Curless, Eugene Jerome Jr.
Birth
Eugene was born on July 13, 1947, in Cooperstown to Mr. and Mrs. Eugene J. Curless, Sr. [1]
Education
He attended Berne-Knox Central High school, Berne, and graduated from there after entering the service. [1]
Military Service
Served as a 2nd Lieutenant[1]in the 23rd Infantry Division of the Army Reserve. His tour-of-duty began January 14, 1968 and he died of wounds due to small arms fire in South Vietnam on March 25, 1968. His name can be found on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on panel 46E, Line 15[2]
Other media
Deepest sympathy is extended to the bereaved grandparents and family of the late Eugene Curless, who was killed in action in Vietnam. Gene spent most of his life in Westerlo. He had advanced to the rank of second lieutenant and was only 20 years old. Published in the Altamont (NY) Enterprise-Albany Co. Post, Section 2, Page 2, 5 Apr 1968 Isasue.
1st Lt. Eugene J. Curless Awarded The Silver Star. First Lieutenant Eugene J. Curless, Jr. 23rd Infantry Division, was awarded the Silver Star posthumously October 20 for gallantry in action while serving in Vietnam. A ceremony took place at Sgt. Horace D. Bradt U.S. Army Reserve Center in Schenectady. Lt. Curless entered the Army on July 13, 1964, and arrived in Vietnam on January 16, 1968. He was killed on March 25, 1968 and subsequently was awarded the Silver Star, third highest medal given for valor. The medal was presented to Lt. Curless' wife, Mrs. Marilyn R. Curless of Camden, New York, by Colonel Ferris P. Coppe, First Brigade Commander. Lt. Curless was also awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service, and the Purple Heart. Curless was born on July 13, 1947, in Cooperstown. His parents are Mr. and Mrs. Eugene J. Curless, Sr. Curless came to live with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry O. Curless of Medusa, when he was six weeks old, and was raised in Medusa. He attended Berne-Knox Central High school, Berne, and graduated from there after entering the service. The citation he received gives the following account: "He (Lt. Curless) distinguished himself by heroic action on March 25, 1968, while serving as Platoon Leader, Company C, 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry on a combat mission. The company came under intense enemy fire. He dismounted his command vehicle and directed his men's fire on the enemy positions. Realizing that the enemy fire was so intense that the wounded men could not be evacuated, he organized a rifle squad and personally led the element against the enemy. The assault caused the enemy force to withdraw and allowed the extraction of all wounded personnel. As Lt. Curless was covering the withdrawal of the remaining friendly troops he was mortally wounded by the intense enemy fire. Lt. Curless personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest tradition of the military service, and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army." Other awards Lt. Curless had earned prior to his death include the Good Conduct Medal, the Vietnamese Campaign Ribbon, the Combat Infantry Badget, the Expert Badge with Rifle Bar, and the National Defense Service Medal. Published in the Altamont (NY) Enterprise - Albany Co. Post, Page 7, 29 Nov 1968 Issue.
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