More detail on this person: I am so sad to tell
you that Vern passed away on October 25th. He
passed peacefully while I held one hand and his
younger son held the other. His oldest son and
his wife of just three weeks were at the foot of
his bed. We spoke to him and he could hear us.
Vern was buried at Jefferson Barracks National
Cemetery here in St. Louis with military honors.
At the visitation, we displayed his medals, his
dress blue uniform and a very handsome
photograph of him in his uniform that was taken at
about the time I met him in 1973. He spoke of
Blue Max and often told me to always keep its
insignia. He was very proud to be a part of it.
Please let others know. If they have memories of
him they would like to share, ask them to send
them to this address. I want to hold them in a
collection so that our sons randchildren will know
him and remember him.
From: Gail Ross
Cpt Reave L. Ross was in A Battery 2/20th 1969 as
Blue Max 23A (Operations Officer) then went to
HHB 2/20th as 3A (Battalion Operations Officer).
Vern as he preferred to be called passed away
October 25th with a long fight with cancer. He
died of kidney cancer. I have not looked to see if
he was on the VHPA roster of members yet. He
was a PROUD member of the Blue Max ARA
Association and very proud to have been in the
Aerial Rocket Artillery when it was "Blue Max". He
has a daughter here in Portland, Maine where he
came to see her two years ago. He planned to see
me while he was here but the time ran out before
he got to see me and went back home.
I expect to get a photo or two of him soon. His
widow "Gail" has been in contact with me and
would sure like to here from anyone that knew Vern
because his kids would like to have some
information about his service time. She has a
photo of him in Dress uniform taken around 1970
time frame that she is send me. He was just
starting to talk to his family about Vietnam and
they all want to know a little more. I am not sure
what medals he was given but I hope we can get a
list. Gen Jerry M. (Max) Bunyard was his
commanding officer while in 2/20th.
From: bluemax@bluemax-ara-assoc.org
Burial information: Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, M
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: 03/10/2024
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