John B Shank

John B Shank
U.S. Army
Specialist 4 [E-4]
Biography:
John B Shank grew up northeast of Des Moines. He participated in his local Baptist church and attended the Yale-Jamaica-Bagley Community School District. Before graduating high school Shank joined the Army in 1965 and trained in aviation maintenance. He served two years in Germany before being transferred to Vietnam in July 1967. SP4 Shank was assigned to 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, also known as the Blackhorse. Shank was killed on March 6, 1968 a few miles outside of his base. Shank’s convoy of military vehicles encountered an enemy force; five soldiers were killed in the engagement. He was 19 years old at the time of his death. Shank’s body was returned to Iowa and buried at the Menlo Cemetery.
County:
Polk
City of EntryDes Moines
Conflict/Time PeriodVietnam War
Service Location
Organization(s)
Separation StatusKilled In Action (KIA)
Specialty/Rate
Specific Jobs