• LIFE

Faces of the American Dead in Vietnam: One Week’s Toll, June 1969

4 minute read

In June 1969, LIFE magazine published a feature that remains as moving and, in some quarters, as controversial as it was when it intensified a nation’s soul-searching 45 years ago. On the cover, a young man’s face—the very model of middle-America’s “boy next door”—along with 11 stark words: “The Faces of the American Dead in Vietnam: One Week’s Toll.” Inside, across 10 funereal pages, LIFE published picture after picture and name after name of 242 young men killed in seven days halfway around the world “in connection with the conflict in Vietnam.”

To no one’s surprise, the public’s response was immediate, and visceral. Some readers expressed amazement, in light of the thousands of American deaths suffered in a war with no end in sight, that it took so long for LIFE to produce something as dramatic and pointed as “One Week’s Toll.” Others were outraged that the magazine was, as one reader saw it, “supporting the antiwar demonstrators who are traitors to this country.” Still others—perhaps the vast majority—were quietly and disconsolately devastated.

[Read readers’ responses below, and see how ‘One Week’s Dead’ looked when it ran in LIFE]

Here, LIFE.com republishes every picture and every name that originally appeared in that extraordinary 1969 feature. Below is the text, in full, that not only accompanied portraits of those killed, but also explained why LIFE chose to publish “One Week’s Dead” when it did—and in the manner that it did.

From the June 27, 1969, issue of LIFE:

The faces shown on the next pages are the faces of American men killed—in the words of the official announcement of their deaths—”in connection with the conflict in Vietnam.” The names, 242 of them, were released on May 28 through June 3 [1969], a span of no special significance except that it includes Memorial Day. The numbers of the dead are average for any seven-day period during this stage of the war.

It is not the intention of this article to speak for the dead. We cannot tell with any precision what they thought of the political currents which drew them across the world. From the letters of some, it is possible to tell they felt strongly that they should be in Vietnam, that they had great sympathy for the Vietnamese people and were appalled at their enormous suffering. Some had voluntarily extended their tours of combat duty; some were desperate to come home. Their families provided most of these photographs, and many expressed their own feelings that their sons and husbands died in a necessary cause. Yet in a time when the numbers of Americans killed in this war—36,000—though far less than the Vietnamese losses, have exceeded the dead in the Korean War, when the nation continues week after week to be numbed by a three-digit statistic which is translated to direct anguish in hundreds of homes all over the country, we must pause to look into the faces. More than we must know how many, we must know who. The faces of one week’s dead, unknown but to families and friends, are suddenly recognized by all in this gallery of young American eyes.

Here are some of the reactions from readers, published in the August 18, 1969, issue of LIFE—an issue in which the entire Letters section of the magazine was given over to responses to “One Week’s Dead”:

“Your story was the most eloquent and meaningful statement on the wastefulness and stupidity of war I have ever read.” — From a reader in California

“Certainly these tragic young men were far superior to the foreign policy they were called upon to defend.” — From a U.S. Marine Corps Captain (resigned)

“I feel you are supporting the antiwar demonstrators who are traitors to this country. You are helping them and therefore belong to this group.” — From a reader in Texas

“I cried for those Southern black soldiers. What did they die for? Tar paper shacks, malnutrition, unemployment and degradation?” — From a reader in Ohio

“While looking at the photographs I was shocked to see the smiling face of someone I used to know. He was only 19 years old. I guess I never realized that 19-year-olds have to die.” — From a reader in Georgia

“I felt I was staring into the eyes of the 11 troopers from my platoon who were killed while fighting for a cause they couldn’t understand.” — From a Marine second lieutenant in New Jersey who commanded a rifle platoon in Vietnam

