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At the Memorial Day Ceremony in Mt. Ephraim, the community remembered and honored veterans who served and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
Special Tribute In Honor of SPC-4 James E. Vause
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There was a special tribute to honor SPC-4 James E. Vause, a Vietnam veteran who grew up, attended school, and went to church in town. He bravely served our country and made the ultimate sacrifice. He lost his life on July 2, 1966.
A Proclamation was presented to the Vause family and James’ name will be added to the Memorial at Davis Avenue.
(Photo gallery and video by SJO)
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James “Jimmy” Vause was a resident of Mt. Ephraim and attended Mt. Ephraim Public Schools and then went to vocational school.
Slightly built with blonde hair and blue eyes, James had a little brother, Don.
James had a quiet demeanor and a quick wit. He was a popular guy who liked swimming, cars, his friends, and girls. He was a hard worker, a Christian, and belonged to Mt. Ephraim Baptist Church.
He was concerned with Vietnam, mainly the children.
James liked the Army and joined the service. He was scheduled for jump school, but they sent him to Vietnam instead.
After basic training, James was trained as a machine gunner and arrived in Vietnam in May, 1965. He was assigned to A Company, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division.
James was originally supposed to be a helicopter door gunner but was transferred to the infantry unit.
In December 1965, his unit was ambushed and James saved his buddy’s life and James was awarded the Silver Star.
As the war was heating up in 1965-1966, James’ division got called out into many places. The military gave major operations different names and different scenarios. Operation El Paso II was launched in June, 1966. On July 2, Jimmy’s company was sent on a search and destroy mission.
Paperwork Was Lost
This was almost two months after James’ tour came up, but the Army lost his paperwork, so he was extended.
Two months into that extension, James was killed in an ambush. He gave his life in ultimate sacrifice for his country.
James was returned home and he was buried with full military honors at Mt. Ephraim Baptist Church.
A few weeks prior, James sent a letter – a poem – to his mother.
For a young man of 20-21, he showed great wisdom and that it was his destiny:
Here I am in a war in a foreign land.
Why I am here I know for sure,
I know what the price of freedom cost.
And I know many lives have been lost.
For the price is high and every second
That passes by many lose their lives.
If only this war could be settled by
One more life taken on the spot.
Oh, Lord, I’d ask for you to pick me
To step forward and
Give my life so it would stop.
James didn’t get to live a long life, but his life was right here in town as a child. It is fitting here today that his memory would continue on for generations and generations to come.
On behalf of the Commissioners, Mt. Ephraim Mayor Mike “Traz” Tovinsky read from the Proclamation:
James Edward Vause was raised on Linwood Avenue. James and his family attended Mt. Ephraim Baptist Church and he attended Mt. Ephraim Public Schools.
James enlisted in 1965 during the Vietnam War and he was assigned as a machine gunner in a helicopter. Later, he requested a transfer to the Infantry.
James was recommended for the Silver Star for evacuating a wounded soldier. Tragically, James was killed on July 2, 1966, in Operation El Paso II in Bình Long Province, in the Southeast region of Vietnam.
Day of Mourning
Mayor Tovinsky said that May 29, 2023 will be known as a day of mourning in remembrance of James Edward Vause.
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