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Gary Robert Shepperdson

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Hospital Corpsman Third Class Gary Robert Shepperdson was born on July 13, 1946 to Mr. John and Mrs. Margaret Shepperdson of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Gary is a 1965 graduate of St. Thomas High School in Ann Arbor. He also attended Eastern Michigan University before enlisting in the Navy in September of 1966.

Hospital Corpsman Third Class Shepperdson began his tour of duty in Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam on July 10, 1968 serving as a Hospital Corpsman with Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Battalion, III Marine Amphibious Forces. Gary was killed on September 30, 1968 as a result of a gunshot wound from enemy rifle fire while participating in Operation Mameluke Thrust.

Gary Robert Shepperdson is survived by his mother, a sister and three brothers. His father preceded him in death in 1957. He lived 22 years, 3 months and 17 days. He is resting in Washtenong Memorial Park in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Gary'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 42W Line 050

The Wall rubbings by John Kinzinger

shepperdson

Ron  Schneider
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Childhood and lifelong friend
Bloomfield ct 06002 usa
Not a week passes, when something in my life brings to mind Gary. Words will never express the love and respect I will always have for him. As a child, he helped me become a better man. As a man, he displayed the love,compassion, bravery, ambition, and religious devotion I strive for everyday of my life. We grew up together and went to Vietnam together. I also was a corpsman, but I was able to come home and grow old. I have been blessed and have a fine life. But, I know life would have been better with Gary in it. I will miss him everyday of my remaining life.
Sep 8, 2009

 

Robert  Havner
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Fellow Corpsman, served together
Charles City IA 50616 USA
I finally found you my friend!
Gary, I remember our time in Boot Camp and I remember the long nights studying in Corps School. Over the years I have tried to locate you, thinking you must be somewhere in Michigan, not realizing your fate. When I found you on 'The Wall', I cried for hours. I will visit your spirit in September 2009 my good friend. Semper Fi!
Aug 1, 2009

 

Bernard Cornaire
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Brother
Mio, MI 48647 United States
Eulogy by: Robert Frank Holtz Jr.
He stood tall and straight and walked with a carefree stride that expressed his freedom and zeal for the richness of a bountiful life. His body, thin and stylishly clad, held captive the boy in the man and mirrored the joy of being just twenty-two. His hair, curly and dark, was presentable a mark of his maturity and self pride. On his narrow face you could always find a ready smile which radiated his inward self satisfactionwith life. In his eyes which met you direct and without aprehension, you could read the integrity and purity in his heart.

He walked with all men and on any level. He considered no one too unimportant for his attentions nor so important that he could not approach them simply and honestly. He loved and radiated this love to mankind and they responded never did they dispel or shun him. He walked in grace with God as his father, listening to the voice of God in his heart and obeying that voice. He was a corpsman by choice, loving his work because it gave him the opportunity to work with God in the relief of human suffering. He gave his very best to the sick and wounded about him, often coming on his free time to read to the blind or just to talk and give encouragement to the premain concern. He was a hard worker, always doing more then his share of the job at hand. He was a good leader, never pushing the men under himbut always willing to teach them that they might understand and so perform their task.

He brought out the bestin them and encouraged them to think, thus making them responsible corpsmen. He never asked anyone to do anything he did not feel was right or he himself would not do. He was an American citizen and proud of his country and her flag. When he received his orders to Viet Nam, he did so with understanding and acceptance, for he saw a job to be done and he was never one to run when duty called. He arrived at Viet Nam inspired in his ability and prepared to give his all to help the Marines in the field.

His love for humanity grew in combat and his heart went out to the people. He wrote of their poverty and need of medical attention and at every oppoptunity he availed himself to them. Then on September 30, 1968, his devotion to duty and love of Country brought his life to a climatic end. While serving his fellow men on operation Mameluke Thrust, and enemy bullet found it's mark in him and HM3 Gary R. Shepperdson was mortally wounded. He died as he had lived serving man. He was a True American, a hospital corpsman, a Child of God, and now he is at peace in the Grace of the Father. His brother in Faith Who loved him much Robert Frank Holtz, Jr.
Sunday, July 01, 2001

The above three comments from www.thewall-usa.com

View Name on Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC

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