A Soldier's Story: Private First Class Garfield McConnell Langdon



Born on September 10, 1948, in Cumberland, Virginia. Private First Class Garfield McConnell Langdon moved with his family to Brooklyn, New York, while he was young.

An accomplished mechanic, who loved working on his car and playing guitar, Private First Class Garfield Langhorn was drafted into the U.S. Army shortly after he graduated from Riverhead High School in 1967.

Private First Class Garfield Langhorn deployed to Vietnam for the Vietnam War as a radio operator with the 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Aviation Brigade.

On January 15, 1969, his unit attempted to rescue the crew of a downed helicopter when they came under attack. Private First Class Garfield Langhorn threw himself upon a live grenade in defense of his squad mates and was killed. He earned a Congressional Medal of Honor for his sacrifice. 

He rests in the Riverhead Cemetery in Riverhead, New York.

In his honor, the Pulaski Elementary School holds an annual "Garfield Langhorn Essay Contest," and the Riverhead Post Office also bears his name.

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a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia. 

In addition to the travel writings at www.takethebackroads.com, you can also read her book reviews at www.riteoffancy.com and US military biographies at www.everydaypatriot.com

Her online photography gallery can be found at shop.takethebackroads.com

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Location: Riverhead, NY 11901, USA

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