Today our walk was dedicated in honor of:
Army SSGT Gary Lee Crone, Age 26 of York, PA.
KIA Jan. 29, 1968 Vietnam
Army SSGT Crone is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall on Panel 35E, Line 58.
SSGT Crone is buried in the Quickels Lutheran Church Cemetery, Zons View, PA.
On January 29th, 1968, while on patrol near Forward Operating Base 3, Hill 471 in Khe Sanh, Staff Sergeant Gary Lee Crone of the 5th Special Forces Group, MACV- Studies and Observation Group, US Army, was killed along with Specialist-5 Michael Mahoney of Towanda, Pa. SSG Crone’s unit was ambushed by a North Vietnamese force that vastly outnumbered his small team. The Tet Offensive was about to begin and the troops at Khe Sanh knew they were undermanned and in need of reinforcements.
Leading a Special Forces team on a small patrol mission, SSG Crone was killed almost immediately upon being ambushed, reportedly as he attempted to radio for support. One other soldier was killed with him on Hill 471. The next day, Sergeant First Class Charles Tredinnick of Dallas, Pa, was killed leading a unit to recover SSG Crone’s remains and was posthumously awarded the Silver Star. SSG Crone’s remains would not be recovered until the summer of 1968. SSG Crone was due to be redeployed to Okinawa the day after he was killed.
Gary was born December 3, 1941. His parents are Ralph L. and Ruth P. and he had three sisters and two brothers. He attended Northeastern High School and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He joined the Army in October, 1959 and was on his 2nd tour in Vietnam. He was stationed at Khe Sanh with the Special Forces as a medic. Gary spoke five languages. Gary, killed January 29, 1968, was awarded the National Defense, Silver Star, two Purple Hearts, Bronze Star, Vietnam Campaign, Vietnam Service, and the Medical Service w/2 Oak Leaf Clusters.
We had a great 5.81 mile walk today. We walked up town to the War Memorial Park and back. I want to thank my friend Robert for walking with me and I want to thank all who honked, waved, and saluted in helping me honor this hero. We had 152 honks today. Thank You.
Army SSGT Gary Lee Crone will not be forgotten !
