Info Sheet - Glen Lawrence Atkinson
Killed in Action 3 February 1969
Oct 24, 1946 - Feb 3, 1969
Silver Star - Squadron Log for that day - Notes from Gene Peters
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Atkinson was in 3rd platoon A troop and transferred to the D Troop Aerorifles in the late fall of 1968.
He was the grandson of Lawrence Guy Atkinson and Elsie Naomi Everett Atkinson.
Glen was injured twice. He received many awards, medals, etc during this tour. He was awarded two purple hearts. His bother was also injured and was in the hospital for several months at the time of Glen’s death.
Article: Vietnam Action Takes Life of 22 year old Caldwellite. Spec 4 Glen Lawrence Atkinson, 22, Caldwell, was killed in action Monday in Vietnam, According to word received from the Department of Defense Wednesday by his mother, Mrs. Mary A Atkinson of Route 1, Caldwell.
Mrs. Atkinson was notified while she was at work as an appraiser in the Canyon County Assessor’s office.
History Noted: Spec 4 Atkinson was born Oct 24, 1946, in Woods Cross. UT and moved to the Purple Sage area another of Middleton with his parents when he was four. He graduated from Middleton High School in 1965. He was a member of the Future Farmers of America and of the wrestling team. He participated in the state wrestling championship. He worked for an uncle on a farm near Burley prior to serving two years in the southern states on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He entered the service Feb 14, 1968, and received his training at Fort Lewis, WA. He was sent overseas on July 9 with the 25th Infantry Division. His brother is at home awaiting a medical discharge after being injured on April 7 while serving with the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam.
Surviving in addition to his mother and brother are another brother, and three sisters, his grandparents, Mrs. Elsie Atkinson Hixson, and Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Anderson. His father Roy E Atkinson died September 4, 1955. He is also proceeded in death by his grandfather Lawrence Guy Atkinson (1949).
Family Links
Parents:
Roy E Atkinson (1923-1955)
Mary Louise Anderson Atkinson (1923-2017)
Burial:
Middleton Cemetery
Middleton, ID
Canyon County
Silver Star Citation
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Glen Lawrence Atkinson, United States Army, for gallantry in action. Specialist Fourth Class Atkinson distinguished himself by heroic actions on 2 February 1969, while serving with Troop D, 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. While on a combat operation, Troop D came under intense enemy fire from an enemy bunker complex. With complete disregard for his own safety, Specialist Atkinson began assaulting through the brush towards an enemy machine gun position. As he neared the bunker and began to place fire into it, Specialist Atkinson was mortally wounded. His valorous actions contributed immeasurably to the thwarting of the enemy force. Specialist Atkinson's personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army. General Orders: Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 1929 (February 20, 1969) Action Date: February 2, 1969 Service: Army Rank: Specialist Fourth Class Company: Troop D Battalion: 3d Squadron Regiment: 4th Cavalry Regiment Division: 25th Infantry Division
Feb 3, 2015
NOTES FROM:
Gene Peters, 3rd Plt, A Troop - 1968, reminding us of a true hero Glen Atkinson (KIA 3 Feb 1969):
Some time ago, I came to find out that Glen Atkinson is laid to rest about 18 miles from my home in Idaho! He & I served in the 3rd Platoon in A Troop for a month or so together. He got there in July & I got into the field in second week of May. I never knew him but other guys said he volunteered to get into the rifle platoon of Delta Troop after a short time in A Troop.
It was very moving for me when I put it all together. His mom was still living when we first found Glen's grave. My wife and I have been there a number of times since. (Memorial day & Veterans Day) I have lived in Idaho since 1977 and never had a clue. His Dad, a veteran, died at age 22 after WWII ! Glen was a month shy of 10 years old!
This photo from the cemetery shows Glen is laid to rest next to his dad & mom!
