR GEMS THE SKY, GLEAMING BRIGHT FROM AFAR, DRAWING NIGH, FALLS THE NIGHT. THANKS AND PRAISE, FOR OUR DAYS, NEATH THE SUN, NEATH THE SKY, AS WE GO, THIS WE KNOW, GOD IS NIGH. REST OUR BROTHER REST!

Bob Smyers