RICHARD LYTLE LONG

Branch of Service: Army

Rank: Sargeant

Service years: 1967-1968

Glen Rock: Lived on Diamond Court

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Richard Lytle Long was born to Mrs. and Mr. James Long and lived on Diamond Court with his two brothers, James and George. He went through the Glen Rock School system playing soccer, running on the track team, and performing in the school plays before he graduated from Glen Rock High School in 1962.  After high school, Long attended the University of Miami in Florida and majored in graphic design. According to his older brother James, Richard Long felt it was his duty to serve in this war and volunteered in 1966. He intended to return to school after his tour of duty in Vietnam. 

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Long joined the 101st Airborne Division, C Company, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry. Two weeks after arriving in Vietnam, Long's division received word that there were rockets being stored by the Viet Cong near Binh Duong area northwest of Saigon.  Company C was sent on a search and destroy mission to take out these rockets. On this mission, Long's division encountered the Viet Cong troops and a firefight ensued.  Three men of Company C died on this mission including Richard Long. He suffered from severe fragmentation wounds. He died on January 4, 1968. Long is promoted to Staff Sergeant after his death. He was 23 years old.

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Born: 1944, Glen Rock, New Jersey

Died: 1968 Binh Duong, Republic of Vietnam