BONNE TERRE, MO, U.S.A.
U.S. ARMY
SGT, VIETNAM WAR
05/30/1971, CLEARWATER LAKE, MO
Paul Henry Ketcherside Jr. was born on January 20, 1948 at Bonne Terre, Missouri to Paul Henry Ketcherside, Sr. and Betty Lou Durbin Ketcherside. He lost his life on May 30, 1971. He was aged 23 years, 4 months and 10 days.
Mr. Ketcherside is survived by his wife and child, his parents, two sisters, two brothers, and all of the home at Farmington. He is also survived by grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Paul Ketcherside was a Vietnam War Veteran. He was a member of VFW Post 5896 of Farmington, and was employed at Farm Equipment Sales of Farmington.
On October 28, 2007, Missouri Governor Matt Blunt pinned Vietnam War Medallions on 56 Veterans, and gave each a certificate of appreciation. Sixty Parkland area Vietnam Veterans were acknowledged for their bravery and courage in Vietnam, approximately 40 years after their return to the United States. Family members of four deceased Vietnam Veterans were given packets containing the medals.
Barbara Ketcherside accepted the medal for her brother, SGT Paul Ketcherside, who drowned at age 23, shortly after returning home from his tour in Vietnam. She wore his photo on her jacket, and tears spilled onto her cheeks as she talked of waiting for her brother to return from Vietnam.
“I was only 12, but I looked forward to him coming home,” she said. “I applied for this for him. He would be very proud (to receive it) And I’m very proud to accept it for him.”