Kenneth James Smolarek

SP4 – U.S. Army
4th Infantry Division – Company K (Ranger), 75th Infantry
3 August 1950 – 27 November 1969
Detroit, Michigan
Panel 16W – Line 128

MILITARY DATA

Service:               Army (Regular)

Grade at loss:   E4

Rank:                     Specialist Four

ID No:                   386501115

  MOS:                       11B2P Infantryman (Parachutist)

  Len Svc:               1 to 2 years

Unit:                     Company K (Ranger), 75th Infantry, 4th Inf Div

CASUALTY DATA

Start Tour:         10/19/1969

Cas Date:             11/27/1969

Age at Loss:       19

Remains:               Body recovered

Location:             Pleiku Province, South Vietnam

Type:                     Hostile, died of wounds, ground casualty

Reason:                 Other explosive device

AWARDS

Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Vietnam Service

Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal

GRAVESITE

St. Hedwig Cemetery, Dearborn Hights, Michigan

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Link to Remembrances:    

https://www.thewall-usa.com/guest.asp?recid=48699

https://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/48693/KENNETH-J-SMOLAREK

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Michael L. Ward   —   April 3, 2013

I was in Nam in 68,69,70, and 71. HHC 1st Bde. LRRP’s and then in Kco. Rangers. I know Mark Estopar and have seen him twice since I’ve been back. Serve with him not only in Kco. but also Hco. Rangers. I also served in Fco. Rangers. My team and I were replaced by another Ranger team on the 27, of November,1969. On the way back to Camp Enari I was making contact to the team on the ground, when the TL said they had two casualties and needed a medivac. WE were closer to them so I ask the chopper pilot if we could pick them up, we did.

Sp/4 Kenneth James Smolarek was already dead before we arrived at 71st Evac and Robert John Silva died later.

You are always in my thoughts

6/8/14 – by Phillip Garrison

Bobby your life ended to soon you deserved to see your son I need to say how sorry I am .If your family reads this i need them to contact me so i can tell them what happened that day so long ago but still fresh in my mind like it just happened. I live it over and over again in my mind and i need to let them know. Please if anyone reads this please contact me.