Many people here knew Ken Harvey fought in Vietnam, but few knew the extent of his service there until his obituary was published on February 5.

Mr. Harvey passed away on Friday, January 31, after serving Howard County residents for 43 years as a lineman for Howard Electric Cooperative.

Mr. Harvey was born in Boonville and grew up in New Franklin. He was drafted in June 1968 and sent to Vietnam in November of that year.

While Mr. Harvey was often quiet about his experiences in Vietnam, his feelings are clearly articulated in a poem he wrote, simply titled “Vietnam.” It is published on Page 6 of this newspaper in a tribute made by friends and co-workers to his service in the war.

Mr. Harvey served in the US Army, A Company, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, known as the “Rakkasans.” Japanese for “falling down umbrella men” to describe the US paratroopers, the nickname originated in World War II. The Rakkasans are highly revered and emerged from the war as the US’s most highly decorated airborne battalion. Constituted in 1942, the battalion first saw action in the Pacific Theater and later in the Korean and Vietnam wars. The legendary regiment has since served in Lebanon, the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq.

Mr. Harvey and his platoon were involved in the 10-day battle of Hamburger Hill. His company received heavy casualties during his time in the war; some accounts suggest that it had suffered up to 50 percent in that battle alone.

For his service to our country, Mr. Harvey received the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal, the Air Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and sharpshooter medals. He was awarded the Purple Heart but did not receive the medal, stating, “The men that fought and never returned were the true heroes.”

Upon receiving the Silver Star, it was stated that “Specialist Harvey was among the first to lead an assault with complete disregard for his own safety after there was enemy movement near a bunker complex. His courage and quick, decisive actions contributed to the success of the mission. Harvey’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and the United States Army.”

He was honorably discharged on June 1, 1974, after six years of service to his country.

A full-page dedication to Mr. Harvey’s service, sponsored by friends, co-workers, and the Board of Directors at Howard Electric Cooperative, appears on Page 6 of the print and e-editions.