During August of 2023, Marion’s Harding High School Class of 1968, came together to celebrate their 55th class reunion. They enjoyed getting reacquainted and recollecting old high school memories. But on August 26, 2023, representatives came together at the Marion Cemetery to remember two of their classmates who died during the Vietnam War; Jeffery S. Forry and Rick A. Wilcox. They have met on many past occasions to see that their classmates are not forgotten and to honor their sacrifices given.
While waiting for all the representatives to arrive, those already at the cemetery were talking of Jeffery Forry. Those that ran track with him recalled how small and quick he was. Those that played football recalled how fast he was and able to tackle players who were much bigger than Jeff. Some said they only knew of Jeffery, but did not know him personally. Most of Jeffery’s classmates are retired and have raised families of their own, even with grandchildren who are starting their own families. They recognize that Jeffery never had the chance at this kind of full life. That is one of the sacrifices that they came to honor him for. They also wished to keep his memory alive.
The group made their way past the Soldiers and Sailors Chapel and Memorial, then to Jeffery’s grave site. As they arrived they gathered around and began to place flowers on his headstone and place flowers near his military marker. Once the tidying-up was done, classmate and Vietnam veteran, Harold “Harry” Titus gave a brief speech. Harry wore his Class-A army jacket as he spoke. Harry talked of the types of heroes that come from life. He recalled running track with Jeff and playing football. He talked of how some of the boys from the Class of 1968, talked of ways to avoid the draft, some had intentions of fleeing to Canada, some enlisted in the National Guard or went to college. But Jeff, he said, idolized his older brother. Jeff’s brother was a Marine. And Jeff enlisted to become a Marine, like his brother. Jeff was proud to go and serve his country as a United States Marine. He said Jeff completed boot camp, infantry training and all the requirements to make him a Marine. Jeff was then sent to Vietnam. When he arrived in country he was put on a Marine helicopter for transport to his unit. When Jeff arrived at his unit and the helo was landing, the helo was struck by enemy rocket fire and went down. Jeffery and others were killed in the crash. Jeffery never made it to his unit, but was no less a hero. He did all that was asked of him and sacrificed all those things in life that his classmates would enjoy over the next 55 years. These representatives of his class make sure that the sacrifice is not forgotten and that Jeffery S. Forry is remembered. Some marked their visit with coins on the military marker before departing. All reflecting on what they are grateful for.
The group then walked back to their vehicles and proceeded together to the south section of the cemetery to the grave site of Rick Wilcox. The grave site and markers were cleaned up. Here also, the group gathered around the grave and placed flowers on both the headstone and around the military marker. Coins were also placed on the military marker. Again, Harry Titus grave a short speech. Harry talked of growing up in the same part of town as Rick. He remembered “shooting the Loop” together. Harry said that not many may remember Rick, as Rick kept to himself. Rick spent a lot of his time in the “machine shop.”
Harry said that at the time he and Rick were drafted, there were 53 kids from Marion, who had to answer the draft during that particular draft call. He said that he and Rick rode back to Marion for Christmas in a 1969 Ford Galaxy that Titus’ dad had just bought. He and Wilcox spent most of their training together. They were last together at Fort Lewis, prior to their departure for Vietnam, with the Americal Division. Once in country they were split up. Harry said they did not see each other until they were both wounded. They were both to part of the same mission that day. It was not until they were both on the evacuation helicopter that he saw Wilcox was one of the injured. Wilcox was not conscious at the time and would succumb to his injuries. Titus also, shared memories of seeing photos of Wilcox in Vietnam; talking with Vietnamese farmers and holding a Vietnamese baby. He said it was obvious Rick had a compassion for the people of Vietnam.
The representatives of Harding High School Class of 1968, left the cemetery with plans to celebrate with others of their class. They carried with them the memories of both Jeffery S. Forry and Rick A. Wilcox. They will see that these two heroes will be honored with their acts of service and sacrifices being remembered.
I thank the Class of 1968 for allowing me to be part of their ceremony and sharing their memories and this time in this remembrance.
Click on the veterans’ names above to read more about their service and sacrifice.
Honoring Marion Ohio Veterans 