Terry Lynn Rexroat was a Private First Class for the United States Marine Corp during the Vietnam War. He died November 26, 1969 at age of 20 from burns and smoke inhalation.
I got this quote about Terry's death, which was posted by his sister on another web site. "I recently spoke with a veteran who saw the whole incident, because Terry had just kicked him off his tank (against regs) and he was riding behind on a crowded truck when Terry's tank hit a mine. He said it had been raining for days, and there were lots of casualties from a huge campaign, and Terry was escorting a medical evacuation through a valley . . . when the sun came out late in the day and . . . the guy said it was spectacularly beautiful in that valley. And then the tank hit a mine "
Though I didn't know him that well, I remember him as a really nice guy. He still looked like a kid when he went off to fight. It was the first death report in Vietnam that shocked me. He was just a boy, the kind I later mourned as soldier babies. When I was an officer overseas, I remembered him and sweet young men like him...
I believe this is the last photo taken of Terry while still a civilian. Picture taken by his mother at the Cedar Rapids bus station just before Terry and I left for Fort Des Moines (March 1969)
Thanks to John for the last civilian photo and for all the comments. I first got to see the Washington DC Vietnam Memorial (the Wall) on a bitterly cold February night. By the time I found Terry's name, I was glad no one else was around to see the tears. I remembered a Surveyor photo (or was it from the '67 Monument) of the tall, handsome young man finishing a perfect jump shot. It was a challenge to embrace the idea of his promising life ended -- and to weigh the price paid by many. I'm grateful for faith that Terry will live again.
I salute Terry and all those from our class who served, in whatever capacity.
Seeing this picture after attending last night's Senior Mixer, I can't help wondering if Terry would be joining us. Or would he be living somewhere else, but maybe coming to our 50th reunion? All the things the rest of us are doing now that he never had the chance to be part of. So much promise, gone so soon. You are missed, sweet brave young man.
I, like Paul, have visited the Vietnam Memorial in D.C. several times. The feeling is always the same...happy memories of kids growing up and sad memories of a lost friend.
I too looked up Terry's name when visiting the memorial in DC many years ago. Unfortunately, because we lost so many, it took a while to find it. It brought back many memories... that picture above gives me goosebumps. His death hit hard because he was the first person I really knew who was killed in the war.
Dennis Smith
I got this quote about Terry's death, which was posted by his sister on another web site. "I recently spoke with a veteran who saw the whole incident, because Terry had just kicked him off his tank (against regs) and he was riding behind on a crowded truck when Terry's tank hit a mine. He said it had been raining for days, and there were lots of casualties from a huge campaign, and Terry was escorting a medical evacuation through a valley . . . when the sun came out late in the day and . . . the guy said it was spectacularly beautiful in that valley. And then the tank hit a mine "
Janice Oliphant
Though I didn't know him that well, I remember him as a really nice guy. He still looked like a kid when he went off to fight. It was the first death report in Vietnam that shocked me. He was just a boy, the kind I later mourned as soldier babies. When I was an officer overseas, I remembered him and sweet young men like him...
Thomas McGowan (McGowan)
Terry was an outstanding man.
We worked together and he hung out with me.
We rode around in his mustang and he always changed the radio looking for his favorite songs.
I was not popular to say the least and he treated me as an equal. I don't think I would be where I am today without him helping me know I was okay.
I often wonder how many young people he helped just because of who he was/is.
I think of him often and am thankful to have had him in my life.
David Valenta
Tom has said it all. Can't think of a better tribute than what he has said.
John Larison
I believe this is the last photo taken of Terry while still a civilian. Picture taken by his mother at the Cedar Rapids bus station just before Terry and I left for Fort Des Moines (March 1969)
Howard Willard
Semper Fi, Brother!!
Paul Haglund
Thanks to John for the last civilian photo and for all the comments. I first got to see the Washington DC Vietnam Memorial (the Wall) on a bitterly cold February night. By the time I found Terry's name, I was glad no one else was around to see the tears. I remembered a Surveyor photo (or was it from the '67 Monument) of the tall, handsome young man finishing a perfect jump shot. It was a challenge to embrace the idea of his promising life ended -- and to weigh the price paid by many. I'm grateful for faith that Terry will live again.
I salute Terry and all those from our class who served, in whatever capacity.
Sally Herrington (Stendel)
Seeing this picture after attending last night's Senior Mixer, I can't help wondering if Terry would be joining us. Or would he be living somewhere else, but maybe coming to our 50th reunion? All the things the rest of us are doing now that he never had the chance to be part of. So much promise, gone so soon. You are missed, sweet brave young man.
Thomas Estby
I, like Paul, have visited the Vietnam Memorial in D.C. several times. The feeling is always the same...happy memories of kids growing up and sad memories of a lost friend.
Stuart Lehr
I too looked up Terry's name when visiting the memorial in DC many years ago. Unfortunately, because we lost so many, it took a while to find it. It brought back many memories... that picture above gives me goosebumps. His death hit hard because he was the first person I really knew who was killed in the war.