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In Memory of U.S. Army Sergeant

Richard E. Glaesman

Leola, South Dakota, McPherson County

September12, 1946- September 15, 1967

Killed in Action in Vietnam

Richard E. “Dickey” Glaesman was born in Eureka, South Dakota, on September 12, 1946, to Reinhold and Alvina (Ketterling) Glaesman who lived in Ashley, North Dakota at the time. He and his family moved to Leola, South Dakota, in 1950, where Richard was raised and educated. He had a brother, Reuben, and a sister, Geraldine. As the middle child, he was known as the quiet one. He is remembered as always having a smile on his face. Growing up, he had lots of friends and loved to tell jokes. After his schooling, he helped his father, who was a drayman, move buildings. Richard was a member of the St. James Lutheran Church in Leola.

Richard E. Glaesman was drafted into the service on January 28, 1966. He was trained at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and Fort Riley, Kansas. Commencing his tour of Vietnam on January 20, 1967, Richard was an Army Sergeant in Company A, 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Sergeant Richard E. Glaesman was killed in action at Dinh Tuong, Republic of Vietnam on September 15, 1967. His parents received the following Western Union telegram the next day: “The Secretary of the Army has asked me to express his deep regret that your son, Sergeant Richard E. Glaesman, died in Vietnam on 15 September 1967 as the result of gunshot wound received while on combat operation when ambushed by hostile force.” His body was returned to the United States, and he was buried with military honors at the Green Mound Cemetery in Leola. Dated September 28, 1967, the family received a letter from Richard’s commanding officer offering more details and more personal information. He wrote: “Richard will always be remembered for his many contributions to the organization and for his concern for his concern for his fellow soldiers. As a member of this company, Richard was well liked by all who served with him. You may take pride that your son was an outstanding soldier who was a great credit to the uniform he wore and the country he served.’’

Richard received many awards and citations. One of his awards was the Silver Star for gallantry; his citation reads:

For gallantry in action while engaged in combat…Sergeant Glaesman distinguished himself by exceptionally various actions on 15, September 1967, while serving as a squad leader on a search and destroy mission…in the jungles of Vietnam. As the unit maneuvered across an area of open rice paddies, it suddenly came under an intense volume of automatic and semi-automatic weapons fire from a well concealed Viet Cong force. Without hesitation, Sergeant Glaesman began to maneuver his squad against the insurgents. Seeing one of his men fall wounded in the ensuing action. Although exposing himself to a torrent of enemy fire, Sergeant Glaesman Rushed to the wounded soldier and began administering professional first aid. Without regard for personal safety, Sergeant Glaesman began to carry his companion to an area of safety. It was during the performance of his heroic deed that Sergeant Glaesman was mortally wounded. Sergeant Glaesman’s extreme courage and extreme courage and concern for his men were an inspiration to all those whom he served and contributed significantly to saving the life of one of the members of his squad. Sergeant Glaesman’s extraordinary heroism in combat, against a numerically superior Viet Cong force is in keeping with the highest tradition of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th infantry division, and the United States Army.

Richard was a loyal American hero who served our country well. I will remember his service and sacrifice. His sister, Geraldine, wrote in closing: “He will always be remembered by his smile and love for hunting and fishing.”

This entry was respectfully submitted by Travis P. Ellendorf, 8th grade, Spearfish Middle School, Spearfish, South Dakota on October 19, 2005. The Northwest Blade, September 21, 1967 issue, the McPherson County Herald, 11/9/67 issue, and the Vietnam Veterans bonus application provided the information for this entry. Additional information and profile approval by Geraldine Schauer, Ashley, North Dakota.