Donald Lee Sparks

Carroll native Donald Lee Sparks was wounded in June 17, 1969 while on patrol near Chu Lai. Heavy enemy fire prevented several rescue attempts. Initially thought to be dead by Army officials, although no remains were found, several sightings over the following months indicated Sparks might be held as a POW. Ten months after the attack, a Viet Cong soldier was found with letters written by Sparks confirming his POW status. In 1973 returning American POWs reported they had heard he died of disease in June 1971. Sparks was never held with other Americans and his body was never recovered.