Danny was killed in hostile combat action in Hai Lang, Vietman on the DMZ, on Sunday, March 31, 1968 at only 18 years old. His funeral was held at Pine Grove Baptist Church 5 miles out of Logansport, La. on Easter Sunday, April 14, 1968. Brother Shelton Rogers and the U.S. Army delivered the full military honors.
He voluntered for the Army right out of high school at Stanley High, Logansport, La, after graduating in 1967. He was a front line grunt and proudly served in the 2nd brigade, Delta Co, 1/501, 101st Airborne. Danny was in the 2nd Platoon, 3rd Squad. All the 501 were Airborne Infantry rifle companies. He was killed in hostile action in Hai Lang cemetery battle on March 31, 1968 in Thua Thien Province on the last day of TET. He was an American hero.
His parents are Melvin (Babe) and Hazel Stephens, brothers Jimmy, Wallace, Jack and his sisters are Lucille, and Melba.
He earned the Bronze Star Medal ; the Purple Heart; the Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Combat Infantry Badge 1st award; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Device; Expert Badge with Machine Gun Bar; Sharpshooter Badge with Auto Rifle Bar; and the Parachutist Badge.
He was most proud of the Combat Infantry Badge (CIB).
Danny took his Basic Training at Ft Polk, La starting in June 1967; then on to Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Gordon, Georgia in August 1967; then on to Jump School at Ft Binning , Ga in Nov and Dec 1967. On Dec 22, 1967 he was enroute to Vietnam. He joined Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment , 101st Airborne on Jan 5, 1968. His MOS was 11B1P which was Infantryman, Parachutist. Type: Hostile, died outright with multiple fragmentation wounds. His body was recovered.
Danny is the grandson of William Melvin Stephens and Buelah Pierce Stephens and Robert Herschel Henry and Miranda Ada Batts Henry.
His Maternal Great GrandParents are: John Willie Heny and Mary Jane Reeves Henry.
His Paternal Great GrandParents are: William Mitchell Lonzo Stephens and Willie Texana Vardeman Stephens, and James Maston Pierce and Anna Mills Pierce.
His Paternal Great Great Grandparents are Quinton David Stephens and Mary Ann Elizabeth Scroggins Stephens who were married in Tallapoosa, Alabama and came to East Texas (Trinity, Rusk, Nacogdoches County ) between 1854 and 1860.
You were, what others did not want to be. You went, where others feared to go. You did, what others failed to do. You asked nothing from those, who gave nothing and reluctantly accepted the thought of eternal loneliness, should you fail. You saw the face of terror. Felt the sting of fear. You were and always will be, a "UNITED STATES ARMY AIRBORNE INFANTRYMAN," (Author Unknown).
You did more at eighteen years old than most of us have done in a lifetime. Rest in peace, Danny. We are all powerfully proud of you.
From the VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL FUND: written by Jimmy Stephens on March 31, 2020:
Today we honor Danny Lynn Stephens of Logansport, Louisiana, who fell on this day in 1968. He is remembered by his brother Jimmy:
"Danny, 52 years ago today you left us. You proudly served in the 2nd Brigade, Delta Co, 1/501, 101st Airborne Division. Your friends said you died instantly on that day in a Hai Lang Cemetery battle. You were so proud to serve in the 101st Airborne. When you left on Dec 20, 1967 heading to Vietnam, you were very well trained. Basic Training at Fort Polk, Louisiana---Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Gordon, Georgia---and Jump School at Fort Benning, Georgia. At that time you left, you didn't know if you would be in the 82nd Airborne or the 101st Airborne. Your paperwork was lost for a few days, and they put you with Another grunt—getting the base at Cu Chi ready to be turned over to the 25th Infantry Division. Then they found your paperwork and you was officially in Delta Co, 1/501 and you were proud and happy to be 101st Airborne. We had a lot of fun growing up together, You and I, and our cousins roamed the country side and was really lucky to have survived some of the things us boys got into. I remember one time when you was 3 and I was 5—we were able to jump on our horse in the pasture—that was standing beside a downed tree . We both jumped on him-me in front and you in back—and you was holding on tight around my waist. The horse bolted, and you pulled both of us off. The horse was gentle, but he stepped on your foot. I was trying but could not get him off. I had to run get my uncle to get him off. Didn't break it, but it bruised it real bad. That was probably about the time that I realized what a tough little boy you was. You were quietly sobbing, but not very loud. I know it hurt. Then another time---you and I and our cousins found a 22 rifle in an empty house—we were pulling on it---tussling---trying to be the first one to look at it---and the gun went off and shot a hole in the plank floor---right in the middle of us. Thank Goodness, it didn't kill one of us.