LIFE magazine, June 27, 1969, featuring a portrait of U.S. Army specialist William C. Gearing, Jr., one of 242 American servicemen killed in a single week of fighting during the Vietnam War.
LIFE magazine, June 27, 1969, featuring a portrait of U.S. Army specialist William C. Gearing, Jr., one of 242 American servicemen killed in a single week of fighting during the Vietnam War.LIFE Magazine
Joseph L. Rhodes, 22, Marines, L. Cpl., Memphis, Tenn.
Joseph L. Rhodes, 22, Marines, L. Cpl., Memphis, Tenn.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Michael C. Volheim, 20, Army, SP4, Hayward, Calif.
Michael C. Volheim, 20, Army, SP4, Hayward, Calif.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Craig E. Yates, 18, Army, Pfc., Sparta, Mich.
Craig E. Yates, 18, Army, Pfc., Sparta, Mich.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Ramon L. Vazquez Nieves, 21, Army, Pfc., Puetro Nuevo, P.R.
Ramon L. Vazquez Nieves, 21, Army, Pfc., Puetro Nuevo, P.R.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Robert E. Layman, 20, Army, WO1, Poquonock, Conn.
Robert E. Layman, 20, Army, WO1, Poquonock, Conn.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Calvin R. Patrick, 18, Army, Pfc., Houston, Texas
Calvin R. Patrick, 18, Army, Pfc., Houston, TexasLIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Valentine Dwornik, 20, Army, SP4, Detroit, Mich.
Valentine Dwornik, 20, Army, SP4, Detroit, Mich.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Bruce Saunders, 21, Army, 2nd Lt., Queens, N.Y.
Bruce Saunders, 21, Army, 2nd Lt., Queens, N.Y.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Robert J. Rosenow, 20, Army, Pfc., La Farge, Wis.
Robert J. Rosenow, 20, Army, Pfc., La Farge, Wis.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
John C. Pape, 25, Army, Capt., Amityville, N.Y.
John C. Pape, 25, Army, Capt., Amityville, N.Y.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
William L. Alexander, 19, Army, SP4, Flint, Mich.
William L. Alexander, 19, Army, SP4, Flint, Mich.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Jose M. Galarza-Quinones, 21, Army, Pfc., Hato Rey, P.R.
Jose M. Galarza-Quinones, 21, Army, Pfc., Hato Rey, P.R.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Roy E. Clark, Army, Pfc., Culloden, W. Va.
Roy E. Clark, Army, Pfc., Culloden, W. Va.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
James P. Hickey, 19, Marines, Pfc., West Quincy, Mass.
James P. Hickey, 19, Marines, Pfc., West Quincy, Mass.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
John L. Rosemond, 21, Army, Pfc., Dallas, Texas
John L. Rosemond, 21, Army, Pfc., Dallas, TexasLIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Mario Lamelza, 21, Army, Pfc., Philadelphia, Pa.
Mario Lamelza, 21, Army, Pfc., Philadelphia, Pa.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
David Tessmer, 20, Army, Pfc., Wausau, Wis.
David Tessmer, 20, Army, Pfc., Wausau, Wis.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Johnnie L. Brigman, 23, Army, Pvt., North, S.C.
Johnnie L. Brigman, 23, Army, Pvt., North, S.C.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Gary A. Wallace, 19, Army, Pfc., Louisville, Ky.
Gary A. Wallace, 19, Army, Pfc., Louisville, Ky.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Cleveland Browning, 22, Army, Pfc., Miami, Fla.
Cleveland Browning, 22, Army, Pfc., Miami, Fla.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Charles C. Fleek, 21, Army, Sgt., Petersburg, Ky.
Charles C. Fleek, 21, Army, Sgt., Petersburg, Ky.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
James Patrick Francis, 22, Army, S/Sgt., Napa, Calif.
James Patrick Francis, 22, Army, S/Sgt., Napa, Calif.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Joe E. Bragg, 20, Army, SP4, Versailles, Ky.
Joe E. Bragg, 20, Army, SP4, Versailles, Ky.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
William C. Gearing Jr., 20, Army, SP5, Rochester, N.Y.
William C. Gearing Jr., 20, Army, SP5, Rochester, N.Y.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Gary D. Carter, 19, Marines, Cpl., Tyler, Texas
Gary D. Carter, 19, Marines, Cpl., Tyler, TexasLIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Matthew T. Lozano Jr., 21, Army, Pfc., San Antonio, Texas
Matthew T. Lozano Jr., 21, Army, Pfc., San Antonio, TexasLIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Winston O. Smith, 24, Army, Pfc., Madisonville, Tenn.
Winston O. Smith, 24, Army, Pfc., Madisonville, Tenn.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Robert B. Read, 24, Army, Pfc., Hamden, Conn.
Robert B. Read, 24, Army, Pfc., Hamden, Conn.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Mark J. Haverland Jr., 21, Army, Sgt., Poca, W. Va.
Mark J. Haverland Jr., 21, Army, Sgt., Poca, W. Va.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Ralph J. Mears Jr., 19, Army, SP4, Norfolk, Va.
Ralph J. Mears Jr., 19, Army, SP4, Norfolk, Va.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Philip W. Strout, 21, Army, SP4, So. Portland, Maine
