In Memory

Henry Stoddard

Henry Stoddard



 
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05/23/15 08:32 AM #10    

Les McKechnie

Yesterday, I received a formal answer from the Department of the Army ; Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Office regarding our request to have Henry Stoddard’s name added to the wall. Unfortunately it was not the answer that we were looking for. 

 

“Although  PVT Stoddard served with distinction in the United States Army, his records indicate that he died in Thailand. Thailand is not within the defined designated war-zone boundaries outlined in Executive Order 11216. Regrettably, he is not eligible for recognition on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. “

 

I did ask why then does the compilation of Wall deaths show that 178 of the deceased named on the wall indicate that they died in Thailand. And the answer to that question is that  “ the criteria for name placement on the wall was changed to include "died while participating in, or providing direct support to, a combat mission immediately enroute to or returning from a target within the defined combat zone."  The Air Force pushed for this change and got it approved for a lot of their people who were stationed in Thailand, but flew to Vietnam, released bombs and returned.  Thailand in itself is not in the defined combat zone, but the mission was....that is where those numbers are coming from.”

 

Nearly 150 years ago, Memorial Day— first called Decoration Day— was set aside to decorate the graves of the men who’d recently died in battle. America was still reeling from the Civil War when Gen. John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, issued a proclamation in 1868, according to a PBS account of his decision.  “The 30th of May,” he declared, “would be an occasion to honor those who died in the conflict.”

 

So, it is fitting that sometime this Memorial Day weekend, take a moment to pause and reflect (or make a toast if so inclined) on the passing of PVT Henry Stoddard and to pay homage to the 1.3 million men and women who died since 1776 while wearing the cloth of this nation we are so freely enjoying today.


05/24/15 09:20 AM #11    

Mary Hopewell (Pirro)

Great job, Les!  True heros so often go unrecognized.  From my perspective everyone who serves in America's military deserves recognition for the personal sacrifices they make to keep America safe and free.  Thank you, Henry Stoddard;  American Hero, for your service and your sacrifice.


05/24/15 12:33 PM #12    

Howie Appel

Thank you Les for all your research on Henry and for publicly thanking me and my fellow veterans for our service.  That meant a lot ot me. 

I agree, on Memorial Day, our thoughts are to honor those who served our country and gave the "ultimate sacrifice" be it in combat or otherwise.  I knew Henry during my high school days.  I agree with the descriptions of his personality.  We weren't close....but I remember seeing him in the hallways and his giving me a "hello". 

When I was on Active Duty in the Air Force (1967-1971), I was stationed for 2 years in Minot, ND.  I worked in military personnel.  My mission was to ensure all documentation was in place for airmen to be transfered to several bases in Thailand.  Many wanted out of "frigid" North Dakota and get to the "hot" Thailand (correct, the Air Force was NOT in Viet Nam).  U Tapao, Udorn, Ton Son Nhut (sp?), and one or two others were "popular" destinations for our airmen.  Aircraft flew missions out of these bases. 

Henry's death was not in a "war zone", but that's no excuse for such "fine print" for inclusion on the wall.  It was still Southeast Asia (or "SEA" as we put it).  On Memorial Day I will be visiting a cemetary and honoring the memory of my Father-in-Law who died last year at 93, a Naval veteran.  I will wear a cap given to me by him as a Commander of the Department of Massachusetts, Jewish War Veterans. 

I salute you Henry Stoddard for having served and died as a member of our armed forces in a hostile region (SEA) whether you are on the "wall" or not.  I can assure you Henry, your Class of 65 at NHS remember you. 


05/24/15 01:39 PM #13    

Leslie Kennedy (Glynn)

So proud to have been a member of the Class of "65" with those who recognize the importance of others and the stories we all have experianced, good or tragic, that have shaped our lives.


05/25/15 04:27 AM #14    

John Hazam

I joined the Army in March 1966 and was bussed from Boston to Ft Dix, NJ.  Upon arrival  in the dark, as I was being issued some initial clothing/equipment, I spotted Henry (and his name tag) as one of those behind the counters handing things to us.  I did not catch his attention then in the 'confusion', and I did not see him again during my 2 months at basic training.


05/25/15 09:00 PM #15    

Douglas Chamberlin

Les,

I'd like to continue the kudos for seeking recognition for Henry. In high school one who probably did not receive a lot of recognition, but as one who lost his life in service, one who deserves to be recognized. 


05/26/15 08:04 AM #16    

Robert Newbert

Beautifully said, Les. Thank you for all your efforts on behalf of Henry. It is nice to see him recognized.


05/26/15 09:39 AM #17    

David Morris

To the best of my knowledge from the the 70's, Henry was killed in an accident at a base in Thailand which involved a large earth mover. His father was career army, colonel I believe, and was in the command structure of the Massachusetts National Guard. I grew up with Henry and about 38 other kids living at Livingston Circle and South Street. I have a lot of memories of tramping through the woods with Henry around the reservoir and along the Charles River. It was a "boomer" neighborhood as were many others in the town. There were always enough kids for pickup hockey on the reservoir in winter, baseball in the summer and a zip line in the woods near the back of where Henry lived.
 


05/26/15 09:59 PM #18    

Leonard Vara

Thank you again Les for the great job you did researching Henry Stoddard.  Add me to the list of our fellow classmates kind words on Henry. I agree with Howie in that Henry does deserve more recognition. What he did was serve for the cause no matter where he was officially stationed. We were all part of a team and everyone contributed  no matter where they were or what they did. If there is any consolation I'm pretty sure Henry is on the Needham memorial plaque  off of Central  Ave  - the name of the street escapes me.   So thank you again Henry for your service and for who you were.


08/14/15 10:51 AM #19    

Donald Reid

Thank you Les for your efforts.  I knew Henry as a sweet man who did not deserve some of the treatment he had in High School.  I will not mention one name as he has also passed.  Maybe they both are looking down on us laughing.


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