SP4 Keith Newton Starnes, Jr.
Birth: Mar. 17, 1947 Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., NC
Death: May 21, 1969 Quang Tin, Vietnam.
SP4 Keith Newton Starnes, Jr. native of Charlotte, NC was a member of the Army Selective Service and a Draftee, 22 years old and was not married. It was reported that Keith died from small arms fire or grenade in Operation Lamar Plain, in the vicinity of Hill 270, Southeast of Tien Phuoc. His body was recovered. His Company Commander explains that Keith did not carry a weapon. He described Keith as a caring and good medic and lost his life trying to help a wounded man who was waling “point” (The 1st person in a patrol).
Keith was the Son of Mr. Keith Newton Starnes (1924 – 1990) and Colie M Starnes (1913 – 1987) of Charlotte, NC. He served as a Combat Medic with Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment, “Geronimo”, 101st Airborne Division, “Screaming Eagles”. He was awarded The Combat Medic’s Badge (CMB), The Bronze Star Medal, 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 and The Good Conduct Medal.
Burial: Sharon Memorial Park Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., NC Plot: Sect. 11 C, Lot 345, Space #2.
Source: Posted with permission of Tom & Jim Reece, #46857744; finding NC Vietnam KIA/MIA’s gravesites
; Reconfigured and submitted by: Ron Yates.