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Ronald Roy Lake

Ronald Roy Lake
U.S. Navy
Third Class Petty Officer [E-4]
Biography:
Ronald Roy Lake was born in Sioux City on October 7, 1947. He was a 1965 graduate of East Sioux City High School. Lake enlisted in the Navy in November 1965. Lake served as a Gunner's Mate on the USS <i>Intrepid</i> after basic training. He arrived in South Vietnam in February 1968. While in theater Gunners Mate 3rd Class Lake served with a unit that conducted medical evacuation operations. On March 24, 1968 the River Patrol Boat (33) along with one other (99) that Lake was aboard was evacuating 9 wounded and 2 dead Vietnamese through the Nha Mau Canal. As the boats entered the Mekong River, Viet Cong soldiers opened up with heavy rocket and rifle fire. PBR 99 was initially hit and most of its troops made it to shore safely and were recovered. Being the lead boat, the crew of PBR 33 was not so lucky. GMG3 Lake was killed instantly by direct fire. Three men total were killed and four others wounded in this attack. Funeral services were held at Morningside Presbyterian Church. The 20-year-old was buried at Graceland Park Cemetery in Sioux City.
County:
Woodbury
City of EntrySioux City
Conflict/Time PeriodVietnam War
Service Location
Organization(s)
Separation StatusKilled In Action (KIA)
Specialty/Rate
Specific Jobs