James William West

James William West was born in Buffalo Center before moving to Mason City. He was a 1965 graduate of Mason City High School. Following graduation West enlisted in the United States Army. He arrived in South Vietnam in May 1967 and served with a field artillery unit. On December 11, 1967 during a resupply mission a bag of explosive powder ignited on the truck he was aboard. PFC West sustained burns to more than 80% of his body. Five days following the incident, he died of his wounds in an Army hospital at Yokohama, Japan. A funeral was held by his parents along with eight brothers and sisters at the Assembly of God Church in Mason City. He was buried at the local Memorial Park Cemetery. PFC West was 20 years old at the time of his death.