(17 Apr 1945 – 6 May 2022)

OBITUARY:  Kenneth L. Shackelford was born in Atascadero, California on April 17, 1945 and died at home in Thayne, Wyoming on May 6, 2022. His life was filled with many personal and professional accomplishments. After high school he attended San Jose State College from 1963-1967 on a track scholarship, where he held the American and World records in the 880 and 1 mile team relay.

After graduation he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps. Once he completed OCS in Quantico, VA, he was selected for flight training and earned his Navy wings of gold. Ken proudly served his country from 1969-1970 in Vietnam, flying 229 combat missions in the F-4 Phantom.

Upon his return to the US he became an instructor pilot in the Advanced Naval Training Command based in Kingsville, Texas, and was selected to be the Marine alternate for the Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels.
He married his wife of 50 years, Carol, in May 1972, and after resigning his commission in the fall, he and Carol returned to So. California. Ken was hired by Western Airlines as a pilot based in Los Angeles, eventually transferring to Minneapolis.

While in Minneapolis he successfully opened three Apple computer stores and was chosen by Apple to be one of the only people in the state of Minnesota to be trained on the “Lisa” which was the precursor to the Mac computers we have today.

In 1984 the family sold the computer stores, and moved to Park City, UT where Ken began a new chapter in the airline business as Western merged with Delta Airlines. Ken’s drive and leadership lead him to culminate his career as Chief Line Check Pilot for the Delta 737 fleet from July 1996 until 2000, retiring in 2003.

Ken leaves behind his loving wife Carol; Daughter Kelly, her partner Matt Gridley and her three daughters Emma, Abby and Olivia; Daughter Kathleen, her husband Brooks Holmes and their two sons Teigen and Torin; Son Kenneth Ill and his wife Niko Perez.
No service is planned at this time.
“When the sun of life sets, the stars of memory shine.”

AUTOBIOGRAPHY: Came into the USMC through the PLC program. Attended San Jose State University California 1963-67 on a track scholarship and was member of relay team holding the 880 yd World Record in 1967. B.A. Public Administration. Later M.A. Administration from University Of California 1977.

Basic School TBS 1-68 July 1967 – Graduated 14 of 219. Flight Training March 1968 to March 1969. Third Marine Air Wing A-4 syllabus but while at MCAS El Toro orders changed to F-4 Phantom as one of the first four “students” in the newly commissioned VMFAT 101. Assigned to Fleet Squadron VMFA 531. July 1969. Ordered to WESPAC November 1969 assigned to VMFA 314 Chu Lai RVN where I flew 229 combat missions in support of Marine ground forces. Awarded 17 Air Medals.

Returned to CONUS November 1970 and assigned to VT -23 Advanced Jet Training, Kingsville, Texas as a flight instructor. Resigned USMC August 1972.

Flew the Boeing 737 and 727 for Western Air Lines as first officer and crew member and was a ground school instructor. Joined Delta Airlines when Western and Delta merged in 1987. For Delta was a Captain on the B737, Check Pilot for B737 Delta Flight Standards 1986 – 2001, Lead Check Pilot Salt Lake City, Utah 1988-89, and Chief Line Check Pilot B-737 Fleet Delta Air Lines, Atlanta, GA 1989-2001. Retired March 2003.

Married Carol Ann Davidson at NAS Miramar May 13, 1972. We have two Daughters: Kelly 37yrs and Katie 35yrs, one Son, Ken Jr. 30yrs and five Grandchildren.

We live on five acres next to the Jim Bridger National Forest Wyoming and winter in Temecula CA. My hobbies are Woodworking, Golf, Fishing, and traveling.

1 February 1946 – 21 April 1968
Courts of the Missing, MIA Mem, HI.
Memorial stone placed in Resurrection Cemetery, Affton MO.

John Gates Spindler was born 1 February 1946 in St. Louis, MO to Phillip Spindler and Leona Gates. He attended St. Cecilia’s Grade school 1950-1959, St. Louis University High School 1959-1963, and Washington University 1963-1967 where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.

John enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve through the Platoon Leaders/ Class (PLC) program on 14 Jan 1966. He spent 13 June through 20 August 1966 as a member of 3rd Platoon, C Company, Officer Candidates’ School. John was offered and agreed to accept a regular commission upon graduation. On Sunday, 4 June 1967, John was commissioned that evening in Graham Chapel in a joint ceremony with two other Marine Lieutenants, along with five Army and five Air Force Lieutenants from the University ROTC units.

After six days of leave and two days of travel, he reported to The Basic School (TBS), Quantico Virginia on 13 June 1967. Since he was assigned to a class that would not start until 3 July, he was given duties in the TBS headquarters for the three weeks until the class convened. On 3 July 1967, Lt Spindler became part of 5th Platoon, A Company, Basic Officers’ Class #1-68. Late in the course, Lt Spindler received his Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) assignment of 0301, Basic Infantry Officer and orders to report to Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, Western Pacific Ground Forces following graduation. The class graduated on 22 November 1967.

By 31 December 1967, he was flying to Okinawa. After five days, 2nd Lt. Spindler was on a flight to South Vietnam, arriving in Danang on 7 January 1968. His ultimate assignment was to G Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment (G/2/3) which was already engaged in “Operations in Defense of Danang.” He was assigned to be the 2nd Platoon Leader. On 6 February 1968, 2nd Lt. Spindler received fragmentation wounds to his right arm, but was not seriously hurt and was treated at the Battalion Aid Station and returned to duty. This would earn his first Purple Heart Medal.

Operation Scotland II commenced on 16 April 1968 as Marines at Khe Sanh broke the siege and started attacking enemy units still in the area. Lt. Spindler’s platoon was deployed to a blocking position on top of Hill 691. Combined with search and destroy missions by the other elements of the battalion, this action was designed to support fully securing Route 9 and resupply to Khe Sanh Combat Base. Enemy contact was relatively light, though Lt. Spindler did receive a minor fragmentation wound to the right side of his neck on 18 April, earning a second Purple Heart Medal.

On the morning of 21 April 1968, having had no more significant contact, 2nd Platoon was ordered to stage all personnel and ammunition for helicopter pickup. By sometime after 0800, Lt. Spindler was standing at the helicopter landing area. At that instant, two incoming rounds impact and killed Lt Spindler. His body was never found. A memorial service was held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and a memorial stone placed in Resurrection Cemetery in Affton MO.

USMC Resume:
TBS Class 1-68 Alpha Company, 5th Platoon June-Nov 1967
Vietnam: 7 Jan – 21 Apr 1968, G Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment (G/2/3)

Personal Reflections about John Spindler: From Courtney, 17 April 2015: “My recollection is that we never really called John by his first name, but always called him Spindler. He was outgoing, friendly, mischievous and always had that half crazed Spindler grin. One hot dusty day in July or August, Bruce Wiggins was acting platoon leader, walking in the middle of the dirt road while the rest of us struggled on the sides at route step. Suddenly, Spindler burst from the ranks and rushed up behind Wiggins, falling in at perfect Marx Brothers step behind him for a dozen paces before Wiggins noticed him, or noticed the grins and laughter around him. Then Spindler scampered back to his place having once again given us the gift of much needed levity. The greatest tragedy of war is the taking of young men of free spirit so full of life. God bless you, John. You always made us smile.”

2 September 1941 – 5 December 2011
Cremated: Memorial Service VFW Post 8207, FL

Larry David St. John of Longwood, FL was born in Shelby, OH on Sept. 2, 1941 to Elton and Betty St. John. Larry graduated from Shelby High School in 1959 and The Ohio State University in 1966. At OSU he met future wife, Zan, and they were married Dec. 23, 1966. Larry joined the Marine Corps and served from 1966-1970. He attained the rank of Captain, serving one tour in Vietnam, and earning two purple hearts and the bronze star. Following military service, Larry accepted a sales position with Ashland Petroleum Company where he remained employed for twenty years. The St. Johns have one daughter, Erin E. Hearon (Mike), residing in Hampton, VA; and four grandchildren, Brandon, Austin, Dylan and Kaitlyn. Larry also has a sister, Marsha Bell, of Sun Lakes, AZ.