Philip W. Strout, 21, Army, SP4, So. Portland, MaineLIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
John A. Gillen, 25, Army, SP4, Broadville, Ill.
John A. Gillen, 25, Army, SP4, Broadville, Ill.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Edward O'Donovan, 19, Marine, Pfc., Chicago, Ill.
Edward O'Donovan, 19, Marine, Pfc., Chicago, Ill.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Michael D. Melton, 20, Army, SP4, Little Rock, Ark.
Michael D. Melton, 20, Army, SP4, Little Rock, Ark.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Melvin Green Jr., 31, Army, S/Sgt., Manhattan, Kan.
Melvin Green Jr., 31, Army, S/Sgt., Manhattan, Kan.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Gary C. Fassel, 20, Army, Pfc., Buffalo, N.Y.
Gary C. Fassel, 20, Army, Pfc., Buffalo, N.Y.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
John W. Kirchner, 19, Marines, Pfc., La Crosse, Wis.
John W. Kirchner, 19, Marines, Pfc., La Crosse, Wis.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Keith B. Janke, 26, Army, Sgt., Poplar, Wis.
Keith B. Janke, 26, Army, Sgt., Poplar, Wis.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
William L. Anderson, 18, Army, Sgt., Templeton, Pa.
William L. Anderson, 18, Army, Sgt., Templeton, Pa.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
David L. Mills, 22, Army, SP4, Decatur, Ill.
David L. Mills, 22, Army, SP4, Decatur, Ill.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Carl R. Martin, 26, Army, SP5, Rapid City, S. Dak.
Carl R. Martin, 26, Army, SP5, Rapid City, S. Dak.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Daniel L. Pucci, 22, Marines, Cpl., Berea, Ohio
Daniel L. Pucci, 22, Marines, Cpl., Berea, OhioLIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Howe K. Clark Jr., 22, Army, S/Sgt., Rockdale, Texas
Howe K. Clark Jr., 22, Army, S/Sgt., Rockdale, TexasLIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Thomas P. Jackson Jr., 23, Army, Pfc., Westbury, N.Y.
Thomas P. Jackson Jr., 23, Army, Pfc., Westbury, N.Y.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Clifford Haynes Jr., 19, Marines, Pfc., Carnegie, Pa.
Clifford Haynes Jr., 19, Marines, Pfc., Carnegie, Pa.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Scott E. Saylor, 22, Army, SP4, King of Prussia, Pa.
Scott E. Saylor, 22, Army, SP4, King of Prussia, Pa.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
David R. Mann, 20, Army, SP4, Earlville, Ill.
David R. Mann, 20, Army, SP4, Earlville, Ill.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Henry R. Hausman Jr., 19, Army, Pfc., Hilliard, Ohio
Henry R. Hausman Jr., 19, Army, Pfc., Hilliard, OhioLIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Robert J. Randall, 19, Army, Pfc., Miami, Fla.
Robert J. Randall, 19, Army, Pfc., Miami, Fla.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
David F. Bukowski, 20, Army, SP4, West Islip, N.Y.
David F. Bukowski, 20, Army, SP4, West Islip, N.Y.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
John M. Vollmerhausen Jr., 18, Army, Pfc., Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
John M. Vollmerhausen Jr., 18, Army, Pfc., Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
David A. Hargens, 19, Army, Pfc., Nickerson, Neb.
David A. Hargens, 19, Army, Pfc., Nickerson, Neb.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Matthew J. Baurle, 20, Marines, L. Cpl., Gloversville, N.Y.
Matthew J. Baurle, 20, Marines, L. Cpl., Gloversville, N.Y.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Richard F. DuBois, 20, Marines, L. Cpl., New Orleans, La.
Richard F. DuBois, 20, Marines, L. Cpl., New Orleans, La.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Duane C. Bowen, 20, Army, SP4, Ramona, Calif.
Duane C. Bowen, 20, Army, SP4, Ramona, Calif.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
John N. McCarthy, 20, Army, SP4, Glen Cove, N.Y.
John N. McCarthy, 20, Army, SP4, Glen Cove, N.Y.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Andrew W. Rice Jr., 20, Navy, GMG3, Bedford, Pa.
Andrew W. Rice Jr., 20, Navy, GMG3, Bedford, Pa.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Byrle B. Bailey, 19, Marines, Pfc., Omaha, Neb.
Byrle B. Bailey, 19, Marines, Pfc., Omaha, Neb.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Charles P. Smith Jr., 20, Army, Pfc., Richmond, Va.
Charles P. Smith Jr., 20, Army, Pfc., Richmond, Va.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Robert H. Carter Jr., 35, Army, Lt. Col., Morganton, N.C.
Robert H. Carter Jr., 35, Army, Lt. Col., Morganton, N.C.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Stephen L. McCarvel, 19, Army, Sgt., Great Falls, Mont.
Stephen L. McCarvel, 19, Army, Sgt., Great Falls, Mont.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Jackie D. Bass, 21, Army, Pfc., Cochran, Ga.
Jackie D. Bass, 21, Army, Pfc., Cochran, Ga.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
William A. Evans, 20, Army, Sgt., Milwaukee, Wis.
