<p>
First Lieutenant <em>Rocer A. Fulkerson </em>gave his life in the service of his country at Due Lap, Vietnam on 25 September 1968. A man of high ideals and courage, Roger volunteered for Vietnam prepared to lay down his life if necessary and in an act of duty, responsibility, and selflessness made that supreme sacrifice. His dedication to duty, bearing, professional knowledge, ability, and sense of honor all added to make the man and officer that Roger was.</p>
<p>
Born on 19 June 1945 in Utica, New York, Roger attended elementary and high school in Troy, graduating as an honor student from Troy High School in 1963. Sports were of prime interest in his life. He was a member of school football and swimming teams in both elementary and high schools. Another source of great enjoyment to him was his participation as a drummer in school and dance bands. Rounding out his extra-curricuular activities, he served as editor of his high school yearbook and graduated with the respect and admiration of classmates and teachers alike. As a prelude to his military career, Roger was a Boy Scout for his entire boyhood years, attending the National Jamboree in 1960. His ability and background made him more than equal to meet the rigors of cadet life.</p>
<p>
Roger entered the Military Academy on 1 July 1963. He had received a congressional appointment from the State of Illinois, where his paternal grandparents resided on extensive land holdings. This land was accumulated at the close of the Civil War by Colonel William H. Fulkerson, an ex-West Point Cadet, of the 63d Tennessee Regiment, CSA.</p>
<p>
Roger’s years at West Point and his brief career as an officer were the culmination of a lifelong ambition. He kept his humor and good nature intact through the most trying times of his years at the Academy. Indeed, his calm, mild manner served as an inspiration to those more excitable and less able to withstand the tensions that are a part of a cadet's life. The remarks made by David R. Hadly in the HOWITZER summarize perfectly the qualities that dominated Roger’s character. "Rog will always be remembered for the calm and deliberate manner in which he approached trying situations and his outstanding sincerity that could not help but win him friends. His forte was his tremendous ability to get along with and understand others. Rog has a ‘swing’ and a unique ability to initiate and appreciate humor that will contribute greatly to the success that he is surely to achieve.” Although cadet years presented a challenge to Rog, his enthusiasm for life did not diminish. He enjoyed the exertion and relaxation that athletics provided him. While at the Academy his favorites were football, lacrosse, and tennis although he participated in many others. He spent much of his free time pursuing these interests. Social life rated high with Rog. Dating was one of his favorite activities, and whenever possible he took advantage of an opportunity to date. He amazed his friends because he always "dragged so pro.”</p>
<p>
Following graduation on 7 June 1967, Roger was commissioned in the Field Artillery with Vietnam his first assignment. He attended Airborne School at Fort Benning during his leave time, and then went to the Officer’s Basic Course at Fort Sill. Following Officer’s Basic he successfully completed Ranger School and was assigned to Fort Hood, Texas. While at Hood he attended and completed the twelve weeks course in Vietnamese. Roger arrived in Vietnam on 8 July 1968 and was assigned as a forward observer with Company C of the 2d Battalion, 35th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. His contribution in the defense of freedom was well stated in the letter from his commanding officer after his death. "On 25 September Roger was forward observer with Company C of the 2d Battalion, 35th Infantry during operations six miles southwest of Due Lap in Vietnam’s south central highlands. At 0910 hours his company position was heavily attacked by an estimated North Vietnamese Army company using small arms and rockets. Roger immediately adjusted the fires of three artillery batteries onto the enemy. The effectiveness of his employment of friendly fires later completely disrupted the attack. At 1005 hours an enemy B-40 rocket round detonated near Roger’s position, and fragments struck him in the head, killing him instantly. Roger was regarded as an outstanding officer and individual by all whom he served, and his loss is a great shock to all of us."</p>
<p>
Citations accompanying the Bronze Star Medal with V"” Device (First Oak Leaf Cluster), awarded posthumously, state: "Lieutenant Fulkerson provided the supported Infantry with continuous Artillery fires braved the intense enemy fire with complete disregard for his own safety...with flawless accuracy, adjusted the Artillery on the advancing enemy, stopping their advances.” In addition to the Bronze Star Medal his awards included the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the National Order of Vietnam, Fifth Class including Gallantry Cross with Palm.</p>
<p>
Roger’s heroic and untimely death was a great personal tragedy to each of his family and friends. The grief experienced by William and Dorothy Fulkerson in the loss of an only son and by Amy in the loss of an only brother was compounded by extremely close family ties. Roger lived every moment of his life giving of himself fully. Whether at work or play he strove for perfection and could always be counted on to perform admirably. He enjoyed life and people and his qualities of honesty and sincerity earned him many devoted friends. Basically quiet, his warmth and generosity could only be appreciated by those who knew him well. His wonderful wit and sense of humor were of constant enjoyment to those privileged individuals.</p>
<p>
First Lieutenant Michael P. Kurtgis, attached to a sister company in Vietnam, wrote following Roger’s death: "Roger and I shared the same feeling for our work and our men, and I can’t help but feel that a part of me will always be with him as I know Roger will always be with me.”</p>
<p>
The true measure of life is not how many days, weeks, months, or years one may live, but how well one lives out his allotted time. Roger gave his utmost for the country he loved, and the way of life he fervently believed in. To me, Rog was all a friend and companion could be. I know I will never forget him and the kind of person he was. One can never replace his best friend. His memory will endure in all who knew him and will serve to inspire them to emulate all the qualities he possessed.</p>
<p>
<em>—James P. DeSantis, Friend and Classmate</em></p>