Sigma Nu - 1965                                        Sigma Nu - 1967 There were two men killed that day; they were: PFC Jon O Nacy, Detroit MI (Bronze Star) 2LT Eugene Le Roy Rathmann, San Diego, CA (Silver and Bronze Stars) 2LT EUGENE LE ROY RATHMANN In the shadow box above, bottom row, second from left, is the National Order of Vietnam. The National Order of Vietnam was a combined military-civilian decoration of South Vietnam and was considered the highest honor that could be bestowed upon an individual by the Republic of Vietnam government. The decoration was created in 1950 and was awarded to any person who performed "grandiose works, remarkable deeds, exhibited bravery, or for those who have honored and served the country by lofty virtues and outstanding knowledge." The National Order was modeled after the French Legion d'honneur, and as such it was issued in five degrees: Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight. 2LT Rathmann was a Grand Knight. During the Vietnam War, the National Order of Vietnam was bestowed on members of the United States military, most of whom were senior military and political advisors to the South Vietnamese government. The decoration could also be awarded posthumously. (NOTE: Volunteers at The Virtual Wall have seen very few of these medals being awarded). 2LT Eugene Le Roy Rathmann was survived by his mother, Margaret Elizabeth (Hueth) Rathmann (1921-2014) and father, Emil Leroy Rathmann (1915-2003). They are all buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, California. - - The Virtual Wall, November 16, 2019

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