Richard B Garrett
Richard B Garrett
U.S. Army
Sergeant First Class [E-7]
Biography:
Richard B. Garrett grew up in Des Moines and graduated from East High School. He enlisted in the Army in 1956, working his way to up the non-commission officer ladder to Sergeant First Class. Known as “tough but fair,” he was head of K Troop, 3rd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry. He arrived in Vietnam in September 1968. While leading a reconnaissance patrol February 7th in Binh Duong Province the platoon came on an enemy bunker. As Garrett approached, the enemy threw two grenades, wounding him. Despite the injury he led an attack that eliminated the threat. Garrett then encountered a second bunker and personally led the assault on the position. He was wounded by a second grenade and while calling in medical aid for his comrades, was killed. Sergeant Garrett was awarded the Silver Star posthumously for his leadership and bravery. Survived by his wife, he was buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery in Des Moines.
County:
Polk
City of Entry | Des Moines | |
Conflict/Time Period | Vietnam War | Service Location | Organization(s) | Separation Status | Killed In Action (KIA) | Specialty/Rate | Specific Jobs |