MENGDEN ROBERT JOHN

WO1 Robert John Mengden was a potential VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 12/23/2007 at the age of 59.6
San Antonio, TX
Flight Classes 68-507 and 68-7
Date of Birth 05/13/1948
Served in the U.S. Army
Call sign in Vietnam SMOKE
This information was provided by Obit in Dec 30 San Antonio Express

More detail on this person: TAPS for CW2 Robert John Mengden, Sr.

Robert, a lifelong resident of San Antonio, TX, dead on December 23, 2007 at the age of 59. He was a member of flight classes 68-507 and 68-7. He flew Huey gunships and Cobras in Vietnam. He was awarded the DFC and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm. He suffered head and back injuries when he was shot down when continuing to dive on advancing Vietcong to draw their fire after having expended all his munitions. In later years, Robert was known to many of his friends by his radio call sign, Smoke. After leaving the Army in 1970, he married Patricia, now deceased. They had three wonderful children. Robert made his career as a master carpenter in the San Antonio area. His memorial service was held in St. Peter Prince of the Apostles Catholic church and he is interned in Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Anyone who knows Robert's exact Vietnam tour information (years and units) is encouraged to contact VHPA HQ so we can add that data to his record.

From: Kirk 'Chip' Brown

Burial information: Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

This information was last updated 05/18/2016

Please send additions or corrections to: HQ@vhpa.org VHPA Headquarters

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Date posted on this site: 01/11/2025