Grey H Wagner

Grey H. Wagner grew up in Franklin County and was a 1958 graduate of Hampton High School. He was drafted by the Army in June 1965. His first assignment was a 13 month tour along the demilitarized zone in Korea. In early 1967 SGT Wagner was an instructor at Fort Belvoir, VA. He reenlisted in May 1967 and in October he was sent to Panama for special jungle warfare training. SGT Wagner was transferred to South Vietnam in mid-December 1967 and was a squad leader for Company B, 1st Battalion in the 25th Infantry Division stationed near Cu Chi. On January 10, 1968 SGT Wagner’s base came under enemy attack. He manned a machine gun position on the perimeter of the base. SGT Wagner repelled the first wave of the assault while other positions were overrun. He became the focal point of enemy small arms and rocket fire, yet SGT Wagner continued to fire. Ultimately he was fatally wounded, yet he contributed to the eventual defeat of the attacking enemy. He was 27 years old at the time of his death and left behind a young daughter. His body was returned to Iowa and buried at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Franklin County.