Randall Allen Vanatta

Randall Allen Vanatta was born December 2, 1946 and grew up in the Thurman area. He was active in 4-H and FFA and attended Fremont-Mills High School. CPL Vanatta served as a rifleman with Mike Company of the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Division. The unit was part of the defense of the Chu Lai airfield. Vanatta was killed, along with nine other Marines, on December 14th during a nighttime Vietcong mortar attack. Their basecamp on Hill 71 had not been fully prepared as a defensive site and the surviving troops had to defend themselves from a 360 degree position until relief arrived. Randell Vanatta is buried in the Tabor Cemetery.