ROBERT J ENGEN
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HONORED ON PANEL 5W, LINE 115 OF THE WALL

ROBERT JOSEPH ENGEN

WALL NAME

ROBERT J ENGEN

PANEL / LINE

5W/115

DATE OF BIRTH

04/03/1951

CASUALTY PROVINCE

LZ

DATE OF CASUALTY

02/18/1971

HOME OF RECORD

STOCKTON

COUNTY OF RECORD

San Joaquin County

STATE

CA

BRANCH OF SERVICE

ARMY

RANK

SP4

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Contact Details

REMEMBRANCES

LEFT FOR ROBERT JOSEPH ENGEN
POSTED ON 7.15.2015

Final Mission of SP4 Robert J. Engen

LAM SON 719 was a large offensive operation against NVA communications lines in Laos. The operation called for ARVN troops to drive west from Khe Sanh, cut the Ho Chi Minh Trail, seize Tchpone and return to Vietnam. The ARVN would provide and command the ground forces, while U.S. Army and Air Force would furnish aviation airlift and supporting firepower. The 101st Airborne Division commanded all U.S. Army aviation units in direct support of the operation. Most of the first part of the operation, which began January 30, 1971, was called Operation DEWEY CANYON II, and was conducted by U.S. ground forces in Vietnam. On February 8, 1971, early into the operation, a U.S. Army OH-6A helicopter was shot down about 8 miles east of Tchpone. This aircraft, flown by pilot WO1 Gregory S. Crandall, was crewed by scout/observer SP4 Robert J. Engen and crew chief SGT Walter E. Lewellen. They were conducting an aerial reconnaissance mission when Crandall radioed that he was under heavy enemy fire. As he maneuvered to evade the fire, the aircraft was seen to crash and catch on fire. There was one major and six secondary explosions. About March 7, an ARVN unit spotted the wreckage, but was unable to reach it to thoroughly investigate. It was never learned for certain that the crew perished. Losses were heavy in Lam Son 719. The ARVN lost almost 50% of their force. U.S. aviation units lost 168 helicopters; another 618 were damaged. Fifty-five air crewmen were killed, 178 wounded, and 34 missing in action during the entire operation, lasting until April 6, 1971. In the early 1990’s, remains were returned to the U.S. that the government claimed were from the lost crewmen. [Taken from pownetwork.org]
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POSTED ON 2.22.2014
POSTED BY: Curt Carter [email protected]

Remembering An American Hero

Dear SP4 Robert Joseph Engen, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter
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POSTED ON 3.19.2011
POSTED BY: Robert Sage

We Remember

Robert is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
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POSTED ON 11.2.2004
POSTED BY: Chris Spencer

NATIVE AMERICAN PRAYER

It is said a man hasn't died as long as he is remembered. This prayer is a way for families, friends and fellow veterans to remember our fallen brothers and sisters. Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight, I am the stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die
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POSTED ON 2.18.2004
POSTED BY: Amber Miller

Thank You

I attend Gridley High School in Gridley, IL and I am completing this remembrance as part of the Gridley High School Posting Project. You fit the true definition of a hero. You paid the ultimate sacrifice for defending freedom. I deeply appreciate your love and faithfulness for this country! Thank you!
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