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<em>Ellis David Greene</em> was born in Cleveland, OH, one of twin sons, to LTC (Ret.) Monty P and Helen C. Greene. He attended George Washington High School in Denver, CO, where he lettered two years in gymnastics, and received a congressional appointment from Representative Bryan G. Rogers, State of Colorado, District 1. He entered the Academy as one of the youngest members of the Class of ‘67.</p>
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At West Point, he succeeded in many things but met with one frustration. As he pursued gymnastics excellence, he was plagued by something beyond his control—he kept growing. By Yearling year, he was nearly 6’4”, a considerable height for a “free exercise” competitor. But height turned to his favor, as he was constantly the companion of attractive young ladies caught up with this tall, dark, handsome cadet.</p>
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Not enamored with academic pursuits, Ellis knew how to do “well enough” to ensure plenty of time for extracurricular activities, trips off post, and a spot on the Goat football team. He enjoyed horses and rode the “Purple Sage” as a member of the Cadet Riding Club.</p>
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Perhaps his greatest enjoyment at the Academy came from membership in the Jewish Chapel Choir and teaching Jewish “Sunday School.” Ellis had a good voice and was a leader in the choir. To give the choir a larger look, all Jewish cadets, regardless of voice credentials, traveled with the choir. Those who couldn’t sing were to remain silent and mouth the words. A classmate, quite tone deaf but unwilling to admit it, recalls singing lustily, especially as a Firstie, only to be chided into silence by Ellis. The Jewish Chapel Choir was a fraternity unto its own, accepting of all. Short years later this same classmate would ache to the core upon learning of Ellis’ death. In later years, he would remember his friend dearly upon emotion-filled visits to the Vietnam Memorial.</p>
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Events moved quickly for Ellis following June Week and graduation. In September, after completing the Infantry Officer Basic Course, he shipped off to Europe, where he served as a platoon leader in Company B/2-36 Infantry, 3d Armored Division, near Kirch Gons, Germany</p>
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During this tour, he perfected his French and developed a keen interest in French music, wine, and clothes.</p>
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Before long, he met his beloved Judith-Ann, who was employed by the American Embassy. In January 1969, after a 6-month courtship, they married in Switzerland.</p>
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After serving as a general’s aide and receiving a waiver for a back problem, he began rotary-wing flight school in April 1969 at Ft. Wolters, TX. Promoted to captain in June, he completed helicopter training at Hunter Army Air Field, Savannah, GA, in December 1969.</p>
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On 7 Nov 1969, his son Ari was born, named after the lead character in Leon Uris’ book <em>Exodus.</em></p>
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Shortly after graduating, he received orders for Southeast Asia. Of his flight class, one in 3 would give their lives in the Vietnam War.</p>
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On 1 Mar 1970, he arrived in Vietnam and went to Company C, 227th Aviation Battalion (Assault Helicopter), 1st Air Cavalry Division (Airmobile). On 1 May 1970, two months after joining his unit, Ellis distinguished himself on a combat assault mission into the Republic of Cambodia. Piloting his UH-1H helicopter with a full complement of ground troops, he maneuvered through intense antiaircraft weapons fire, inserting the troops and departing the area safely</p>
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During the balance of the day, he participated in two more assaults and 3 other missions. Ellis’ performance that day was conspicuous. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for exceptionally valorous actions and outstanding flying ability In the short time that followed, Ellis also earned the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Air Medal (1st through 13th award), and the Purple Heart, symbolic of his ultimate sacrifice.</p>
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On 23 May 1970, as Assistant Flight Leader for another combat assault mission into Cambodia, Ellis again distinguished himself by his heroic actions and extraordinary sense of duty. Inserting ground troops in an area of Cambodia known as Parrot’s Beak, approximately 30 miles from Song Be, Vietnam, he observed that the troops were immediately engaged by a numerically superior enemy force. Ellis instinctively responded to the situation. In a voluntarily action, he returned to base camp to pick up reinforcements. Returning to the landing zone, he was able to safely insert the fresh troops, but, before he could clear the area, his aircraft was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. Ellis was mortally wounded, and the earthly life of this brave, skilled, and selfless soldier was over.</p>
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In 1986, Jewish War Veterans Post No. 344 was established in Denver in the name of CPT Ellis D. Greene.</p>
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At the time of this writing, his son, after completing college and moving to Denver (about two miles from where his father was raised), continues the care previously given by Ellis to his handicapped twin brother Laurie.</p>
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The 27 years that have passed since Ellis’ death have not lessened by one measure the memory of this man and valiant soldier. Words cannot express tire loss felt by those who knew and loved this husband, father, brother, son, friend, and classmate. Ellis, your family and friends remember you, your classmates salute you, and we are all comforted in the knowledge that you are at peace and with God. “Grip hands with us now, though we see not …”</p>
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<em>—His family and classmates</em></p>