USMC Resume:
The Basic School Class 1-68 Alpha Company, 5th Platoon, Jun-Nov 1967

Personal Reflections about Larry St John:

21 August 1945 – 3 November 1992
Arlington National Cemetery, VA 22212

John Tritsch passed away on 3 Nov 1992, at the age of 47, of heart disease in Narberth, PA.

John Ballou Tritsch was born 21 Aug 1945 in Wilmington, DE to John Grant Tritsch and Grace Ballou. John’s father, who attended Princeton University and earned a BS Chemical Engineering in 1942, worked at the DuPont Corporation in Wilmington. John was the only boy in the Tritsch family with older sister and four younger sisters: Grace, Jean, Catherine, Margaret, and Irene.

John attended Princeton University earning a BS in Chemical Engineering in 1967. While at Princeton, John was commander of the Navy ROTC drill team and a member of the Elm Club.

Following graduation, he accepted a regular commission as a second lieutenant in the USMC and served in Vietnam. John was severely wounded in combat and sustained shrapnel wounds over most of his body. He spent many months in a hospital in Japan until he could return to the U.S., where he spent another six months at Bethesda Naval Medical Center. Upon his recovery, he went to interrogators’ school and language school, and was honorably discharged in August of 1971 with the rank of Captain. John was awarded the Purple Heart.

John then went on to receive an MBA from the Wharton School and became a CPA, working at Arthur Young. He also worked with FMC, CertainTeed, Sperry Univac, and Movie Exchange, before starting his own business, Cornerstone Business Solutions, which specialized in designing computer business systems.

John served on the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Jaycees from 1976-1979. He was a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the New York State Society of CPAs. He enjoyed jogging, volleyball, personal computing and photography. John died on 3 Nov 1992, of heart disease in Narberth, PA. He was interred at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.

USMC Resume: TBS Class 1-68 Alpha Company, 5th Platoon June-Nov 1967 Vietnam: XXX – XXX, Unit? Post-Vietnam: Hospitals in Japan and Annapolis, MD Interrogators’ school and language school, Monterey CA ITT Pendleton: xxx – Aug 1971 Discharged August 1971 with the rank of Captain. Awarded the Purple Heart.

Personal Reflections about John Tritsch:

From John Schmid, 23 Mar 2015: “John Tritsch and I were in the same ITT (Interrogation Translation Team) at Pendleton.  We lived in the BOQ together for a while and would eat together in the evenings. He later moved out to an apartment in Oceanside (he was a terrible housekeeper, by the way) but we still hung out on weekends. Nat Reed, 4th Plt, also hung out with John and me at Pendleton. John’s wounds were horrible and he had terrible scars on his chest and abdomen.  We were both released from active duty in August ’71.  I was living with my parents in San Francisco and John came and stayed with us for a few days before he went home in the East.  He had been close to Hank Wright at TBS, so he called Hank Wright’s parents and they invited us over for dinner at their home in Oakland. We drove across the bridge to Oakland and Mr. & Mrs. Wright served us dinner at their home. It was a very sad evening and I still remember clearly how proud they were of Hank [Hank – USNA grad KIA RVN]. A few years later, after we both had received MBAs, we were living and working in New York. We occasionally got together for drinks and BS. I remember one very cold Sunday going to his apartment in Brooklyn Heights and watching the Super Bowl. My last memory of John is having drinks with him at the Princeton Club where he told me he was developing software (the PC was just becoming common) for, I believe, the insurance industry. I lost track of John after the early ’80s, but I have always valued memories of knowing him. I have no doubt that his serious wounds shortened his life.” 

