Curtis Patton

Front row L to R:  Alice Faye (Patton) Wilcox, Jerry Patton, Doyle Patton; Back row L to R:  Calvin Patton, Willie Patton, Edna Patton, Curtis Patton

Curtis Ray Patton was born June 27, 1941 to Mr. and Mrs. Willie M. Patton.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army via Selective Service and began his tour on March 20, 1967, serving with the 1st Cavalry Division, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, B Company.

On February 4, 1968, Staff Sergeant Patton was killed by small arms fire along with 21 other soldiers during this encounter with enemy forces in Thon Lieu Coc Thuong, a hamlet he troops were advancing through towards the city of Hue. The Battle of Hue City was one of the bloodiest battles of the Vietnam War.

Along with his Purple Heart, Staff Sergeant Curtis Ray Patton received a Bronze Star Medal and an Air Medal with 8 Oak Leaf Clusters. Today, Curtis Patton’s name can be found inscribed on the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in Washington D.C. on Panel 37e, Line 26.