The year 2014 marks 50th anniversary of America’s involvement in the Vietnam War. The action cost the lives of 58, 195 soldiers — including nine from Del Norte County.
The men who lost their lives include James H. Whisenhunt, Donald Shanks, Robert G. Owen, John R. Klotz, Paul O. Klotz, Howard Cramblet, Leonard Greville, Richard K. Wells and Gene A. Mitchell.
The Klotz brothers were killed 18 months apart from one another. Paul Klotz and Gene Mitchell were severely injured while in Vietnam and died from their injuries while they were in the hospital.
James Whisenhunt was a local police officer when he went in. He was killed while saving several other soldiers in Ka Sahn and was awarded the Silver Star.
The Old Blog in the Desert 
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