Introduction to the Vietnam Wall
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall is a national monument in Washington D.C. that honors the members of the U.S. armed forces who fought and died in the Vietnam War. The wall contains the names of more than 58,000 individuals who lost their lives in the conflict, including servicemen and women from all branches of the military.
How the Names are Listed
The names on the Vietnam Wall are listed in chronological order, from the first casualty of the war to the last. Within each day, the names are listed alphabetically by last name. The wall is made up of two separate sections, each with its own distinct order of listing.
The Order of Listing
Alphabetical Order
Within each day of casualties, the names on the wall are listed alphabetically by last name. This was done to ensure that all individuals would be given equal recognition, regardless of rank or position.
Chronological Order
The names on the wall are also listed in chronological order, starting with the first casualty of the war and ending with the last. This order was chosen to provide a historical context for the conflict and to honor the sacrifices of those who fought and died in the war.
Casualty Date vs. Died Date
The names on the wall are listed according to the date of casualty, which is the date that an individual was injured or killed in action. This date is not necessarily the same as the date of death, which may have occurred later, such as in the case of individuals who were taken as prisoners of war.
Controversies and Clarifications
There have been controversies and misunderstandings surrounding the order of listing of names on the Vietnam Wall. Some people have mistakenly believed that the names are listed in order of importance or rank, which is not the case. Others have questioned the accuracy of the list, but extensive research and verification have been done to ensure that all names are included and listed correctly.
The First Name on the Wall
The first name on the Vietnam Wall is Richard B Fitzgibbon Jr., who was a U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant. He was killed on June 8, 1956, while serving as an advisor to the South Vietnamese Air Force. His name was added to the wall in 1982, along with the other casualties of the Vietnam War.
Who is Richard B Fitzgibbon Jr.?
Richard B Fitzgibbon Jr. was a native of Massachusetts and a veteran of the Korean War. He was a highly decorated Air Force serviceman who volunteered for duty in Vietnam, where he served as an advisor to the South Vietnamese Air Force. He was killed in a Viet Cong ambush near Saigon in 1956.
His Service and Sacrifice
Richard B Fitzgibbon Jr. is remembered for his service and sacrifice in Vietnam, where he gave his life while serving his country. His name is inscribed at the top of the wall, symbolizing the start of the war and the sacrifices made by all those who served.
Honoring the Fallen
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by U.S. servicemen and women in the Vietnam War. The wall provides a place for families, friends, and fellow veterans to honor and remember those who lost their lives in the conflict.
Conclusion
The Vietnam Wall is a solemn and powerful tribute to the fallen heroes of the Vietnam War. The order of listing of names is designed to ensure that all individuals are recognized equally, regardless of rank or position. The first name on the wall, Richard B Fitzgibbon Jr., represents the start of the war and the sacrifices made by all those who served. We honor and remember all those who gave their lives for our country.