All that growing up really bonded us together, all your brothers and sisters, and we still miss you today. We were poor and raised hard and none of us even knew it then. You truly was an American Hero and we are so proud of you. I know it was your destiny and you fulfilled it. I know I am looking forward to seeing you again. Father God—thank you for giving us Danny and for all the precious memories that we all have of him. Thank you for his contribution and watch over him. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.."
Danny is remembered on Panel 47E, Line 27 of The Wall→https://bit.ly/2WOppSj
He voluntered for the Army right out of high school at Stanley High, Logansport, La, after graduating in 1967. He was a front line grunt and proudly served in the 2nd brigade, Delta Co, 1/501, 101st Airborne. Danny was in the 2nd Platoon, 3rd Squad. All the 501 were Airborne Infantry rifle companies. He was killed in hostile action in Hai Lang cemetery battle on March 31, 1968 in Thua Thien Province on the last day of TET. He was an American hero.
His parents are Melvin (Babe) and Hazel Stephens, brothers Jimmy, Wallace, Jack and his sisters are Lucille, and Melba.
He earned the Bronze Star Medal ; the Purple Heart; the Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Combat Infantry Badge 1st award; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Device; Expert Badge with Machine Gun Bar; Sharpshooter Badge with Auto Rifle Bar; and the Parachutist Badge.
He was most proud of the Combat Infantry Badge (CIB).
Danny took his Basic Training at Ft Polk, La starting in June 1967; then on to Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Gordon, Georgia in August 1967; then on to Jump School at Ft Binning , Ga in Nov and Dec 1967. On Dec 22, 1967 he was enroute to Vietnam. He joined Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment , 101st Airborne on Jan 5, 1968. His MOS was 11B1P which was Infantryman, Parachutist. Type: Hostile, died outright with multiple fragmentation wounds. His body was recovered.
Danny is the grandson of William Melvin Stephens and Buelah Pierce Stephens and Robert Herschel Henry and Miranda Ada Batts Henry.
His Maternal Great GrandParents are: John Willie Heny and Mary Jane Reeves Henry.
His Paternal Great GrandParents are: William Mitchell Lonzo Stephens and Willie Texana Vardeman Stephens, and James Maston Pierce and Anna Mills Pierce.
His Paternal Great Great Grandparents are Quinton David Stephens and Mary Ann Elizabeth Scroggins Stephens who were married in Tallapoosa, Alabama and came to East Texas (Trinity, Rusk, Nacogdoches County ) between 1854 and 1860.
You were, what others did not want to be. You went, where others feared to go. You did, what others failed to do. You asked nothing from those, who gave nothing and reluctantly accepted the thought of eternal loneliness, should you fail. You saw the face of terror. Felt the sting of fear. You were and always will be, a "UNITED STATES ARMY AIRBORNE INFANTRYMAN," (Author Unknown).
You did more at eighteen years old than most of us have done in a lifetime. Rest in peace, Danny. We are all powerfully proud of you.
