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The headlines, "Disaster at Ap Bac,” on that morning in early January of 1963 seemed foreboding enough. But to the friends of Kenneth N. Good, the news the following day that he had been killed in Vietnam was beyond belief.</div>
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Ken had given his life heroically in the war in Vietnam in defense of freedom. The way he gave his life is, in itself, a picture of his life. And there is no better description of that final heroic act than the commendation which awarded to Ken, posthumously, the first Silver Star ever to be awarded in peacetime:</div>
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"Captain Kenneth N. Good, 066384, Infantry, United States Army, distinguished himself by gallantry in action while engaged in military operations at Ap Tan Tho, Republic of Vietnam, on 2 January 1963. Captain Good was assigned as the advisor to a Vietnamese infantry battalion which had the mission of securing a series of objectives, including the hamlet of Ap Tan Tho. While approaching the final objective, the battalion received intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from a determined and intrenched hostile force. At the risk of his life, Captain Good unhesitatingly moved from the battalion command post to the forward elements to apprise himself of the situation and to assist the Vietnamese commanders. Although the unit was receiving casualties and he was exposed to constant gunfire, he completely ignored the danger to assist in the selection of a route into the hostile lines. His heroic and brave action stabilized the Vietnamese units and served as an example to those around him. Shortly thereafter, while occupying a vantage point with the forward unit, he was struck by a sniper’s bullet. Although seriously wounded, he directed the aidmen to administer to the Vietnamese casualties and continued to encourage the friendly forces to pursue their defense efforts. Captain Good’s conspicuous gallantry and unselfish actions are in the highest traditions of the United States Army, and reflect great credit on himself and the military service.”</div>
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Kenneth Newlon Good was born on 30 November 1930 in Hollywood, California. When he was three years old, his parents moved to San Marino, California, where he spent his boyhood days developing a lasting love for the sun and the surf. Serious, reserved, and idealistic as a boy, his aims as he went through the San Marino elementary schools and the South Pasadena-San Marino high school, were physical fitness and military service. He participated in all major sports, was active in youth activities at the San Marino Community Church, spent much time camping in the mountains, swimming at the beach, and attained the rank of Life Scout in the Boy Scout organization. He always attended the “opportunities in the Armed Forces” section when the annual "Career Days” were held at his high school. Through a competitive examination he received a Senatorial appointment to West Point in his senior year, and thereby satisfied two objectives: his own desire for military service, and his parent’s insistence that he continue his education.</div>
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Entering West Point in 1948, Ken immediately established a reputation as a confident, sincere individual with exceptionally high ideals. He readily adapted to the Academy way of life and strode easily past the academic chores. Though dedicated, Ken was unruffled by the daily rush of activity, keeping his eye always on the bigger, finer things of life.</div>
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Ken was not content with mental prowess. He strived constantly for physical activity, mastering the sport of soccer and winning his Army “A.” In the off-season Ken could be found working out with the barbells, a hobby he continued to pursue throughout his life.</div>
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In September of 1951 Ken met Bobbie and discovered in her all those high ideals in which he believed. In June of 1952 they were married.</div>
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Following his graduation in the upper half of his West Point class, Ken was commissioned in the Infantry, attended Airborne school, and proceeded to make his mark in a variety of assignments at Fort Benning, Fort Campbell, and Fort Bragg and in Japan and Korea.</div>
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In 1959 Ken returned to the surf and sun he loved. He joined the ROTC instructor staff at the University of Hawaii, and he and Bobbie made their home near Honolulu with their three children, Leona, Chuck, and Lori.</div>
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At the University of Hawaii, Ken’s dedication to duty, his professional knowledge, neatness, and bearing were an inspiration to the many cadets he instructed, gaining for him their respect and admiration. His commander later wrote that he was the finest young officer who had ever served under his command. "He was a most dedicated, conscientious officer. He was an outstanding example of the Long Gray Line and one of whom the Academy can well be proud.” In appreciation of his outstanding service with the ROTC Ken was awarded the Army Commendation Medal.</div>
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But Ken was too dedicated to see the struggle taking place in Vietnam and stand idly by: “He couldn’t live with his conscience if he didn’t go out there.” Even though he had come to Hawaii from Korea and was scheduled to attend the Command and General Staff College next, Ken volunteered for duty in Vietnam. On 31 July 1962 Ken bade Aloha to the Hawaii he loved and departed for Vietnam.</div>
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As the senior advisor to the commanding officer of the 2d Battalion, 11th Regiment of the 7th South Vietnamese Division, Ken quickly gained the respect of both fellow Americans and the Vietnamese whom he advised. One of these stated: “Ken combined so many of the admirable qualities of strength, honesty, virtue, and leadership that he stood out among ail officers.”</div>
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At 7:03 a.m. on 2 January, Ken landed by helicopter in the battalion objective area. Ignoring the danger to himself, he moved among the forward elements of the battalion, serving as an inspiration to the forces under fire while he assisted the Vietnamese commander in evaluating the situation. It was while he was performing this duty in sight of enemy troops that he became the target of a sniper’s bullet. Although mortally wounded, Ken’s only remaining thought was his mission. As he lay awaiting medical evacuation he continually inquired as to the progress of the battle and issued instructions to his fellow advisors, while inquiring about the other wounded and insisting that they be treated before him.</div>
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Ken’s devotion to duty, his selflessness, and his personal inspiration were an example for all who knew him. His last commander said of him: “That man would have been a general some day. He was one of the most knowledgeable officers in the country.”</div>
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The late President Kennedy, who also gave his life for our country in the same year, wrote:</div>
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“In all of his service, from the time of his entry into the United States Military Academy to his assignment with the United States Military Advisory Group, Vietnam, (Ken) proved himself to be an outstanding soldier and leader. His tenacity of purpose and outstanding devotion to duty were manifested in all of his work. The fact that he volunteered to serve in Vietnam and his final heroic act at Ap Bac were evidence of his selflessness and his great devotion to his country and the cause of freedom. Indeed, his actions exemplified the motto of his alma mater, the United States Military Academy—‘Duty, Honor, Country.’ ”</div>
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As exemplified throughout his life, particularly in the final months, the high ideals in which Ken believed and which he practiced will ever inspire all who knew him.</div>
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A grateful country has awarded Ken the Silver Star for heroism. A grateful Long Gray Line will ever remember that Kenneth Newlon Good performed his duty in the highest tradition of devotion to its principles and to its motto. And we, Ken’s family, Ken’s friends, and Ken’s respectful admirers will always look for our guidance and inspiration to the example he set.</div>
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<em>—William J. Harrison, Classmate</em></div>
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