Terry Michael Westergard

Terry Michael “Mike” Westergard of Hawarden graduated from West Sioux High School in the class of 1966. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in June 1967 and arrived in Vietnam in November of the same year. While in Vietnam LCPL Westergard was part of an eight-man reconnaissance team. On November 12, 1968 his team returned to base after being on patrol for five days. While unloading ammunition, a grenade was accidently dropped and exploded between LCPL Westergard and another marine. The other marine was killed outright and LCPL Westergard suffered shrapnel wounds to his head and body. He was hospitalized and later died from his wounds. A funeral service with full military rites for the 20-year-old took place at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ireton. His body was buried at Ireton Cemetery.