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In Memory of U.S. Army Specialist Fourth Class

Arlen John Hunter

Kyle, South Dakota, Shannon County

October 29, 1946 – October 27, 1968

Died of Wounds in Vietnam
 

  

Arlen John Hunter was born October 29, 1946, in Kyle, South Dakota, to Stephen L. and Elvira (Sherman) Hunter. He had two sisters, Penelope (Penny) and Arlette. Arlen graduated from Oglala Community High School in Pine Ridge in 1965. He then went on to Haskell Institute at Lawrence, Kansas, for over a year before entering the army.

Arlen Hunter enlisted in the army on September 29, 1967, at Ft. Lewis, Washington. Specialist Fourth Class Hunter was sent overseas June 12, 1968, as part of the 124th Transportation Company, First Logistical Command.

Just days before his 22nd birthday, Specialist Fourth Class Arlen John Hunter died in Vietnam on October 27, 1968, from wounds received. His body was first returned to Rapid City with military escort and then on to Kyle, SD. After funeral services, he was buried in the St. Stephen’s Cemetery with military honors.

In closing, Linda Hardy, Arlen’s high school classmate, posted this remembrance on the VVMF website in memory of “Johnny Angel”: “You were a great guy and a wonderful friend. I will never forget you.”

This entry was respectfully submitted by Christian Cooper, 8th grade, Spearfish Middle School, Spearfish, South Dakota, on March 29, 2006. Information for this entry was provided by the Rapid City Journal, November 11, 1968 issue, the VVMF website, and a South Dakota Vietnam Veteran’s bonus application. Photo was provided by Pine Ridge High School, via Lou Packard and Brett “Stoney” Stoneberger. P/S/F/A on 4/2/06; 5/31/06.