35th Infantry (Cacti) Regiment Association


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  PFC Milan Elmer Whitten    In memory of our fallen brother

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for he to-day that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother"



Charlie Company
2nd Battalion
35th Infantry Regiment

Vietnam War


"Not For Fame or Reward
Not For Place or For Rank
But In Simple Obedience To
Duty as They Understood It"

National Defense Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal



The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, PFC Milan Elmer Whitten, who died in the service of his country on October 29th, 1966 in Pleiku Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Small Arms/AW. At the time of his death Milan was 21 years of age. He was from Hollis Center, Maine. Milan is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 11E, Line 129.

The decorations earned by PFC Milan Elmer Whitten include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.


(From his sister Evelyn Wescott)

"Milan Elmer Whitten, son of Elmer and Bertha Whitten of Hollis, Maine. He graduated from Bonny Eagle High School Class of 1965. He worked odd jobs after school, picked up rubbish, cleaned-up at a restaurant after it closed at night, loved working on vehicles. Always helping family and friends in his home town of Hollis. He palyed baseball in school. After graduation he signed up with the Army.He died one year and one day after he enlisted in the Army, October 29, 1966. He had four sisters and one brother. He was buried at South Buxton Cemetery, Buxton, Maine; on Route 112 Naragansett Avenue. His father died in April 1994, his mother died in May 1995. Bonny Eagle High School has a special monument at the school for the graduates who died in the military."


(From his sister Elizabeth Palmer)

"My brother was well-know in Hollis and other towns around. He was always giving a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He enjoyed fishing, sports, and he had a '56 Ford he really enjoyed. He had four sisters and one brother."

(From a Tribute published in the pages of "The Portland Press Herald", Portland, Maine)

Burial is planned at Buxton Lower Corner Cemetery for Army Pfc. Milan Elmer Whitten 21, of the Bar Mills Road, killed in action in Viet Nam Saturday, just a year and a day after he had enlisted.

He was born here September 30, 1945, son of Elmer and Bertha Whitten.

Milan graduated from Bonny Eagle High School in the class of 1965. He was a member of the United Baptist Church of Hollis Center. When in the elementary grades, he played on the Hollis Little League two seasons.

Before entering the Army October 28, 1965, Milan was employed with the State Highway Commission. He left for Vietnam last April 9.