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In Memory of U.S. Marine Private First Class

Dennis Clark Knutson

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Minnehaha County

November 17, 1945--July 23 1966

Died of Wounds in Vietnam

   

Dennis Clark Knutson was born November 17, 1945, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Milferd, a Sioux Falls fireman, and Doris (Clark) Knutson. He had three sisters: Connie, Lee Ann, and Debra. Dennis attended grade school at Irving Elementary; he then went to Patrick Henry Junior High; he later went on to Washington High School. Dennis was active in sports. Dennis graduated from Washington High School in 1964, after which he worked for a time at the State Theater in Sioux Falls.

Dennis Knutson entered the Marines Corps on August 25, 1965. After basic training in San Diego, California, Dennis was sent overseas to Vietnam on February 16, 1966, as a Private First Class with Company M, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division (Reinforced). According to the newspaper, PFC Knutson “was involved in four operations” before his death in Vietnam.

Private First Class Dennis Knutson died of wounds received on July 23, 1966, in the vicinity of DaNang, Republic of Vietnam. After his parents were notified of his death by telegram on July 26, his body was returned to the United States and “escorted home by his mother’s brother, S. Sgt. Richard L. Clark.” After a funeral service at First Lutheran Church, Dennis was buried with military honors at the Hills of Rest Cemetery in Sioux Falls, “on a beautifully cool and partly cloudy day” with more than 600 people in attendance.

Dennis Knutson was the second Sioux Falls man to die in Vietnam.

This entry was respectfully submitted by Kelsey Jacobs, 8 grade, Spearfish Middle School, Spearfish, South Dakota, on March 30, 2006. Information for this entry was provided by the South Dakota Vietnam Veterans Bonus Application, and the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, July 27, 1966, and August 4, 1966, issues. Profile approval by Doris Knutson.