Donald Barrett Roddy

Doald Barrett Roddyy

Private First Class Donald Barrett Roddy was born on March 7, 1943 to Mr. William Roddy of Gloversville, New York and Mrs. Mary B. Woolfenden of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Donald is a 1962 graduate of Ann Arbor High School after attending Shaker High School in Latham, New York for his freshman and sophomore years. He also attended Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan where he was a member of the Chi Sigma Nu social fraternity. Donald entered the Army on January 13, 1965.

Private First Class Roddy began his tour of duty in South Vietnam on August 18, 1965 serving as an infantryman with B Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. Donald was killed on November 15, 1965 as a result of enemy small arms fire during the Battle for the Ia Drang Valley. According to an Ann Arbor Newspaper article written by Gary Lillie, "Taking part in the first battle of LZ X-Ray, was Pfc. Donald B. Roddy, a 1962 graduate of Ann Arbor High School. As a member of the 'Lost Patrol' of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, he lost his life along with the rest of his machine gun crew as they fought to cover the withdrawal of their fellow troopers to safer ground. The account can be found on Page 87 "(We Were Soldiers Once...and Young by Joseph L. Galloway and Lt. Gen. Harold G. Moore). Donald was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

Donald Barrett Roddy is survived by his parents, his step-father, and a brother. He lived 22 years, 8 months and 8 days. Donald's name is listed on the Vietnam Memorial in Ypsilanti Township under Ann Arbor. His name also appears on the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC on Panel 03E Line 061.  Rubbing mfrom The Wall below.