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James Darrell Waddell
Sergeant
E TRP, 2ND SQDN, 11TH ARMORED CAVALRY, USARV Army of the United States Lamesa, Texas July 11, 1949 to April 14, 1971 JAMES D WADDELL is on the Wall at Panel W4, Line 125 |
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James Darrell Waddell was born in Odessa, Texas. He was the second child and only son of five children. His family moved around because of his dad's oilfield job. James was short in stature, but tall in spirit. He went by Jimmy to his family and "Shorty" to his friends. He attended schools in Midland, Iraan, Coleman and Lamesa. He was a 1967 graduate of Lamesa High School. He played tuba in the high school band, a big instrument for a small man. He enlisted in the Army right out of high school. He did two tours in Vietnam, both with the 11th ACR. In his first tour with F Troop, he was cited with a Bronze Star "V" device for saving a tank during hostile action. He also received a Purple Heart for wounds he received in this effort. He extended his enlistment and returned to Vietnam. He was killed when he was training a replacement crew man. He was standing on the turrent as the tank was moving and he was giving instructions down through the escape hatch. The driver accidentally downshifted the tank and the sudden jolt threw Jimmy off the tank. He was buried with full military honors in his family's home town of Coleman, Texas. His father now rests next to him. Jimmy is remembered by his family, his mother, and his four sisters. Jimmy received a posthumous promotion to Sergeant and a meritorous Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal along with the RVN Military Merit Medal. His sister, Barbara is dedicated to his memory and has developed a website. Jimmy is also remembered by the Permian Basin Vietnam Veterans' Memorial in Midland, Texas.
From a PBVVM Representative, |
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I would like to thank Billy Brown for caring and taking the time to set up and maintain this very special memorial. I know he has dedicated many hours to this site and my family and I want to let him know how much he is appreciated!
Thank you Billy, I am looking for anybody who may have known my brother, James (aka Jimmy and Shorty). I believe there are people out there who knew him and who may even have pictures of Jimmy that his family has never seen. We, my Mom and my three sisters, would like to share memories of Jimmy with you. Thank You!
From his sister, |
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