35th Infantry (Cacti) Regiment Association


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  SP4 Robert Lee Luster    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"



Delta Company
1st 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, SP4 Robert Lee Luster, who died in the service of his country on January 23rd, 1969 in Pleiku Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Medevac Shot Down. At the time of his death Robert was 19 years of age. He was from Tiffin, Ohio. Robert is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 34W, Line 65.

The decorations earned by SP4 Robert Lee Luster include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, 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.


The following entry for Frank Moorman describes the incident in which Robert also died.

"On January 23, 1969, according to Army records, PFC Frank David Moorman, having been wounded in action, was placed on a medivac helicopter for transport to a field hospital. As the aircraft lifted off and attempted to leave the area, it was struck by enemy fire, exploded and crashed. Because of the combat situation and the difficult terrain, the helicopter crew and all passengers were not recovered and listed as "Missing in Action". Not until seven years later, in early 1976, did a recovery team uncover the crash site and identify all who where on board the helicopter."

Robert's family does not accept the identification of his remains.

Robert was lost at map coordinates: 141911N 1074330E (YA940681), and is buried in Section 46 of Arlington National Cemetery with Frank David Moorman.