From the VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL FUND: written by Jimmy Stephens on March 31, 2020:
Today we honor Danny Lynn Stephens of Logansport, Louisiana, who fell on this day in 1968. He is remembered by his brother Jimmy:
"Danny, 52 years ago today you left us. You proudly served in the 2nd Brigade, Delta Co, 1/501, 101st Airborne Division. Your friends said you died instantly on that day in a Hai Lang Cemetery battle. You were so proud to serve in the 101st Airborne. When you left on Dec 20, 1967 heading to Vietnam, you were very well trained. Basic Training at Fort Polk, Louisiana---Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Gordon, Georgia---and Jump School at Fort Benning, Georgia. At that time you left, you didn't know if you would be in the 82nd Airborne or the 101st Airborne. Your paperwork was lost for a few days, and they put you with Another grunt—getting the base at Cu Chi ready to be turned over to the 25th Infantry Division. Then they found your paperwork and you was officially in Delta Co, 1/501 and you were proud and happy to be 101st Airborne. We had a lot of fun growing up together, You and I, and our cousins roamed the country side and was really lucky to have survived some of the things us boys got into. I remember one time when you was 3 and I was 5—we were able to jump on our horse in the pasture—that was standing beside a downed tree . We both jumped on him-me in front and you in back—and you was holding on tight around my waist. The horse bolted, and you pulled both of us off. The horse was gentle, but he stepped on your foot. I was trying but could not get him off. I had to run get my uncle to get him off. Didn't break it, but it bruised it real bad. That was probably about the time that I realized what a tough little boy you was. You were quietly sobbing, but not very loud. I know it hurt. Then another time---you and I and our cousins found a 22 rifle in an empty house—we were pulling on it---tussling---trying to be the first one to look at it---and the gun went off and shot a hole in the plank floor---right in the middle of us. Thank Goodness, it didn't kill one of us.
All that growing up really bonded us together, all your brothers and sisters, and we still miss you today. We were poor and raised hard and none of us even knew it then. You truly was an American Hero and we are so proud of you. I know it was your destiny and you fulfilled it. I know I am looking forward to seeing you again. Father God—thank you for giving us Danny and for all the precious memories that we all have of him. Thank you for his contribution and watch over him. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.."
Danny is remembered on Panel 47E, Line 27 of The Wall→https://bit.ly/2WOppSj
Danny was killed in hostile combat action in Hai Lang, Vietman on the DMZ, on Sunday, March 31, 1968 at only 18 years old. His funeral was held at Pine Grove Baptist Church 5 miles out of Logansport, La. on Easter Sunday, April 14, 1968. Brother Shelton Rogers and the U.S. Army delivered the full military honors.
He voluntered for the Army right out of high school at Stanley High, Logansport, La, after graduating in 1967. He was a front line grunt and proudly served in the 2nd brigade, Delta Co, 1/501, 101st Airborne. Danny was in the 2nd Platoon, 3rd Squad. All the 501 were Airborne Infantry rifle companies. He was killed in hostile action in Hai Lang cemetery battle on March 31, 1968 in Thua Thien Province on the last day of TET. He was an American hero.
His parents are Melvin (Babe) and Hazel Stephens, brothers Jimmy, Wallace, Jack and his sisters are Lucille, and Melba.
He earned the Bronze Star Medal ; the Purple Heart; the Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Combat Infantry Badge 1st award; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Device; Expert Badge with Machine Gun Bar; Sharpshooter Badge with Auto Rifle Bar; and the Parachutist Badge.
He was most proud of the Combat Infantry Badge (CIB).
Danny took his Basic Training at Ft Polk, La starting in June 1967; then on to Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Gordon, Georgia in August 1967; then on to Jump School at Ft Binning , Ga in Nov and Dec 1967. On Dec 22, 1967 he was enroute to Vietnam. He joined Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment , 101st Airborne on Jan 5, 1968. His MOS was 11B1P which was Infantryman, Parachutist. Type: Hostile, died outright with multiple fragmentation wounds. His body was recovered.
Danny is the grandson of William Melvin Stephens and Buelah Pierce Stephens and Robert Herschel Henry and Miranda Ada Batts Henry.
His Maternal Great GrandParents are: John Willie Heny and Mary Jane Reeves Henry.
His Paternal Great GrandParents are: William Mitchell Lonzo Stephens and Willie Texana Vardeman Stephens, and James Maston Pierce and Anna Mills Pierce.
