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In Memory of U.S. Army Specialist Fourth Class

Curtis Leland Williams

Webster, South Dakota, Day County

 September 13, 1951- February 6, 1971

Died of Injuries in Helicopter Crash, Quang Tin Province, Vietnam

Curtis Leland Williams was born September 13, 1951, in Webster, South Dakota, to Reuben and Esther Williams. He had one sister, Bernice, and two brothers, Duane and Raymond. He went to school at Webster High School until the 11th grade then he joined the army. His nickname through life was Corky because his brother, Duane, and he couldn’t say Curtis when they were young. Curtis was always filled with mischief and a smile.
 
Curtis Leland Williams entered the army on December 27, 1968. According to Curtis’ family, since Curtis was too young to send to Vietnam, after his basic training at Ft. Lewis, Washington, he was stationed at Ft. Rucker, Alabama. SP/4 Williams was sent to Korea when he was 18 and after a few months he volunteered to serve in Vietnam. On October 12, 1970, SP/4 Williams was sent overseas to Vietnam as part of 178th Aviation Company, 14th Combat Aviation Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Group, and 23rd Infantry Division.
 
Specialist Fourth Class Curtis Leland Williams died on February 6, 1971, in Vietnam when the helicopter in which he was door gunner experienced engine failure and crashed and burned in Quang Tin Province, Vietnam. SP/4 Curtis suffered from burns and died. He was 19 years old.
 
His family later received the following letter from the Commanding Officer telling them the details of what happened to Curtis:

His body was returned to the United States and was buried at the cemetery at Webster, South Dakota, on February 23, 1971.
 
Specialist Fourth Class Curtis Leland Williams was awarded the Armed Forces Medal, Second Class, Bronze Star Medal, Natural Defense Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Aircraft Crewman Badge, and Marksman Badge with rifle bar.
 
Current survivors of Curtis Williams are his sister, Bernice, and brothers, Raymond and Duane, who said in closing, “Speaking for the three of us, out youngest brother is never far from out hearts.”

This entry was respectfully submitted by Tyler Ludens, 8th grade, Spearfish Middle School, Spearfish, South Dakota on October 3, 2005. Information for this entry was provided by Duane Williams (Curtis’ brother). More information came from Vietnam Veterans Bonus Application. Profile approval by Duane Williams.