As part of our series of remembrances for this coming Memorial Day, we share the stories of two Coloradans who died in the service of our Country.
Warrant Officer (WO1) Merlyn Lee Wentzel of Franktown, Colorado was a UH-1H helicopter pilot assigned to the 119th Assault Helicopter Company, 52ND AVN BN, 17TH AVN GROUP, 1ST AVIATION BDE when he fell on 08/17/1970 in Binh Dinh Province.
WO1 Wentzel was awarded the Distinguished flying Cross, the Bronze Star, and the Air Medal.
Marine Lance Corporal Mark Engel was with the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, 11 Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Lance Corporal Engel died on July 21, 2004 from injuries he received on July 6th from enemy action in Iraq. He suffered lung damage and kidney failure and was burned over more than 70 percent of his body.
Mark was a 2001 graduate of Cherry Creek High School in Centennial Colorado. He loved to play football and rugby, and enjoyed going snowboarding and skiing. He leaves behind his parents and four siblings.
As we take time this Memorial Day to remember these brave Coloradans and all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, let us honor their memory by saying their names and continuing to support and care for the Veterans who have returned home.
Post 1187 will be participating in Memorial Day ceremonies in Castle Rock and Sedalia, all are welcome to join us.
- Castle Rock: 10 a.m. at Cedar Hill Cemetery, 880 E. Wolfensberger Road
- Sedalia: Bear Cañon Cemetery, 435 CO-105
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