His Paternal Great Great Grandparents are Quinton David Stephens and Mary Ann Elizabeth Scroggins Stephens who were married in Tallapoosa, Alabama and came to East Texas (Trinity, Rusk, Nacogdoches County ) between 1854 and 1860.
You were, what others did not want to be. You went, where others feared to go. You did, what others failed to do. You asked nothing from those, who gave nothing and reluctantly accepted the thought of eternal loneliness, should you fail. You saw the face of terror. Felt the sting of fear. You were and always will be, a "UNITED STATES ARMY AIRBORNE INFANTRYMAN," (Author Unknown).
You did more at eighteen years old than most of us have done in a lifetime. Rest in peace, Danny. We are all powerfully proud of you.
From the VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL FUND: written by Jimmy Stephens on March 31, 2020:
Today we honor Danny Lynn Stephens of Logansport, Louisiana, who fell on this day in 1968. He is remembered by his brother Jimmy:
"Danny, 52 years ago today you left us. You proudly served in the 2nd Brigade, Delta Co, 1/501, 101st Airborne Division. Your friends said you died instantly on that day in a Hai Lang Cemetery battle. You were so proud to serve in the 101st Airborne. When you left on Dec 20, 1967 heading to Vietnam, you were very well trained. Basic Training at Fort Polk, Louisiana---Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Gordon, Georgia---and Jump School at Fort Benning, Georgia. At that time you left, you didn't know if you would be in the 82nd Airborne or the 101st Airborne. Your paperwork was lost for a few days, and they put you with Another grunt—getting the base at Cu Chi ready to be turned over to the 25th Infantry Division. Then they found your paperwork and you was officially in Delta Co, 1/501 and you were proud and happy to be 101st Airborne. We had a lot of fun growing up together, You and I, and our cousins roamed the country side and was really lucky to have survived some of the things us boys got into. I remember one time when you was 3 and I was 5—we were able to jump on our horse in the pasture—that was standing beside a downed tree . We both jumped on him-me in front and you in back—and you was holding on tight around my waist. The horse bolted, and you pulled both of us off. The horse was gentle, but he stepped on your foot. I was trying but could not get him off. I had to run get my uncle to get him off. Didn't break it, but it bruised it real bad. That was probably about the time that I realized what a tough little boy you was. You were quietly sobbing, but not very loud. I know it hurt. Then another time---you and I and our cousins found a 22 rifle in an empty house—we were pulling on it---tussling---trying to be the first one to look at it---and the gun went off and shot a hole in the plank floor---right in the middle of us. Thank Goodness, it didn't kill one of us.
All that growing up really bonded us together, all your brothers and sisters, and we still miss you today. We were poor and raised hard and none of us even knew it then. You truly was an American Hero and we are so proud of you. I know it was your destiny and you fulfilled it. I know I am looking forward to seeing you again. Father God—thank you for giving us Danny and for all the precious memories that we all have of him. Thank you for his contribution and watch over him. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.."
Danny is remembered on Panel 47E, Line 27 of The Wall→https://bit.ly/2WOppSj
He voluntered for the Army right out of high school at Stanley High, Logansport, La, after graduating in 1967. He was a front line grunt and proudly served in the 2nd brigade, Delta Co, 1/501, 101st Airborne. Danny was in the 2nd Platoon, 3rd Squad. All the 501 were Airborne Infantry rifle companies. He was killed in hostile action in Hai Lang cemetery battle on March 31, 1968 in Thua Thien Province on the last day of TET. He was an American hero.
His parents are Melvin (Babe) and Hazel Stephens, brothers Jimmy, Wallace, Jack and his sisters are Lucille, and Melba.
He earned the Bronze Star Medal ; the Purple Heart; the Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Combat Infantry Badge 1st award; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Device; Expert Badge with Machine Gun Bar; Sharpshooter Badge with Auto Rifle Bar; and the Parachutist Badge.
He was most proud of the Combat Infantry Badge (CIB).
