Harlan Tilpher Bilden

Harlan Tilpher Bilden was born in Postville and raised in Elgin. He was involved in church programs and was an active member of the Valley FFA and the Clayton County 4-H. Bilden graduated from Valley High in the class of 1964 and was employed by the Gunder Cheese Factory. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in September 1965 and completed his training at Camp Pendleton, CA specializing in radio communications. CPL Bilden arrived in Vietnam in September 1966 and served as a forward observer; he called in artillery bombardments, air strikes, and medevac helicopters. On July 1, 1967 CPL Bilden was on patrol in the Quang Tri Province when he suffered a fatal gunshot wound to his neck from an enemy sniper. A funeral service and burial with full military honors took place at East Clermont Church and Cemetery. Bilden was 20 years old at the time of his death.