11/29/1969
SSG Jerry K. Kekel died on 29 November 1969, from injuries suffered on 23 October 1969. SSG Kekel was assigned to the 42nd Ordnance Detachment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal). SSG Kekel was seriously injured while attempting to remove an M16 antipersonnel mine in Long An Providence, Republic of Vietnam. An unknown secondary device under the mine exploded. SSG Kekel was evacuated to Japan where he died from pneumonia on 29 November 1969. SSG Kekel was posthumously awarded the Army Commendation Medal and the Bronze Star Medal.