Rededication of Joplin’s Vietnam Memorial on Veterans Day
Serviceman left off the Memorial in 1965 to be honored
At noon, this Veterans Day, Friday, November 11th, the Class of 1965 will re-dedicate Joplin’s Vietnam Memorial with the addition of the name of a serviceman who was left off.
In May of 1965, Lawrence McCrea graduated from Joplin High School.
Thirteen months later, PFC McCrea lost his life in Vietnam.
50-plus years after that, it was discovered that his name was not among other servicemen from Joplin honored on the Joplin’s Vietnam Memorial located on the west (Wall Ave.) side of Joplin Memorial Hall.
Now, 56 years after his death on April 5, 1966, McCrea will be given his just honors when the Memorial is rededicated.
The public and all area veterans are invited to the brief ceremony which will include a presentation of the colors by the Joplin High School JROTC and a 21-gun salute from the American Legion Post 13.
Details on PFC Lawrence McCrea
PFC (Private First Class) Lawrence McCrea was a casualty of the Vietnam War.
He was born in National City, California, on June 10, 1945.
As a member of the Army, PFC McCrea served our country until April 5, 1966, in South Vietnam. He was 20 years old and wasn’t married. It was reported that he was killed by a fragmenting rock. His body was recovered.
PFC McCrea served as a Combat Engineer with Alpha Company, 84th Engineer Battalion, 937th Engineer Group, 18th Engineer Brigade, USARV. He served our country for less than 1 year.
He is the Son of Mrs. Bertha M Poole, 1860 Nicholson, Shreveport, Louisiana. Grandson of Mr. and Mrs. James Poole of 1418 East Sixth Street, Joplin, MO.
McCrea, a 1965 graduate of Joplin Senior High School, had worked at the Fox Theater prior to joining the Army and being sent to Vietnam.
Surviving in addition to his mother and grandparents are two brothers: Richard and Randy Evans of Shreveport, and three sisters Marilyn and Susie Evans both of Shreveport, and Mrs. Rose Mary Cortez of Carthage.
PFC McCrea is on panel 06E, line 086 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.
He was laid to rest in Carver Memorial Cemetery, Shreveport, Louisiana.