More detail on this person: Keith Leroy Anthony, 72, of Sterling Virginia died Friday, March 28,
2014 at INOVA Loudoun Hospital, VA. He will be forever remembered for his service to his country,
and as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. Burial information: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site:
08/31/2024
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Mr. Anthony was born November 20, 1941 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, son of the late Leroy Dent
Anthony and Wanda Jane Hooks. He was the oldest son to a family of four girls and four boys. The
family moved to his grandparentsâÇÖ farm in Armstrong County western Pennsylvania where he grew
up.
He retired from the US Army in December 1979 after twenty years of active service as a Captain and
Sr. Army Aviator. He served thirty four months in Vietnam. Initially with the 1st Calvary Division
as a helicopter door gunner. Then with the 4th Infantry Division as a combat helicopter pilot. He
flew 611 combat missions. Captain Anthony received thirty-three military awards and decorations
including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (12
awards), Presidential Unit Citation. After the military he worked in the Washington DC / Virginia
area as a Logistics Engineering Consultant contractor for the US Navy finally retiring in 2005.
He was married to Mi Tae Kim whom he met while serving in the military for three years in the
Republic of South Korea. She preceded him in death in 2007.
Surviving are his daughter Charolette Anthony Eriksson, her husband Robert Eriksson, grandson Robert
Anthony Eriksson and granddaughter Lauren Eriksson of Stephens City, VA.
Also surviving are; Sister Peggy Bowser and husband Gary of Kittanning, PA; Brother Donald Anthony
and wife Wanda of Templeton, PA; Brother James Anthony and wife Sandra of Templeton, PA; Brother
Kenneth Anthony and wife Arlene of Altoona. PA; Sister Sally Anthony Ruffner of Templeton, PA;
Sister Debrah DeBardelaben and husband Randy of Alpine, AL; His sister Carol Ann Anthony preceded
him in death.
The family will receive visitors Tuesday April 1 from 6-8 p.m. and Wednesday from 10-11 a.m. April 2
at Colonial Funeral Home of Leesburg at 201 Edwards Ferry NE, Leesburg. A funerall service will be
held there Wednesday, April 2 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Kenneth Anthony officiating.
Burial with full military honors will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be announced.
Keith flew 612 combat missions. He was awarded the DFC for heroism, BS, and 25 other military
awards and decorations.
He retired from the army 12/79 as a Captain and Sr. Army Aviator. As a pilot and instructor he
logged 5,243 flying hours.
Keith was 72 years. He struggled with health issues during the past few years. Starting with throat
cancer. He beat cancer, but succumbed to pneumonia and a stroke. Immediate cause of death was
respiratory failure.
Keith was introduced to helicopters in the 11th Air Assault Division (Test) during 9/64 - 7/65 as a
Avionics, Communication, Navigation technician at Fort Benning, GA. He was assigned to the 1St
Cavalry Division (Air Mobile) in Vietnam during 8/65 - 4/67 as an Electronics Technician and UH-1
helicopter Door Gunner. In 11/65, Keith participated in the Battle of Ia Drang Valley.
His Commander was Major Bruce Crandall who led the first flight of eight HU-1 helicopters. Keith was
a door gunner on âÇoChalk 6âÇ¥, the sixth helicopter in the flight. He recently said that he
remembered the events like it was yesterday. The photo below was taken in 12/65 shortly after the
battle. On the back he wrote "Just back from four days up on the line".
Keith returned to the US and graduated flight school at Fort Walters, TX and Fort Rucker, Al in 3/69
receiving his wings and an appointment as a Warrant Officer. He immediately received orders to
return to Vietnam with the 4th Infantry division.
Thanks for listening. His family is proud of him
From: Robert Eriksson, son-in-law