Danny took his Basic Training at Ft Polk, La starting in June 1967; then on to Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Gordon, Georgia in August 1967; then on to Jump School at Ft Binning , Ga in Nov and Dec 1967. On Dec 22, 1967 he was enroute to Vietnam. He joined Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment , 101st Airborne on Jan 5, 1968. His MOS was 11B1P which was Infantryman, Parachutist. Type: Hostile, died outright with multiple fragmentation wounds. His body was recovered.
Danny is the grandson of William Melvin Stephens and Buelah Pierce Stephens and Robert Herschel Henry and Miranda Ada Batts Henry.
His Maternal Great GrandParents are: John Willie Heny and Mary Jane Reeves Henry.
His Paternal Great GrandParents are: William Mitchell Lonzo Stephens and Willie Texana Vardeman Stephens, and James Maston Pierce and Anna Mills Pierce.
His Paternal Great Great Grandparents are Quinton David Stephens and Mary Ann Elizabeth Scroggins Stephens who were married in Tallapoosa, Alabama and came to East Texas (Trinity, Rusk, Nacogdoches County ) between 1854 and 1860.
You were, what others did not want to be. You went, where others feared to go. You did, what others failed to do. You asked nothing from those, who gave nothing and reluctantly accepted the thought of eternal loneliness, should you fail. You saw the face of terror. Felt the sting of fear. You were and always will be, a "UNITED STATES ARMY AIRBORNE INFANTRYMAN," (Author Unknown).
You did more at eighteen years old than most of us have done in a lifetime. Rest in peace, Danny. We are all powerfully proud of you.
From the VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL FUND: written by Jimmy Stephens on March 31, 2020:
Today we honor Danny Lynn Stephens of Logansport, Louisiana, who fell on this day in 1968. He is remembered by his brother Jimmy:
"Danny, 52 years ago today you left us. You proudly served in the 2nd Brigade, Delta Co, 1/501, 101st Airborne Division. Your friends said you died instantly on that day in a Hai Lang Cemetery battle. You were so proud to serve in the 101st Airborne. When you left on Dec 20, 1967 heading to Vietnam, you were very well trained. Basic Training at Fort Polk, Louisiana---Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Gordon, Georgia---and Jump School at Fort Benning, Georgia. At that time you left, you didn't know if you would be in the 82nd Airborne or the 101st Airborne. Your paperwork was lost for a few days, and they put you with Another grunt—getting the base at Cu Chi ready to be turned over to the 25th Infantry Division. Then they found your paperwork and you was officially in Delta Co, 1/501 and you were proud and happy to be 101st Airborne. We had a lot of fun growing up together, You and I, and our cousins roamed the country side and was really lucky to have survived some of the things us boys got into. I remember one time when you was 3 and I was 5—we were able to jump on our horse in the pasture—that was standing beside a downed tree . We both jumped on him-me in front and you in back—and you was holding on tight around my waist. The horse bolted, and you pulled both of us off. The horse was gentle, but he stepped on your foot. I was trying but could not get him off. I had to run get my uncle to get him off. Didn't break it, but it bruised it real bad. That was probably about the time that I realized what a tough little boy you was. You were quietly sobbing, but not very loud. I know it hurt. Then another time---you and I and our cousins found a 22 rifle in an empty house—we were pulling on it---tussling---trying to be the first one to look at it---and the gun went off and shot a hole in the plank floor---right in the middle of us. Thank Goodness, it didn't kill one of us.
All that growing up really bonded us together, all your brothers and sisters, and we still miss you today. We were poor and raised hard and none of us even knew it then. You truly was an American Hero and we are so proud of you. I know it was your destiny and you fulfilled it. I know I am looking forward to seeing you again. Father God—thank you for giving us Danny and for all the precious memories that we all have of him. Thank you for his contribution and watch over him. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.."
Danny is remembered on Panel 47E, Line 27 of The Wall→https://bit.ly/2WOppSj
Inscription
OUR SON - OUR BROTHER - OUR UNCLE -OUR FRIEND---
PRECIOUS LORD TAKE MY HAND----------------------
2nd brigade, Delta co, 1/501, 101st airborne division. 2nd platoon, 3rd squad (rifle). Purple Heart, Bronze Star.
