Ron Warnke was at our 10th reunion! I know 'cause I visited with him. He and I share a friendship that went back to kindergarten and his family lived behind our home in Des Moines when we were in High school. His mom and mine were old friends and I remember Mom saying Ron died in the 90's sometime. I remember that he died of complications from hepatitis. He was always quiet and sensitive, The war must have been hard on him. I had looked forward to seeing him at the 30th but he was gone.
Information from the 10 yr reunion booklet: Presently, Ron is working as a carpenter, living in Everson, Washington. During his tour of duty in the Army, Ron was stationed in Europe and Viet Nam. "Cheers!" to everyone from Ron.
On Dec. 6, 1967, while en route to "Operation Quicksilver," Sp/4 Ron Warnke, son of Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Warnke, former Des Moines residents now living in Federal Way, was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Valor in action performed "above and beyond the call of duty."
Witnessing an Armored Calvary assault vehicle run off the road and overturn, Warnke disregarded his own safety and rescued three crewmen from the burning vehicle despite sniper fire by the Viet Cong.
Warnke is now taking part in a major offensive with his unit in War Zone C and is due home in February from Viet Nam.
Polly Kaiser (Heinselman)
WARNKE EARNS VALOR MEDAL IN VIET NAM
On Dec. 6, 1967, while en route to "Operation Quicksilver," Sp/4 Ron Warnke, son of Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Warnke, former Des Moines residents now living in Federal Way, was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Valor in action performed "above and beyond the call of duty."
Witnessing an Armored Calvary assault vehicle run off the road and overturn, Warnke disregarded his own safety and rescued three crewmen from the burning vehicle despite sniper fire by the Viet Cong.
Warnke is now taking part in a major offensive with his unit in War Zone C and is due home in February from Viet Nam.