Peoples, James Dale
Army 1st Lieutenant

James Dale Peoples, age 21, from Altoona, Pennsylvania, Blair county. Their last known residence was in Riggles Gap.

Parents: James L. Peoples.
Spouse: Single

Service era: Vietnam
Schools: Bellwood-Antis High, 1965.
Military history: Member of Green Beret. Member of Company C, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Entered service in April 1966. Prior to his death, he was awarded the Good Conduct medal, the National Defense Service medal, the Vietnam Service medal, the Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Parachutist Badge. Posthumously received Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

Date of death: Monday, September 2, 1968
Death details: Died by mortar fire while leading Vietnamese soldiers trying to relieve a besieged outpost in Ha Thanh, South Vietnam. Although being critically wounded by machine gun fire, he continued to lead his men until struck by enemy rocket.
Cemetery: Calvary, Altoona.

Source: Altoona Mirror, National Archives, Department of Defense, grave marker