PFC Robert Lewis Dial
Birth: July 5, 1944 Laurinburg, Scotland Co.
NC Death: March 15, 1966, Vietnam.
PFC Robert Lewis Dial, Vietnam Veteran, native of Charlotte, NC was 21 years old and was married. It was reported that Robert died when his helicopter crashed. His body was recovered. He was with the 1st Cavalry Division and had just landed on a hill top on helicopter tail #0E080ACD. When the Huey top rotor blade hit the ground he and his crew went end over end over the top of the mountain and down the other side.
“To my only brother: I was so young when you died for our Country. I remember very little but you remain very alive in my heart. You my brave brother were the very first person to die in this war from our County. You are never forgotten! Love and miss you very much. Ruth Russell Laurinburg, NC.” “You are my hero: I think about you so very much our train rides when we were such small children. Now I tell my grandchildren about our childhood days so long ago; Some of my very happiest memories. I miss all of the things we never got to do. I love and miss you, Debbie Shelby Dial, Laurinburg NC.” “I love and miss you; I remember the day you died like it was yesterday. I love and miss you so much, but I know that you are in heaven with our wonderful Mother and that makes me happy. Your sister, Joann Dial Thrower Laurinburg, NC.”
He was the husband of Mrs. Ridda Dial, of Charlotte, NC. He served with Alpha Company, 227th Air Support Helicopter Company, 227th AHS, 1st Cavalry Division. He was awarded The Purple Heart Medal for his combat related wounds, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal, The Good Conduct Medal and Two Air Medals with Two Oak Leaf Clusters.
Burial: Hillside Memorial Park, Laurinburg, Scotland Co., NC
Plot: Dial
(Source: Posted with permission of Tom & Jim Reece, #46857744; finding NC Vietnam KIA/MIA’s gravesites
; Reconfigured and submitted by: Ron Yates)
