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Sharp, Richard M., 1942-2014

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1942-2014
  • Existence: 1942 - 2014

Biography

Richard M. Sharp (1942-2014) served with the 84th Engineer Battalion in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968. He was born in St. Louis on September 24, 1942. He lived most of his life in Kirkwood, Missouri and attended Kirkwood Schools and Wentworth Military Academy. Sharp was drafted in 1966 and served in Vietnam until 1968, achieving the rank of Specialist 5. During his time in Vietnam, he was exposed to Agent Orange.

When Sharp returned to the U.S., he completed his degree in Graphics Arts at Central Missouri State University and his Masters in Industrial Arts at Southern Illinois University—Edwardsville. Sharp taught in the Hancock School District and also started his own construction company, which specialized in historical restorations in Lafayette Square. Sharp was active in Boy Scouts, Habitat for Humanity, Lafayette Square Irish People, 18th Street La Rue Krew, and he was the founder of the 84th Engineer Battalion Company Vietnam reunions. Sharp passed away on March 2, 2014 from cancer associated with his exposure to Agent Orange.

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Richard M. Sharp Photograph Collection

 Collection
Identifier: P0955
Scope and Contents The Richard M. Sharp Photograph Collection contains 220 photographs documenting Sharp’s experiences serving in the Vietnam War with the 84th Engineer Battalion. Sharp served in Vietnam from 1966-1968, and he may have spent time in an American military camp near the city of Qui Nhon. Photographs show everyday life in the camp, including Sharp and his fellow soldiers at work on various construction projects and relaxing off-duty. Photographs also show a large crowd of soldiers watching...
Dates: 1966-1968