William A. Evans, 20, Army, Sgt., Milwaukee, Wis.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Richard L. Patterson, 25, Army, 2nd Lt., Harriman, Tenn.
Richard L. Patterson, 25, Army, 2nd Lt., Harriman, Tenn.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Robert W. Getz, 19, Army, Pfc., Decatur, Ill.
Robert W. Getz, 19, Army, Pfc., Decatur, Ill.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
James Boston Jr., 20, Army, Pfc., Gainesville, Fla.
James Boston Jr., 20, Army, Pfc., Gainesville, Fla.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Michael F. May, 22, Army, SP4, Vassar, Mich.
Michael F. May, 22, Army, SP4, Vassar, Mich.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Freddie Lee Coffman, 20, Army, Pfc., Wardensville, W. Va.
Freddie Lee Coffman, 20, Army, Pfc., Wardensville, W. Va.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Milton S. Johnson, 20, Army, Pfc., Savannah, Ga.
Milton S. Johnson, 20, Army, Pfc., Savannah, Ga.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Ophrey A. Irvin, 25, Army, SP4, Chillicothe, Ohio
Ophrey A. Irvin, 25, Army, SP4, Chillicothe, OhioLIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Thomas W. Myers, 26, Army, Pfc., Middlesex, N.J.
Thomas W. Myers, 26, Army, Pfc., Middlesex, N.J.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Gary A. Neavor, 25, Army, SP4, Davenport, Iowa
Gary A. Neavor, 25, Army, SP4, Davenport, IowaLIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Clarance Taylor, 25, Army, Pfc., Greensville, Ala.
Clarance Taylor, 25, Army, Pfc., Greensville, Ala.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Thomas F. Barth, 18, Army, Pfc., Lakewood, Calif.
Thomas F. Barth, 18, Army, Pfc., Lakewood, Calif.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Ralph A. Vitch, 20, Army, SP4, Tampa, Fla.
Ralph A. Vitch, 20, Army, SP4, Tampa, Fla.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Patrick M. Hagerty, 19, Army, SP4, Youngstown, Ohio
Patrick M. Hagerty, 19, Army, SP4, Youngstown, OhioLIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Albert J. Cartledge III, 23, Marines, Cpl., Dallas, Texas
Albert J. Cartledge III, 23, Marines, Cpl., Dallas, TexasLIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
James Drew, 20, Army, SP4, Kansas City, Mo.
James Drew, 20, Army, SP4, Kansas City, Mo.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Peter S. Borsay, 24, Army, Pfc., Salt Lake City, Utah
Peter S. Borsay, 24, Army, Pfc., Salt Lake City, UtahLIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Robert C. Yates, 18, Army, Pfc., Hondo, Texas
Robert C. Yates, 18, Army, Pfc., Hondo, TexasLIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Henry L. MacArthur, 18, Army, Pfc., Fuquay Varina, N.C.
Henry L. MacArthur, 18, Army, Pfc., Fuquay Varina, N.C.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Ronald E. Morgan, 22, Army, Pfc., San Diego, Calif.
Ronald E. Morgan, 22, Army, Pfc., San Diego, Calif.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Rudy A. Carnley, 23, Army, SP4, Lake Wales, Fla.
Rudy A. Carnley, 23, Army, SP4, Lake Wales, Fla.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Barry L. Unfried, 20, Marines, Pfc., Oroville, Calif.
Barry L. Unfried, 20, Marines, Pfc., Oroville, Calif.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Gary R. Clodfelter, 20, Army, SP4, High Point, N.C.
Gary R. Clodfelter, 20, Army, SP4, High Point, N.C.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Larry D. Muller, 18, Marines, Pfc., Ojai, Calif.
Larry D. Muller, 18, Marines, Pfc., Ojai, Calif.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
James A. Wright, 21, Army, SP4, Boring, Ore.
James A. Wright, 21, Army, SP4, Boring, Ore.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
William W. Olsen, 22, Army, Sgt., Pocatello, Idaho
William W. Olsen, 22, Army, Sgt., Pocatello, IdahoLIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Robert F. Rose, 19, Army, SP4, Ashland, Ore.
Robert F. Rose, 19, Army, SP4, Ashland, Ore.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Michael K.L. Dixon, 19, Army, Pfc., Hawthorne, Calif.
Michael K.L. Dixon, 19, Army, Pfc., Hawthorne, Calif.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Edward T. Kiezkowski, 20, Army, SP4, Butler, Pa.
Edward T. Kiezkowski, 20, Army, SP4, Butler, Pa.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
David J. Ewing, 20, Army, SP5, Bloomfield Hills, Mich.
David J. Ewing, 20, Army, SP5, Bloomfield Hills, Mich.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Kenneth D. Pettigrew, 19, Army, Pfc., Redding, Calif.
Kenneth D. Pettigrew, 19, Army, Pfc., Redding, Calif.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Warren Nix, 26, Army, Pfc., Tuscon, Ariz.
Warren Nix, 26, Army, Pfc., Tuscon, Ariz.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Terry D. Clark, 18, Army, Pfc., Wallace, N.C.
Terry D. Clark, 18, Army, Pfc., Wallace, N.C.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Jimmy W. Phipps, 18, Marines, Pfc., Culver City, Calif.
