Vietnam
-
Fallen
Durbin, ND
Circumstances:
In offshore, South Vietnam
Non-Hostile, died of illness/injury, sea casualty
Illness, disease
Biography:
Charles Herman Piper Jr served his country during the Vietnam War. He enlisted in the United States Navy and had the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer. His military occupation or specialty was Master Chief Boilerman. Service number assignment was 501428265 attached to the USS Robison (DDG-12), 7th Fleet.
He was born on November 21, 1937, in Davenport, Cass County, North Dakota. He graduated from Casselton High School, Casselton, North Dakota, and entered the Navy soon after graduation. He married Marie Lundquist of Portland, Oregon, on May 16, 1964.
During his service in the Vietnam War, Piper received notable awards including the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was hospitalized in Da Nang, later moved to the Naval Hospital in Okinawa, Japan, where he died on August 29, 1972. Burial was at sea.
Piper is memorialized at Canaan Moravian Church Cemetery, Davenport, North Dakota. He is honored on the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial in Washington, DC, name inscribed at VVM Wall, Panel 1w, Line 70.