In Memory of Corporal E4, Lawrence "Larry" P. Christman ........ 1st Platoon
Larry Christman .... 19 years old
KIA: April 6th, 1970 in Thua Thien Province, RVN
Born: October 17th, 1950 Prescott, AZ
Buried: Holy Cross Cemetery, Avondale, AZ
Awards: Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, VNS, VNC
Lawrence (Larry) Paul Christman was killed in action (KIA) in South Vietnam in April of 1970. A native of Prescott. The Christman Family moved to the Pheonix area in 1951. Larry graduated from West High School and attended Phoenix Collage. Christman joined the Army in August 1969. PFC Christman was an infantryman (MOS 11B) with C Company of the 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment in the 101st Airborne Division. Christman was posthumously promoted to Corporal (E-4) and was awarded tha Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
Fox News Channel 10 Phoenix video coverage of the April 2024 Memorial Service for Larry
During the Charlie Company Reunion in April of 2024, we were able to have our last and final 26th Graveside Memorial Service for our (KIA) Fallen Men lost in 1970-1971. This one was for Larry Christman. All of the previous 26 memorial services all around the country were completed by assembled memorial teams of three to eight Charlie Company members over the last 16 years. For this one, we wanted to come together as a Full Company to honor Larry Christman. Charlie Company has now completed our mission in honoring or Brothers that we never had a chance to do while serving in Vietnam. We want to give a special "Thank You" out to all who partisipated in the planning and attended these Memorials. Currahee!!
Sgt. Chris Christiansen calls the Company to Formation & Roll Call. __Gary Gilliam, "Why After 54 Years"
Memories of Larry Christman
By Staff Sgt. John Fowler
Platoon Sgt., 1st Platoon
April 1970
Lawrence P. Christman (Larry) came to Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile) in late January of 1970. He was a replacement for one of the "old timers" who were veterans of the A Shau Valley and DMZ campaigns in the summer and fall of 1969. Replacements had to get trained and up-to-speed in their roles as combat infantrymen quickly as the monsoons would soon end and combat weather quickly approached. Larry was assigned to the 1st Squad; 1st Platoon under the command of Sgt. Dan Schaubert. This proved to be a very fitting match for Larry because of his love of the outdoors and his talents as a trail blazer and tracker. Sgt. Schaubert recognized those talents and quickly made Larry a member of one of the best point/slack teams in Charlie Co. When the team was on point, the 1st Platoon moved through enemy-held territory safely and undetected.
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Another important part of Larry's initiation into Charlie Co., was his establishing relationships with comrades in and out of the field. Luckily, at the start of his tour, Larry took part in a three day Charlie Co. stand-down at Eagle Beach. There was no better way to make friends and create relationships than to have three unrestricted days of relaxation and fun without the stress of combat. The members of the 1st Squad liked and respected Larry as a soldier and as a friend.
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On March 16, 1970, Charlie Co. suffered its first KIA in what would become known as The Battle of Fire Support Base Ripcord. Larry's letters home reflected the change that a death can have on the men of a combat unit. The carefree days of the February monsoons were gone. Next, the Company was given the task of constructing Firebase Gladiator to support the pending establishment of Firebase Ripcord. While on Gladiator, Larry became part of the 1st Squad M60 machine gun team. He was proud of that. A helicopter combat assault next took the Company to an LZ near Ripcord. On April 6, 1970 the 1st Squad of 1st Platoon took the point as the Company moved around the Base of Ripcord. Larry was part of the point team leading the Company. While ascending a hill adjacent to Ripcord, the unit encountered the enemy and a firefight ensued. The enemy fired mortar rounds on the lead element and one round exploded in front of Larry as he was taking cover. He later died from his wounds.
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Because of his valor and character of service, Larry was posthumously promoted to the rank of Corporal E-4. It was an honor to serve with Corporal Larry Christman. Through his service and dedication to duty, he personified the finest traditions of the 101st Airborne Division and the 506th Infantry Regiment.
Currahee, Larry! Rest In Peace Brother!
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Larry's Sister, Carol Baethge, "Growing Up wth Larry"____Bill Heath reading John Fowler's "Memories of Larry"
With the Flag unfolded, Taps was bugled and vollies of Rifle Shots rang out.
Following the Flag Presentation to the Family, Tribute Coins were placed on to Larry's Headstone.
Plagues and Charlie Company Challenge Coins were presented to the Family Members.
Bill Heath presents a "Book of the FSB Ripcord Fallen" from the "Ripcord Association" to the Family and Gary Gilliam invites the Family to our Charlie Company Reunion Dinner at the Drury Inn in Chandler. Larry's sister Carol got the opportunity to callout Larry's name during our name reading & bell toll of our Fallen Brothers. It was very moving for all in attendance.
Memorial Comments;
"Thank you brother for a job well done". Until we meet again my friend ..... "Currahee"......"Stands Alone"
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