Ronald Charles Esselstyn

Honor Mission

Ronald Charles Esselstyn, Veteran

USA, USAR – Vietnam
Pendelton, Oregon – 05-15-21

We have been requested to stand the Flag Line for PFC Ronald Esselstyn, age 78, United States Army. Esselstyn was born in Pendleton, Oregon and entered into active service on August 5th,1963 in Spokane, Washington. His specialty was Military Policeman. At 6’3″ 200 pounds he stood out among his peers. Decorations, Medals, Badges, Commendations and Ribbons among others include Marksman (Rifle), Marksman (Pistol), Expert (Rifle M-14), Mach Gun (1st Gunner). AFEM (Vietnam). Specialty training included Code of Conduct ATP 21-114 Mil Justice “A” CBR Tng Escape and Evasion. Esselstyn served 3 years with 6 months 22 days in Vietnam. In 1965 as Esselstyn hopped out of a helicopter into a rice paddy, a VC Sniper popped up from the weeds. PFC Esselstyn took a step back to secure his position and the exiting helicopters tail rotor struck him with such force that part of his helmet mashed into his brain. He received compound fractures to the skull. When he awoke, speech eluded him. His doctors suspected he would never walk again but they did not recognize his spirit. He did walk again. In fact he completed more than 100 Marathons. He did lose the ability to walk the last 6 years of his life. Back in January of 1966 Esselstyn received Temporary Physical Disability Retirement with Reserve duty through August 4th, 1969. Nearly 51 years later Ron Esselstyn received his Purple Heart. We honor you and your Country honors your service. God rest your soul. Your Watch is complete.

Denny’s Restaurant

I-84 Exit 209, 610 Tutuilla Rd.
Pendelton, Oregon 97801

Rod Runyon

541-993-6413

reckless.1@hotmail.com

1:50 PM Riders Sign In

2:00 PM Briefing

2:10 PM Flag Line / Olney Cemetery

3:00 PM Service

3:45 PM (Approx) Dismissal / Debrief