From Nat Reed, 24 Mar 2015: “What stands out in my memory about John Tritsch occurred during a field exercise at Pendleton during the first or second quarter of ’71.  I was in the 25th ITT after 47 weeks at language school in Monterey, California (I know, tough duty, but someone had to do it.)  During the exercise, we spent some time doing interrogations, and also some time being interrogated.  When I was being subjected to interrogation, I remember John, who was part of the interrogation team, really got into his role and displayed some incredible histrionics.  John was a real character! I was stunned recently when I learned that John had passed away.  Our paths never crossed again after we left the Corps.  I give him a lot of credit–he graduated from one of the finest B schools in the world.  God rest his soul.”

20 September 1944 – 10 December 2010
Belmont United Methodist Church, Richmond, VA 23234

Carl Ulrich passed away Saturday, 4 Dec 2010, at the Medical College of Virginia. He was 66.

Carl William Ulrich was born September 30, 1944, in Mount Vernon, New York, to Carl A. and Alice B. Ulrich, and attended schools in Bethesda and Annapolis, Maryland. His step-parents, Dorothy M. Ulrich and Charles Wesley Winter, each played an influential role in his early life. He attended Rice University in Houston, Texas, on an NROTC scholarship and served in Vietnam as an officer of the U.S. Marine Corps. He and his wife Christine R. Ulrich had two daughters, Susanna V. and Catherine L. Ulrich. He had one grandson, Cassius Corey.

He received a law degree from Georgetown University and entered private practice in Washington, DC, where he worked as an energy and utilities attorney for almost three decades, interrupted by a two-year stint as in-house counsel for Texas Eastern in Houston, Texas. In addition to being a member of the D.C., Texas and Virginia state bars, Carl was a member of the Public Utilities Section of the American Bar Association. He served as both a lecturer and conference moderator on professional responsibility issues, and as Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Legal Ethics Committee of the Energy Bar Association. He also provided pro bono legal counsel to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to defend the health of his beloved Chesapeake Bay.

Throughout his life, Carl felt a strong spiritual calling. He entered Wesley Theological Seminary in 1999 to prepare for a second career as a Methodist minister. He left the practice of law in 2000, graduated from Wesley in 2002, and was ordained an elder of the United Methodist Church in 2005. He served as minister of Accotink UMC in Fort Belvoir, Silverbrook UMC in Lorton, Central UMC in Mathews, and Belmont UMC in Richmond, all in the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church. He was very active in the conference, and served on the boards of the Society of Wesleyan Studies and the Virginia United Methodist Foundation. He greatly valued the many wonderful friends he made in both his legal and religious careers.

USMC Resume:
The Basic School Class 1-68 Alpha Company, 5th Platoon, Jun-Nov 1967

Personal Reflections about Carl Ulrich:

