James Leon Cunningham

Des Moines native James Leon Cunningham grew up in a large family with five brothers and five sisters. He was drafted by the Army and trained as a light-wheel vehicle mechanic. SP4 Cunningham was sent to Vietnam in May 1966 with the Army’s 1st Signal Battalion. He was stationed near Danang in the Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam. On the night of February 24, 1967 Danang Air Base received enemy rocket and mortar fire. SP4 Cunnginham and 10 other Americans were killed during the bombardment. He had 82 days left before ending his one year tour. The 24-year-old’s body was returned to the United States and buried at the Fairview Cemetery in Madrid. He left behind a young wife.