Medford Man Compiles Pictures Of Wisconsinites Killed In Vietnam

A central Wisconsin man is leading an effort to find a picture of everyone from the state who was killed in the Vietnam War.

The project is called, “A Face for Every Name.”

The exact number is unclear but up to 1,244 people from Wisconsin died in Vietnam.

Bryce Kelley of Medford started collecting photos of them a few years ago. He figures he’s about halfway there.

“You look at the greatness that we lost, the lives that were left unfilled. They contributed to our country and paid the ultimate sacrifice. It’s important we remember and honor them and ensure that their stories will live forever.”

Kelley is a former high school history teacher whose father served in Vietnam. He says it’s a painstaking process to get the pictures. That’s why he is now working with Wisconsin Public Television and Public Radio hosting seminars to enlist the public’s help.

“I’ve spent literally hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of hours on the phone and at kitchen tables with family members all over the state. Worked with librarians throughout schools. I’d open up the book and say, ‘Today I’m going to focus on this county and find these three photographs.’ I don’t think there’s any low-hanging fruit because we’re talking about photographs that are over 40 years old.”

The first informational seminar is Thursday in Green Bay. Two more are scheduled later this month in Madison and Milwaukee. The pictures will be copied and eventually sent to the planned Vietnam War Education Center at the Wall in Washington, D.C.

Wisconsin Remembers: A Face For Every Name