13 July 1945 – 14 Sept 1922

EDWARD WIETECHA OBITUARY

Wietecha, Edward Joseph 7/13/1945 – 9/14/2022 East Grand Rapids age 77, of East Grand Rapids, MI, died September 14, 2022, at Butterworth Hospital from a massive heart attack while in the loving company of his wife of 55 years Dr. Peggy Burke, and their three sons Daniel B. Wietecha (Hastings, MN), Edward T. Wietecha (Denver, CO), and Andrew B. Wietecha (East Grand Rapids, MI). Ed was born in Pottsville, PA, in July 1945, the second child of Edward J. Wietecha and Ann (Peron) Wietecha. Ed grew up an optimist, despite an at-times tumultuous and economically depressed childhood. He worked his way through college and first earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at U-C. He graduated and was commissioned an officer in the United States Marine Corps in June 1967, and he wed the love of his life Peggy J. Burke in August 1967. He went to Vietnam in April 1968. While in Vietnam, he served in an artillery firing battery as a forward observer with an infantry line company and as a platoon commander of a reconnaissance platoon. When a helicopter landed on a mine and exploded, in spite of being wounded and burned, Ed and another officer repeatedly went into the burning helicopter to rescue every Marine, living or dead. While on a reconnaissance mission he was shot by a sniper. Though wounded, he called in a helicopter to extract his platoon and he was the last out. He was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star Medal with a Combat V for his heroism and selfless actions. When he returned from Vietnam, Ed was assigned to the US Army Field Artillery School at Fort Sill, OK. He worked as an instructor, instrumental in revising US Field Artillery procedures. He was the technical advisor for the US Army training film “The Artillery Battery in the Defense,” which ushered in the widespread reuse of pattern painting and camouflage that is seen everywhere today! He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal. Most importantly, he and Peggy started their family; Dan was born in 1971. Ed and Peg were active lay ministers in their parish and led the religious education program for teens. In 1972, Ed resigned his commission and returned to the University of Illinois at U-C. He completed his master’s and did post-Master’s study in educational psychology while working as a Research Associate for University of Illinois College of Medicine at U-C. While at the university, he and Peggy had two more sons: Ted and Andy. In 1978, Ed and his family moved to East Grand Rapids, MI. He served in a variety of human resource management positions such as Training Manager for St. Mary’s Hospital, Senior HR Representative, HR Manager, Human Resources Systems Manager, and Safety Coordinator for different companies. While working he also volunteered teaching adult literacy, teaching Vietnamese immigrants to read in English, worked with veterans and others dealing with PTSD, helped numerous disadvantaged people to better their lives, was active in saving a wetland, and was a member of Leadership Grand Rapids. Throughout his career he spent a tremendous amount of time training, advising, coaching and counseling. In 2004, he returned to school to obtain a Master of Social Work degree from Western Michigan University. He wanted the remainder of his career to be full-time counselor and not have counseling be only one of his job duties. He pursued his degree while working full time and having two major operations for wounds received in Vietnam. In 2007, Ed began his counseling career at Encompass Employee Assistance Program. In 2013, after surviving many years with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and years on a transplant waiting list, he received a double lung transplant at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. Later that year he suffered three kinds of rejection simultaneously and survived but resulted in the need for supplemental oxygen during his final years. Most recently he was completing intensive training in clinical hypnosis so he could use those skills to aid veterans with PTSD. Ed was a voracious reader and loved studying philosophy and religion, reading a good thriller, serving others, playing with his dogs, and most of all, spending time with his family. Undeterred by many health setbacks, he continued to help others as long as he was able and never gave up in the face of obstacles. He will be remembered for his caring nature, his desire for a better tomorrow, and the love for his family. He lived a rich, full life and will live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew him. He was a devoted and beloved husband, father, and grandfather known as Papa Bear. Ed was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Ann Wietecha and his sister Carol Spiller. He is survived by his wife of 55 years Dr. Peggy Burke; their sons Dan, Ted and Andy; grandchildren Sophia and Samuel; daughter-in-law Nicole; his brother John M. Wietecha (Deerfield, IL); and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Visitation will be at 10:00 am -12:00 pm on October 15 at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home at 3980 Cascade Road, SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, followed by a celebration of life with lunch for family and friends at 12:30 3:00 pm at Pietro’s at 2780 Birchcrest Drive, SE. The family wishes to thank relatives, friends, and neighbors who have helped to sustain Ed through 9+ years of post-transplant; the transplant team at Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI; the transplant team at Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids, MI, who took over his care for the last number of years; special thanks to Dr. Jeffrey VanWingen of Family Medicine Specialists, P.C., Grand Rapids, MI; and special recognition to the generous young man who donated his lungs that allowed Ed to live another 9+ years and have the chance to see grandkids. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ed’s honor may be made to In The Image, 4255 Kalamazoo Avenue, SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508, or the Richard DeVos Heart & Lung Transplant Program at Spectrum Health Foundation mailed to: Spectrum Health Foundation, 25 Michigan Street, NE, Suite 4100, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

28 September 1944 – 21 April 2001
unk: last residence Westlake Village, CA 91361

Captain David E. Wilbur of Claremont, New Hampshire was born on September 28, 1994 and passed away on April 21, 2001 of a heart attack in Westlake, CA.