Jimmy W. Phipps, 18, Marines, Pfc., Culver City, Calif.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Curtis Breedlove, 31, Army, 2nd Lt., Bryson City, N.C.
Curtis Breedlove, 31, Army, 2nd Lt., Bryson City, N.C.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Forrest L. Smith, 27, Army, S/Sgt., Columbus, Ga.
Forrest L. Smith, 27, Army, S/Sgt., Columbus, Ga.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Isaac Sapp, 21, Marines, Pfc., Williston, S.C.
Isaac Sapp, 21, Marines, Pfc., Williston, S.C.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
David L. Tiffany, 19, Army, SP5, Riverside, Calif.
David L. Tiffany, 19, Army, SP5, Riverside, Calif.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
William W. Smith, 21, Army, Pfc., King City, Mo.
William W. Smith, 21, Army, Pfc., King City, Mo.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Calvin E. Cooper, 20, Marines, Pfc., Kingstree, S.C.
Calvin E. Cooper, 20, Marines, Pfc., Kingstree, S.C.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Gary R. Guest, 22, Marines, Cpl., Dorchester, Mass.
Gary R. Guest, 22, Marines, Cpl., Dorchester, Mass.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Thomas R. Bliss, 20, Marines, L. Cpl., York, Pa.
Thomas R. Bliss, 20, Marines, L. Cpl., York, Pa.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Clovis L. May, 24, Army, Sgt., Deming, N. Mex.
Clovis L. May, 24, Army, Sgt., Deming, N. Mex.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Dennis L. Babcock, 19, Army, Pfc., Pacific Grove, Calif.
Dennis L. Babcock, 19, Army, Pfc., Pacific Grove, Calif.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Donald J. Deevers, 19, Army, Pfc., Hinton, Okla.
Donald J. Deevers, 19, Army, Pfc., Hinton, Okla.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Douglas J. Sommer, 18, Army, Pfc., Kearns, Utah
Douglas J. Sommer, 18, Army, Pfc., Kearns, UtahLIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Joe T. Conkle, 25, Army, 1st Lt., Hampton, Ga.
Joe T. Conkle, 25, Army, 1st Lt., Hampton, Ga.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Elmer E. Fields, 20, Army, Pvt., Fairfax, Okla.
Elmer E. Fields, 20, Army, Pvt., Fairfax, Okla.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Jeffrey A. Richardson, 20, Army, Pfc., Red Lion, Pa.
Jeffrey A. Richardson, 20, Army, Pfc., Red Lion, Pa.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Russel Evans, 20, Army, Pfc., Sylvania, Ga.
Russel Evans, 20, Army, Pfc., Sylvania, Ga.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Emmett L. Davis, 18, Army, Pfc., Lakeland, Fla.
Emmett L. Davis, 18, Army, Pfc., Lakeland, Fla.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Charles A. Jones, 29, Army, Sfc., Modesto, Calif.
Charles A. Jones, 29, Army, Sfc., Modesto, Calif.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
John H. Platt, 20, Army, Pfc., Early, Iowa
John H. Platt, 20, Army, Pfc., Early, IowaLIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Chris R. Martinez, 21, Army, Cpl., Alameda, Calif.
Chris R. Martinez, 21, Army, Cpl., Alameda, Calif.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
James M. Leonard, 20, Army, Sgt., Edmond, Okla.
James M. Leonard, 20, Army, Sgt., Edmond, Okla.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Michael M. Hatzell, 19, Army, Pfc., San Jose, Calif.
Michael M. Hatzell, 19, Army, Pfc., San Jose, Calif.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Thomas E. Hays, 20, Army, WO, Oklahoma City, Okla.
Thomas E. Hays, 20, Army, WO, Oklahoma City, Okla.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Iran C. Brown, 19, Marines, L. Cpl., Roanoke, Va.
Iran C. Brown, 19, Marines, L. Cpl., Roanoke, Va.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Ralford J. Jackson, 20, Marines, Pfc., Tuba City, Ariz.
Ralford J. Jackson, 20, Marines, Pfc., Tuba City, Ariz.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Timothy K.P. Foster, 18, Marines, Pvt., Honolulu, Hawaii
Timothy K.P. Foster, 18, Marines, Pvt., Honolulu, HawaiiLIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Virgil V. Hamilton, 20, Army, SP4, Brooksville, Fla.
Virgil V. Hamilton, 20, Army, SP4, Brooksville, Fla.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Donny R. Lawson, 21, Marines, L. Cpl., Grandview, Wash.
Donny R. Lawson, 21, Marines, L. Cpl., Grandview, Wash.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Clarence Creaghead, 21, Army, SP4, Detroit, Mich.
Clarence Creaghead, 21, Army, SP4, Detroit, Mich.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Keith A. Kahlstorf, 20, Marines, Pfc., Britt, Iowa
Keith A. Kahlstorf, 20, Marines, Pfc., Britt, IowaLIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Michael A. Powell, 19, Marines, L. Cpt., Atlanta, Ga.
Michael A. Powell, 19, Marines, L. Cpt., Atlanta, Ga.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Byron B. Bowden, 21, Army, SP4, Arcata, Calif.
Byron B. Bowden, 21, Army, SP4, Arcata, Calif.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Chris M. Pyle, 21, Navy, HM2, Hardesty, Okla.
Chris M. Pyle, 21, Navy, HM2, Hardesty, Okla.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Patrick M. Dixon, 23, Army, 1st Lt., Dixon, Ill.
Patrick M. Dixon, 23, Army, 1st Lt., Dixon, Ill.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Joseph C. Chisholm, 24, Army, SP4, Union Lake, Mich.
Joseph C. Chisholm, 24, Army, SP4, Union Lake, Mich.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Robert A. Pitts, 21, Army, Pfc., Galveston, Texas
Robert A. Pitts, 21, Army, Pfc., Galveston, TexasLIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Albert O. Nelson Jr., 20, Marines, 2nd Lt., Alexandria, Va.
Albert O. Nelson Jr., 20, Marines, 2nd Lt., Alexandria, Va.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Gary McCollough, 20, Army, Pfc., Charlotte, N.C.
Gary McCollough, 20, Army, Pfc., Charlotte, N.C.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Charles D. Ervin, 18, Marines, Pfc., Lamont, Okla.
Charles D. Ervin, 18, Marines, Pfc., Lamont, Okla.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
James Titmas III, 19, Army, Pfc., Glendale, Calif.
James Titmas III, 19, Army, Pfc., Glendale, Calif.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
William J. Thornhill, 20, Army, Pvt., Baltimore, Md.
William J. Thornhill, 20, Army, Pvt., Baltimore, Md.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
John M. Randall, 20, Army, SP4, Phoenix, Ariz.
John M. Randall, 20, Army, SP4, Phoenix, Ariz.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Max Lisenby, 21, Marines, Cpl., Lawton, Okla.
Max Lisenby, 21, Marines, Cpl., Lawton, Okla.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Gail G. Sanderson, 19, Marines, Pvt., Anthon, Iowa
Gail G. Sanderson, 19, Marines, Pvt., Anthon, IowaLIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Robert P. Scibilia, 21, Army, SP4, Nashua, N.H.
Robert P. Scibilia, 21, Army, SP4, Nashua, N.H.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
William A. Seigle, 20, Army, Pfc., Sapulpa, Okla.
William A. Seigle, 20, Army, Pfc., Sapulpa, Okla.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Gerald W. Posten, 20, Army, Pfc., Placerville, Calif.
Gerald W. Posten, 20, Army, Pfc., Placerville, Calif.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Howard S. Hill, 22, Army, Sgt., Irwin, Pa.
Howard S. Hill, 22, Army, Sgt., Irwin, Pa.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
David W. Kinney, 20, Army, Pfc., Charleston, W. Va.
David W. Kinney, 20, Army, Pfc., Charleston, W. Va.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Ernest C. Munoz, 36, Marines, S/Sgt., San Antonio, Texas
Ernest C. Munoz, 36, Marines, S/Sgt., San Antonio, TexasLIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Cordell B. Rogers, 30, Army, Capt., Remsen, Iowa
Cordell B. Rogers, 30, Army, Capt., Remsen, IowaLIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Larry E. Boyer, 22, Marines, Cpl., Williamstown, W. Va.
Larry E. Boyer, 22, Marines, Cpl., Williamstown, W. Va.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Ronald A. Brown, 20, Army, Sgt., Huntington Park, Calif.
Ronald A. Brown, 20, Army, Sgt., Huntington Park, Calif.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
John Winters, 18, Marines, L. Cpl., Clark, N.J.
John Winters, 18, Marines, L. Cpl., Clark, N.J.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Floyd E. Barber, 23, Army, SP4, Franklin, Ohio
Floyd E. Barber, 23, Army, SP4, Franklin, OhioLIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Marvin C. Briss, 20, Army, SP4, Binford, N. Dak.
Marvin C. Briss, 20, Army, SP4, Binford, N. Dak.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Garey L. Grubbs, 20, Army, Pfc., Denver, Colo.
Garey L. Grubbs, 20, Army, Pfc., Denver, Colo.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Merlin J. Laber, 21, Army, SP4, Sykeston, N. Dak.
Merlin J. Laber, 21, Army, SP4, Sykeston, N. Dak.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
John M. Hohman, 22, Army, CW2, Leominster, Mass.
John M. Hohman, 22, Army, CW2, Leominster, Mass.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Gordon D. Perry, 19, Marines, Pfc., Morgantown, W. Va.
Gordon D. Perry, 19, Marines, Pfc., Morgantown, W. Va.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
James J. Wise, 20, Army, SP4, Detroit, Mich.
James J. Wise, 20, Army, SP4, Detroit, Mich.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Robert T. Bensberg, 28, Army, Capt., Columbus, Ga.
Robert T. Bensberg, 28, Army, Capt., Columbus, Ga.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Kenneth M. Seward, 22, Army, SP5, Greeley, Colo.
Kenneth M. Seward, 22, Army, SP5, Greeley, Colo.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Edward Frowner, 20, Army, Sgt., Manila, Ala.
Edward Frowner, 20, Army, Sgt., Manila, Ala.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
James S. Colombero, 24, Army, SP5, McCloud, Calif.
James S. Colombero, 24, Army, SP5, McCloud, Calif.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Donald P. Seburg Jr., 19, Army, Pfc., Jackson, Mich.
Donald P. Seburg Jr., 19, Army, Pfc., Jackson, Mich.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Milford E. Cobb, 33, Army, S/Sgt., Tempe, Ariz.
Milford E. Cobb, 33, Army, S/Sgt., Tempe, Ariz.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Ronald A. Yashack, 21, Army, Pfc., Diagonal, Iowa
Ronald A. Yashack, 21, Army, Pfc., Diagonal, IowaLIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Edison R. Phillips, 19, Army, Pfc., Plymouth, Pa.
Edison R. Phillips, 19, Army, Pfc., Plymouth, Pa.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Gary C. Towle, 26, Army, Pfc., Concord, N.H.
Gary C. Towle, 26, Army, Pfc., Concord, N.H.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Douglas R. Matheson, 20, Army, Sgt., Columbiaville, Mich.
Douglas R. Matheson, 20, Army, Sgt., Columbiaville, Mich.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Santiago V. E. Quintana, 20, Army, Pfc., Santa Fe, N. Mex.
Santiago V. E. Quintana, 20, Army, Pfc., Santa Fe, N. Mex.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Charles A. Hilbert, 20, Army, Pfc., Parksville, Ky.
Charles A. Hilbert, 20, Army, Pfc., Parksville, Ky.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Robert L. Anderson, 21, Army, Cpl., Middletown, N.Y.
Robert L. Anderson, 21, Army, Cpl., Middletown, N.Y.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
James Troy Ralph, 21, Army, SP4, Hobart, Ind.
James Troy Ralph, 21, Army, SP4, Hobart, Ind.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Orville Hampton, 37, Army, S/Sgt., Lawton, Okla.
Orville Hampton, 37, Army, S/Sgt., Lawton, Okla.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Cris Holliday, 20, Army, Pfc., Meridian, Miss.
Cris Holliday, 20, Army, Pfc., Meridian, Miss.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Billy W. Pettis, 21, Army, Pfc., Castleberry, Ala.
Billy W. Pettis, 21, Army, Pfc., Castleberry, Ala.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
William H. Darden, 20, Army, Pfc., Lanett, Ala.
William H. Darden, 20, Army, Pfc., Lanett, Ala.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Jan Rauschkolb, 22, Marines, Cpl., Denver, Colo.
Jan Rauschkolb, 22, Marines, Cpl., Denver, Colo.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Steven C. Owen, 22, Army, SP4, Long Beach, Calif.
Steven C. Owen, 22, Army, SP4, Long Beach, Calif.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
John W. Abbott, 23, Marines, 1st Lt., South Bend, Ind.
John W. Abbott, 23, Marines, 1st Lt., South Bend, Ind.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
William J. Peterson, 23, Army, 2nd Lt., Ephrata, Wash.
William J. Peterson, 23, Army, 2nd Lt., Ephrata, Wash.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Wayne E. Garven, 21, Army, Pfc., Mt. Vernon, Ohio
Wayne E. Garven, 21, Army, Pfc., Mt. Vernon, OhioLIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
William H. Beske Jr., 21, Army, Pfc., Lathrup Village, Mich.
William H. Beske Jr., 21, Army, Pfc., Lathrup Village, Mich.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Ralph H. Crowley, 20, Army, Sgt., Remus, Mich.
Ralph H. Crowley, 20, Army, Sgt., Remus, Mich.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Yvon E. Girouard, 20, Marines, Pfc., Littleton, N.H.
Yvon E. Girouard, 20, Marines, Pfc., Littleton, N.H.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Errol W. Perreira, 21, Army, Pfc., Hilo, Hawaii
Errol W. Perreira, 21, Army, Pfc., Hilo, HawaiiLIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Harold James Warmsley, 24, Army, SP4, Mansfield, La.
Harold James Warmsley, 24, Army, SP4, Mansfield, La.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Allen M. Graff, 21, Army, Sgt., West Covina, Calif.
Allen M. Graff, 21, Army, Sgt., West Covina, Calif.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Robert Sigholtz Jr., 23, Army, Capt., Annandale, Va.
Robert Sigholtz Jr., 23, Army, Capt., Annandale, Va.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Edward F. Clennon, 23, Army, Pfc., Joliet, Ill.
Edward F. Clennon, 23, Army, Pfc., Joliet, Ill.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Billy L. Thomas, 19, Army, SP4, Stinnett, Texas
Billy L. Thomas, 19, Army, SP4, Stinnett, TexasLIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Richard L. Brumfield, 21, Army, Sgt., Denham Springs, La.
Richard L. Brumfield, 21, Army, Sgt., Denham Springs, La.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Steven K. Sprinkle, 20, Army, SP4, Winston-Salem, N.C.
Steven K. Sprinkle, 20, Army, SP4, Winston-Salem, N.C.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Steven E. Murray, 19, Army, SP4, Indianapolis, Ind.
Steven E. Murray, 19, Army, SP4, Indianapolis, Ind.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Euan J. Parker, 22, Army, Pfc., Brigham City, Utah
Euan J. Parker, 22, Army, Pfc., Brigham City, UtahLIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Emerson Martin, 21, Marines, Pfc., Gallup, N. Mex.
