Gregory Jon Olsen

Fallen Hero’s Hometown and State: Franklin, WI

Branch of Service: U.S. Army

Rank: Corporal

Corporal Gregory Jon Olsen served in the Army during the Vietnam War. He was in a heavy mortar platoon in Dinh Tuong Province when a gasoline explosion burned him badly. He succumbed to his wounds two days later.

“Everybody loved Greg, both back home and in-country. He was a special part of our family and we’re all proud of his service and were devastated by his sacrifice,” recalled his cousin C.J. Niehoff.

Greg’s family received a letter from a fellow soldier, Dennis Thian, explaining that Greg had helped him get through Vietnam and was a “hell of a man.” There are many similar stories about Greg Olsen.

Age: 22

Date of Death: May 25, 1969