We dedicated this race to the following Missing In Action Service Member:







Paul Lawrence Fitzgerald Jr

He was a Vietnam War Era casualty on October 17, 1967. He served with honor in the United States Army. He is remembered by the people of Georgia. May his positive example inspire us all as American citizens.
Origins
Paul Lawrence Fitzgerald Jr was born on October 3, 1947. According to our records Georgia was his home or enlistment state and Peach County included within the archival record. We have Fort Valley listed as the city.
Service
He was drafted into the Army. Entered the service via Selective Service. Served during the Vietnam War. Fitzgerald had the rank of Staff Sergeant. Service number assignment was 258708912. Attached to 1st Infantry Division, 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry, A Company.
Casualty
During his service in the Vietnam War, Army Staff Sergeant Fitzgerald was reported missing and ultimately declared dead on October 17, 1967. Recorded circumstances attributed to: Died while missing in action, body not recovered. Incident location: Battle of Ong Thanh, South Vietnam, Binh Long province.
Details
Staff Sergeant Fitzgerald was a rifleman with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. On October 17, 1967, he was on a search and destroy mission in South Vietnam and was under intense enemy fire. He did not board the evacuation helicopter and was declared Missing in Action. His remains were not recovered.
Remembered
Paul Lawrence Fitzgerald Jr is buried or memorialized at Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial. This is an American Battle Monuments Commission location.
Paul is honored on the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in Washington DC. Name inscribed at VVM Wall, Panel 28e, Line 23.
Commendations
Purple Heart
Combat Infantryman Badge
Marksmanship Badge
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Army Presidential Unit Citation
Vietnam Gallantry Cross
Army Good Conduct Medal