Elrod Family History

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Nathan R. Elrod age 20 was from Salisbury, N.C. He was a Lance Cpl. in the active duty U.S. Marines. He was a member of the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Div… from Camp Lejeune, N.C. He died on 10/21/2006 in the Anbar province in Ramadi, Iraq while conducting combat operations.

Biography:

Lance Cpl. Nathan R. Elrod of Salisbury, N.C. is the son of Tim and Teresa Elrod, and he graduated from East Rowan High School in 2004. He was deployed to Iraq in September for his second tour of duty there. He attended East Rowan school and always handled himself well in any situation. When Nathan attended a local military ball in the spring of 2006 he was quite handsome, outfitted in his dress Marine uniform. He played soccer at East Rowan, but his first love was the school’s Junior ROTC program, of which he was a cadet throughout high school where he was dedicated, reliable and hard working. During this time he was a member of the JROTC’s drill team and Raider Team, elite groups that competed in military drills and exercises against other schools. The teams were among the best in the Southeast, and Elrod played a crucial role in their performances. Back home he liked to rappel, mountain climb with a really tight group of friends. Nathan was a runner and enjoyed camping and being a real outdoors type. In addition to his parents, Elrod is survived by his sister, Shannon, a junior at East Rowan, and stepbrother, Chris. He was 20.

Lauren McLelland met Nathan R. Elrod at an ROTC camp and they became “soul mates.” They dated, but decided they’d make better best friends. “Nathan was the one person I’d do anything for,” said McLelland. “He was such a good guy. He always told me, `I can be the nicest guy ever, or the biggest jerk you ever met.’ In five years, I never saw any jerk in him.” Elrod, 20, of Salisbury, N.C., was killed Oct. 21 when his Humvee was hit by an enemy explosive. He was assigned to Camp Lejeune and was on his second tour. “Nathan was always a credit to the Marine Corps,” said Col. Rollins Collins, Elrod’s ROTC instructor. “Since I first knew him, he always was looking to do some sort of military service.” With his love of rappelling cliffs and playing paintball, the strapping, 6-foot-3-inch Elrod wanted to be an Army Ranger, but a recruiter swayed him to become a Marine. He graduated high school in 2004. He wanted to study to be a diesel mechanic, growing out of his love of cars. He also enjoyed movies especially action films and the band Metallica. He is survived by his parents, Tim and Teresa.

Steven R. Elrod born April 8, 1987 was from Hope Mills, N.C. He was a Specialist in the United States Army. He was a member of the 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade C… from Fort Bragg, N.C. He made the ultimate sacrifice on September 10, 2007 from a non-combat vehicle roll over accident in Baghdad, Iraq along with six other soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They were all assigned to the 1st Squadron.

Biography:

Spc. Steven R. Elrod attended Massey Hill Classical High School in Fayetteville graduating in 2005. He was voted the senior with the “prettiest eyes” by his classmates. With a military stepfather, Steven bounced through four states before spending the most time, seven years, in Hope Mills. He chose academics over athletics since Massey Hill is a college preparatory school that doesn’t have an athletics program. Choosing Massey Hill was a big deal because basketball was life to the 6’5” boy. He often donned basketball gear when not in a school uniform and played in recreation leagues. Steve was interested in pursuing a journalism career and even shadowed a sports writer for the local newspaper. His awards and decorations include: the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and the Parachutist’s Badge. He died in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related vehicle rollover at age 20. He also is survived by his stepfather, Mike Morin; and father and stepmother, Denny and Susan.

DAVID LAMAR ELROD was 19 years old and a Lance Corporal E3 rank in the United States Marine Corps. His tour in Vietnam began on Dec 4, 1968 and became a casualty on Jul 22, 1969 in Quang Nam, South Vietnam. He was killed in the line of fire. His body was recovered. His names is listed on Panel 20W – Line 33 on the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.

JAMES THOMAS ELROD was 19 years old and a HM3 or Hospitalman in the United States Navy with a rank of E4. He was born December 17, 1946 and was from Moultrie, GA. He was married and of the Protestant religion. He had served just 2 years when he became a casualty on Aug 10, 1966 in Quang Tin, South Vietnam. He died from hostile small arms fire. His body was recovered. His name is listed on Panel 09E – Line 121 on the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.

James Thomas Elrod was awarded the Silver Star and the synopsis reads:

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to James T. Elrod (6954121), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Elrod distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 10 August 1966 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

JIMMY CHARLES ELROD was a Private First Class (E3) in the Unites States Army assigned to the 1st Cav Division (AMBL). His tour in Vietnam began on Oct 15, 1967 and was killed int he line of duty on Dec 7, 1967 in Quang Tin, South Vietnam from multiple fragmentation wounds. His body was recovered. His name is listed on Panel 31E – Line 57 on the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.

Platoon Leader Gerald Saylor writes:

Side, By Side

Jimmy – I was, right next to you, when you were hit. In fact, we were talking, about the lack, of artillery support, that could, allow us to escape, the rice patty. We were caught, in the open rice field, as elements of the NVA., 2nd, Regiment, ambushed us. Chaplain Gunderson, who had crawled up next, to us, after you were, hit and I did, what we could, to bandage your worst wound. We knew, though, that our efforts were futile. It must have, been an RPG., that hit, the rice, paddy dike, behind, which we had sought cover, that peppered you with shrapnel. I remember going completely rigid, as you, were hit and taking awhile, to understand what had happened. Of course, I think of you always. You are always, at my side. You were, an excellent RTO. I relied, on you heavily. I have met your Mother, visited, your grave and spoken with your sister, Donna. you would, be proud, of the motorcycle she rode, to the Wall, in your honor. It was custom, painted, with Vietnam scenes, of the First, Cavalry Division. (Airmobile) God bless!

