Sharp, Richard M., 1942-2014
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.