Memorial Day Salute

Richard Alexandra Ware, known as “Dickie” to his friends and family, was a United States Army Specialist Five during the Vietnam War. On August 24, 1968, he bravely sacrificed his own life while protecting a group of fellow soldiers, and was awarded the Bronze Star.

Dickie and his fellow soldiers were on a reconnaissance mission in the Tay Ninh Province, South Vietnam when they were ambushed by North Vietnamese troops. “While established in their night laager position, Company B came under an intense hostile attack. During the initial contact, Specialist Ware was thrown from his vehicle when it was struck by an RPG round. With complete disregard for his own safety, Specialist Ware exposed himself to a heavy volume of hostile fire as he moved back to the disabled vehicle to aid his wounded comrades. As he was evacuating a wounded comrade he was mortally wounded. His valorous actions contributed immeasurable to the success of the mission. Specialist Ware’s personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, Company B, 65th Engineer Battalion, 25th Infantry Division and the United States Army.” As written for the presentation award of the Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to Specialist Five Richard A Ware. The wounded comrade the army mentions, Dickie evacuated him by throwing his unconscious friend to safety.

Richard Alexandra “Dickie” Ware’s legacy lives on as an exemplary example of courage, selflessness, and service to his country. It is with the utmost respect and gratitude that we honor his sacrifice and remember his bravery. His mother Inez Ware was instrumental in founding, raising money and signing the bill with Governor Kirk Fordice for the Veterans Memorial in Ocean Springs, MS when it opened in 1997.

Dickie is my brother and I am Gail Ware Randolph, President of KartHost LLC and I encourage you to learn more about Dickie at
Who is Wyatt Matters
The Virtual Wall Vietnam Veterans Memorial
And most recently Dickie is remembered on The Southern Voice by Janie Jenkins who describes the day the Ware family received the news of Dickie’s death from her view out the window of her classroom.
A Salute to an American Hero: Richard Alexandra Ware

Never let America forgot the sacrifices made for this Great Country. This is one family and community’s story. We know there is a big Wall full of them.

In Loving Memory
Written by Gail Randolph