WAYMON CLAY ELROD was a Captain rank O3 in the United States Army Reserve from the 1st Cavalry Division. He served a total of 12 years of service and his tour in Vietnam began on Jul 14, 1968. He was killed on January 3rd 1969 in a non-hostile helicopter crash in South Vietnam. His body was recovered. His name is listed on Panel 35W – Line 26 on the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.

Captain Elrod’s friend Eugene (Gene) Colgan who served together in Vietnam writes:

Red, life is not fair. That day in Jan ’69 when my guys captured an NVA next to the river in III Corps, moved him to the Navy boats and called for a Evac. You and LT White were at the TOC and decided to take a LOACH out to pick up the POW. You landed on the TANGO Boat, we talked and joked for a few minutes, loaded the LOACH, you in the right front and White and the NVA (tied and blindfolded) in the rear and took off. We had sent the fast glass boats up river as an air guard. As you flew up river you kept getting lower to the water. At about 300-400 yards the bird started a right turn, it was like slow motion, the right skid caught the water and the bird rolled along the river and sank. The pilot, LT White and the POW surfaced. You never came up. The Navy Tango at full power could not close the distance before LT White sank. He could not swim and the pilot could not keep him afloat. He tried, but with a flight helmet and chicken plate on he could only barely keep himself afloat. The NVA swam to shore with his hands and arms tied behind his back. We got guys in the water and recovered the pilot, recaptured the NVA, but could not find you or White. Red, after spending your time in the “Enchanted Forest” with B/1/8 CAV this was not fair. Later in Jan. my guys (C/1/8 CAV) and E/1/8 CAV build LZ ELROD in IV Corps near the BoBo canal. We did some good work out of ELROD and gave the uglies a little pay back. Red, I was a better soldier from knowing you, you knew your trade, you did it well and you took care of your Troops. Enjoy your stop at “Fiddlers Green”, Trooper you have paid your dues. Tuesday, July 25, 2000

WILLIAM CARROLL ELROD JR was a Major (O4) in the United Sates Army. His tour in Vietnam began on August 7, 1970 and died on April 14, 1971 in Kontum, South Vietnam. He died from small arms fire. His body was recovered. His name is listed on Panel 04W – Line 123 on the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.

His friend and fellow officer Al Nelson writes:

We served together at the Infantry Board before his assignment to VN. A wonderful man, a fantastic officer. He arranged a date for me with one of his beautiful relatives because he always was looking out for others. He died way to young. Wednesday, December 21, 2005

William True Elrod from Sparta, Tennessee was born May 23, 1929. He was Private First Class int he U.S. Marine Corps. He was killed in Action on September 28, 1951 in Korea. Private First Class Elrod was a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. Private First Class Elrod was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.

Arnold Elrod

Corporal, U.S. Army in World War II

Service # 35102872

149th Infantry Regiment, 38th Infantry Division

Entered the Service from: Kentucky

Died: 5-Dec-44

Buried at: Plot B Row 5 Grave 150

Manila American Cemetery

Manila, Philippines

Awards: Purple Heart

Frank W. Elrod

Shipfitter, Third Class, U.S. Navy in World War II

Service # 6699428

United States Naval Reserve

Entered the Service from: Missouri

Died: 23-May-44

Buried at: Plot A Row 19 Grave 7

North Africa American Cemetery

Carthage, Tunisia

George Elrod

Water Tender, First Class, U.S. Navy in World War II

Service # 3416123

United States Naval Reserve

Entered the Service from: Kansas

Died: 25-Sep-44

Missing in Action or Buried at Sea

Tablets of the Missing at Normandy American Cemetery

Colleville-sur-Mer, France

Awards: Purple Heart

Henry F. Elrod

Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Forces in World War II

Service # 7000757

454th Ordnance Company, Aviation

Entered the Service from: Mississippi

Died: 12-Dec-42

Missing in Action or Buried at Sea

Tablets of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery

Manila, Philippines

Jack Dempsy Elrod

Private First Class, U.S. Army in World War II

Service # 34729111

10th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division

Entered the Service from: Tennessee

Born: 8-Oct-1922

Died: 9-Feb-45

Buried at: Plot E Row 13 Grave 69

Luxembourg American Cemetery

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

Awards: Purple Heart

James Lee Elrod

First Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps in World War II

Service # 0-020679

United States Marine Corps

Entered the Service from: New Mexico

Born: 30-Jan-22

Died: 20-Feb-45

Burial:

Santa Fe National Cemetery

Santa Fe

Santa Fe County

New Mexico, USA

Plot: MA 0 34

Awards: Bronze Star with Gold Star, Purple Heart

Ralph Elrod, Jr.

Private, U.S. Army in World War II

Service # 38446353

320th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division

Entered the Service from: Arkansas

Died: 2-Aug-44

Buried at: Plot J Row 7 Grave 17

Normandy American Cemetery

Colleville-sur-Mer, France

Awards: Purple Heart

Ray E. Elrod

Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Forces in World War II

Service # 6998351

531st Bomber Squadron

Entered the Service from: Virginia

Died: 18-Jan-44

Missing in Action or Buried at Sea

Tablets of the Missing at Honolulu Memorial Honolulu, Hawaii
Awards: Purple Heart

Samuel T. Elrod

Torpedoman’s Mate, First Class, U.S. Navy in World War II

Service # 6295251

United States Naval Reserve

Entered the Service from: Kansas
Died: 29-Jul-45

Missing in Action or Buried at Sea
Tablets of the Missing at Honolulu Memorial Honolulu, Hawaii

Awards: Purple Heart

Joe William Elrod

World War II

Birth: Oct. 20, 1921

Death: Aug. 17, 1944


Burial:

First Baptist Church Cemetery

Westminster

Oconee County

South Carolina, USA