Steve Dennis Ledford

Steve was born in Ruston, Louisiana on October 7, 1946. He graduated from Ruston High School in 1964, and soon after joined the United States Navy.

After completing his basic and advanced training, Steve received orders for Vietnam. Upon arrival he was assigned to PBR-19, River Assault Squadron 5, TF116.

On the evening of April 8, 1968, U.S. Navy River Patrol Boats (PRB’s) from River Section 541, while on a special night patrol, received rocket and heavy automatic weapons fire from a large enemy bunker located about 11 miles southeast of Nha Be. The first rocket scored a direct hit on the forward .50 caliber gun mount of PBR-19, passed through the gun shield critically wounding Steve who was manning the gun position. The aft .50 caliber gunner immediately opened fire in unison with the lead PBR into the enemy position and cleared the kill zone. Helicopter gunships were scrambled to the area to cover the PBR’s exit. An Army helicopter was quickly brought into a secured landing zone to the east of the ambush site to medically evacuate Steve to Vung Tau but sadly he passed away before they could get him there. Three additional PBR sailors received slight wounds and the PBR sustained moderate damage in the action.

For his actions on that fateful night Steve was awarded the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. His other decorations included The National Defense Service Medal, The Vietnam Campaign Medal, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Navy Presidential Unit Citation, and The Vietnamese Gallantry Cross.

Steve was only 21 years old at the time. He is buried in Cook Cemetary in Ruston. Steve is honored on Panel 48E, Line 53 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall.