McArthur(MacArthur) Gaffney

McArthur Gaffney was born in Sylacauga, Alabama on 5/25/1945 to Addie and Early Gaffney. He had four brothers and two sisters. McArthur’s father died in 1966.

McArthur (Mac) attended East Highland High School in Alabama. He was described by a high school friend as being both smart and athletic. Mac was the starting center for the High School Football Team. After high school, Mac earned a college degree at Alabama A&M. Subsequently, he entered the teaching profession and taught high school in St. Louis.

McArthur volunteered to join the Army in June of 1968 and became an artillery specialist. His tour of Vietnam began on 12/6/68. He served in the 9th Infantry Division, 3rd Battalion, 34th Artillery, Headquarters Battery; and he attained the rank of Specialist Fourth Class. His mother lived in Teaneck, NJ while McArthur served in Vietnam.  

Specialist Gaffney was killed in an enemy night attack on his position on 6/5/69 in Kien Hoa Province in Vietnam. This brave soldier was awarded the Purple Heart Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. He lies buried in the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri.

Ancestry.com

1. U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
2. U.S., Vietnam War Military Casualties, 1956-1998
3. U.S., Vietnam War Military Casualties, 1956-1998
4. U.S., Vietnam War Military Casualties, 1956-1998
5. U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010
6. U.S., Veterans Gravesites, ca.1775-2006
7. 1940 United States Federal Census (parents)
8. U.S. City Directories, 1822 -1995 (parents, 1952 Sylacauga City Directory)

Newspaper Articles and Obituaries

1. Teaneck Woman Told Son Died in Viet Attack - The Record, Friday, 6/3/1969, p. A-14
2. Spec. 4 McArthur Gaffney - The Record, Monday, 1/29/1973, p. S-13
3. Obituaries: Addie Osborne Gaffney (mother) - The Record, 4/22/1985, p. A-10
4. A Soldier's Long Walk Home From War - Matt Quillen, The Daily Home, Saturday, 12/5/2009

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Virtual Wall Website

1. McArthur Gaffney
2. Full Profile

HonorState.org Website

1. McArthur Gaffney

USFallenWarriors.com

1. McArthur Gaffney

Find A Grave Website

1. McArthur "Mac" Gaffney - According to friends and family, McArthur was an enthusiastic learner, interested in passing on his knowledge to students. Born in Alabama he attended East Highland High School in Sylacauga. There he enjoyed playing football with friends. His best friend described him as both smart and athletic. He went on to Alabama A&M to earn a college degree. While teaching in St Louis he volunteered for army service and became an artillary specialist. In 1969 he found himself serving in Kien Hoa province in Vietnam. On June 5, the company that he was attached to was short on personnel due to people on 'light duty' so true-to-form, McArthur volunteered to fill in. Guys had huge open sores on their feet from standing in water in the rice patties. Mac was willing to "go to work" in their place. I worried when he told me what he planned to do but admired his willingness to give someone else a break. Later that evening a firefight erupted and Mac was hit. In the TOC, I received the call. Still have flashbacks; miss my friend.
   
   McArthur is the consummate giving person; kind and gentle, pitching in wherever needed and whenever asked.
   
   McArthur is honored on the Vietnam War Memorial Wall, Panel 23W, Line 73.