WHERE IS IT?

The “Where Is It?” mystery for this week is a meaningful one and important. Many of you will know this soldier and the mystery answer. Others will appreciate the reminder. The painting is in the law enforcement and justice center building in Linden where other military memorials are placed.

Answer

Air Force Sgt. John O’Neal Rucker Last American Serviceman killed in Vietnam War Artist Colin Kimball

Sergeant Rucker grew up in Linden, received his Air Force training after volunteering for the U. S. Air Force. After spending leave time at home during Christmas 1972, he returned to Vietnam with the anticipation that his time on the battlefield would soon come to an end as the war appeared to be winding down.

On Jan. 27, 1973, Rucker was asleep when rockets struck the Da Nang Air Base, taking his life just hours before the Paris Peace Talks took effect. A marble plaque was unveiled at the base in March of 1973.

Linden dedicated a monument in November of 1973 which is outside the county courthouse.

May God bless Sergeant John O’Neal Rucker, all of our fallen service members and their families. … John Cornyn, U.S. Senate proceedings, Washington, DC, Monday, January 30, 2023.