Dave Wilbur attended Brown University (possibly in the NROTC program). Upon graduation he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant is the USMC.

He reported to The Basic School (TBS) Class 1-68 Alpha Company and assigned to the Fifth Platoon. As a married “brown-bagger” his roommates were Jules Seldon and Ken Shackleford. Following TBS Dave reported to NAS Pensacola for flight training – jet pipeline. He got his wings at Beeville, then came out to VMFAT–101 and VMFA-531 (El Toro), then to VMFA-334 (Iwakuni) flying the F-4 Phantom II.

After release from active duty, Dave attended Tuck Business School (Dartmouth College) and got his MBA.  After a remarriage and an assortment of jobs, he ended up in California where he died in his home in Westlake Village, CA of a heart attack. His job title was “forensic economist”.

USMC Resume:
The Basic School Class 1-68 Alpha Company, 5th Platoon, Jun-Nov 1967
NAS Pensacola Flight Training
VMFA 101/531/334.

Personal Reflections about Dave Wilbur:

9 June 1946 – 06 February 1968
Mountain View Cemetery, Oakland, CA 94611

Henry Arthur Wright (Hank) was born 9 Jun 1946 in Keokuk, IA to Roy E. Wright and Marjorie J. Wright now residing in Oakland CA. Henry attended the US Naval Academy, and upon graduation was commissioned 7 June 1967 a second Lieutenant in the US Marine Corps.

Hank’s USNA yearbook biography reads: After graduating from Oakland High School in “sunny California”, Henry found his way to the Naval Academy. His scholastic background enabled him to take full advantage of the electives program and to complete majors in German and Economics while at Navy. Never content with less than his best effort, Henry’s hard work paid off, and he found himself consistently on the superintendent’s List. Henry’s advice was much sought after by peer and subordinate alike. Henry will carry with him qualities that destine him to be a valuable asset to the Naval service, an inspiration and example to those with whom he comes in contact, and an unbounded personal success as well.

Arriving at his first post Academy assignment, Hank reported to the USMC Officers Basic School (TBS) Class 1-68 Alpha Company, 5th Platoon in Quantico, VA. Upon graduation, Hank was assigned as a Basic Infantry Officer and given orders to Vietnam. Arriving in Vietnam on 5 January 1968 2dLt Wright was assigned to Company D, 1st Battalion 7th Marines 1st MARDIV (Rein) FMF (D/1/7) as a Platoon Commander.

On February 6 at approximately 08:45 CAP B-4 located in the hamlet of La Chau became engaged with an enemy force and requested assistance. Company D, nearby on Hill 47 deployed a two squad reaction force supported by an M48A1 Tank to the scene of the fire fight. Approaching La Chau the tank struck a mine becoming disabled as the Marines began to receive heavy automatic weapons fire, B-40 rockets were fired at the tank setting it ablaze. Additional reinforcements and air support were requested by the Marines.

The action resulted in the deaths of eight Marines and one US Navy Corpsmen, including 2dLt Wright who died as a result of a gunshot wound. Twenty men were also wounded during the fire fights with the enemy forces. Second Lieutenant Wright earned the following decorations: Bronze Star, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal.

Second Lieutenant Wright is honored on the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, VVM Wall, Panel 37e, Line 76.

USMC Resume:
USNA Class of 1967, 1963 – 1967.
The Basic School Class 1-68 Alpha Company, 5th Platoon, Jun-Nov 1967
Vietnam: Company D, 1st Bn 7th Marines 1st MARDIV (Rein) FMF, 5 Jan – 6 Feb 1968
Bronze Star, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal.

Personal Reflections about Hank Wright: