ANTHONY KEITH L

CPT Keith L. Anthony was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 03/28/2014 at the age of 72.4 from Respiratory failure
Sterling, VA
Flight Classes 69-1 and 68-43
Date of Birth 11/20/1941
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with 1 CAV in 65-67, DIV ART 4 INF in 69-70
Call sign in Vietnam RED LEG 5
This information was provided by Robert Eriksson, Sammie Williams

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.

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

Burial information: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA

This information was last updated 05/18/2016

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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024


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