Warren G H Lizotte Jr

Warren Godfrey Harding Lizotte Jr. grew up in Des Moines and graduated North High School in the class of 1966. After school he joined the Army and was sent to South Vietnam in April 1968. SP4 Lizotte was serving as an infantryman with the 9th Infantry Division. His unit participated in long range reconnaissance patrols (LRRPs). These patrols operated deep in enemy territory far from the protection of American firebases. On February 26, 1969 SP4 Lizotte’s unit was inserted via helicopter into hostile territory. That night they were attacked by enemy forces. Sixteen of the eighteen men were wounded during the firefight. The following morning a medevac helicopter attempted to rescue the wounded, but was shot down. More helicopters arrived and all sixteen wounded were extracted. Among the injured was SP4 Lizotte who had suffered a gunshot wound to the head. He survived the firefight and was taken to a military hospital where he died. He was killed eleven months into his twelve month tour. SP4 Lizotte was 20 years old at the time of his death and he left behind a young wife. His body was returned to Iowa and buried at the Highland Memory Gardens in Des Moines.