Emerson Martin, 21, Marines, Pfc., Gallup, N. Mex.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
James D. Johnson, 20, Marines, L. Cpl., Bedford, Texas
James D. Johnson, 20, Marines, L. Cpl., Bedford, TexasLIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Kenneth D. Shoaps, 20, Army, Sgt., Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich.
Kenneth D. Shoaps, 20, Army, Sgt., Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Joey L. Boles, 21, Army, Pfc., Winchester, Ky.
Joey L. Boles, 21, Army, Pfc., Winchester, Ky.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Bobby G. Newby, 21, Army, Pfc., Winchester, Ky.
Bobby G. Newby, 21, Army, Pfc., Winchester, Ky.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Thomas B. Paynter, 21, Army, SP4, Seattle, Wash.
Thomas B. Paynter, 21, Army, SP4, Seattle, Wash.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
James F. Hilliard, 23, Army, Sgt., Kalamazoo, Mich.
James F. Hilliard, 23, Army, Sgt., Kalamazoo, Mich.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Michael E. Gerber, 20, Army, SP4, Conway Springs, Kan.
Michael E. Gerber, 20, Army, SP4, Conway Springs, Kan.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Donald W. Ide, 25, Army, 1st Lt., Beirut, Lebanon
Donald W. Ide, 25, Army, 1st Lt., Beirut, LebanonLIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Gary M. Paul, 19, Marines, L. Cpl., Norway, Mich.
Gary M. Paul, 19, Marines, L. Cpl., Norway, Mich.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Gary W. Leighton, 19, Marines, Pfc., Washington, Pa.
Gary W. Leighton, 19, Marines, Pfc., Washington, Pa.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Derrill L. Price Jr., 20, Army, SP4, El Dorado Springs, Mo.
Derrill L. Price Jr., 20, Army, SP4, El Dorado Springs, Mo.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Farrell J. Vice, 21, Army, SP4, Abbeville, La.
Farrell J. Vice, 21, Army, SP4, Abbeville, La.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Scott E. Cochran, 18, Army, Pfc., Eugene, Ore.
Scott E. Cochran, 18, Army, Pfc., Eugene, Ore.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Philip L. Gamble Jr., 26, Army, 2nd Lt., Newport, R.I.
Philip L. Gamble Jr., 26, Army, 2nd Lt., Newport, R.I.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
James W. Clark, 21, Army, 1st Lt., Reno, Nev.
Philip L. Gamble Jr., 26, Army, 2nd Lt., Newport, R.I.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Terry V. Miller, 23, Army, Pfc., Ottumwa, Iowa
Terry V. Miller, 23, Army, Pfc., Ottumwa, IowaLIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Herman L. Judy Jr., 23, Army, Pfc., Alexandria, Va.
Herman L. Judy Jr., 23, Army, Pfc., Alexandria, Va.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
James Herbert III, 20, Marines, Pfc., New Orleans, La.
James Herbert III, 20, Marines, Pfc., New Orleans, La.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Willie L. Kirkland, 20, Army, SP4, Avon Park, Fla.
Willie L. Kirkland, 20, Army, SP4, Avon Park, Fla.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Thomas A. Nebel, 20, Army, Pfc., Keota, Iowa
Thomas A. Nebel, 20, Army, Pfc., Keota, IowaLIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Jim J. Walters, 20, Marines, Pfc., Sioux City, Iowa
Jim J. Walters, 20, Marines, Pfc., Sioux City, IowaLIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Dick E. Whitney, 22, Army, SP4, Newberg, Ore.
Dick E. Whitney, 22, Army, SP4, Newberg, Ore.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Robert L. Boese, 22, Army, Pfc., Marion, Kan.
Robert L. Boese, 22, Army, Pfc., Marion, Kan.LIFE Magazine—Time & Life Pictures
Above: Twenty-five men, killed in one week in the late spring of 1969, who did not have their pictures in the June 27, 1969, issue of LIFE. Use the "full screen" option (at right) for a clearer view of each man's name, age, rank and hometown.
Above: Twenty-five men, killed in one week in the late spring of 1969, who did not have their pictures in the June 27, 1969, issue of LIFE. Time & Life Pictures
"Vietnam: One Week's Dead," LIFE magazine, June 27, 1969.
"Vietnam: One Week's Dead," LIFE magazine, June 27, 1969.Time & Life Pictures
"Vietnam: One Week's Dead," LIFE magazine, June 27, 1969.
"Vietnam: One Week's Dead," LIFE magazine, June 27, 1969.Time & Life Pictures
"Vietnam: One Week's Dead," LIFE magazine, June 27, 1969.
"Vietnam: One Week's Dead," LIFE magazine, June 27, 1969.Time & Life Pictures
"Vietnam: One Week's Dead," LIFE magazine, June 27, 1969.
"Vietnam: One Week's Dead," LIFE magazine, June 27, 1969.Time & Life Pictures
"Vietnam: One Week's Dead," LIFE magazine, June 27, 1969.
"Vietnam: One Week's Dead," LIFE magazine, June 27, 1969.Time & Life Pictures
"Vietnam: One Week's Dead," LIFE magazine, June 27, 1969.
"Vietnam: One Week's Dead," LIFE magazine, June 27, 1969.Time & Life Pictures
"Vietnam: One Week's Dead," LIFE magazine, June 27, 1969.
"Vietnam: One Week's Dead," LIFE magazine, June 27, 1969.Time & Life Pictures

More Must-Reads From TIME

Contact us at letters@time.com