Found Dog Tag Reveals Forgotten Hero’s Tragic History

KHE SANH, Vietnam — A dog tag discovered by Greg Taylor at Khe Sanh Combat Base has led him on a quest to uncover the story of a U.S. Marine named E.C. Rayburn.

As Memorial Day approaches, Taylor reflects on those who served and the lasting impacts of their sacrifices. In 1994, during a visit to Vietnam, Taylor found the dog tag buried in the dirt of the historic airstrip, once a battleground for U.S. Marines.

“It was just lying there among the remnants of war — rotting sandbags, rusted barbed wire, fragments of Claymore mines and even some unexploded ordnance,” Taylor said. “But that single dog tag, stained with red soil, caught my attention.”

The tag contained basic information: Rayburn’s name, serial number, blood type, and religion. Because Rayburn’s name is not listed on the Vietnam Memorial Wall, Taylor pondered his fate.

As many prepare to memorialize fallen soldiers, Taylor encourages a broader reflection on veterans, particularly those with unresolved stories. He aims to bring awareness to the unsung heroes who fought bravely but did not die on the battlefield.

“What had happened to him?” Taylor wondered. These questions are common among families of service members still classified as missing in action. There are over 81,000 American military personnel unaccounted for from previous conflicts.

Commander William B. Ault, who participated in the Battle of the Coral Sea, is among those still missing. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross. Meanwhile, Private First Class Dale Warren Ross of Oregon went missing in Guadalcanal during World War II; his remains were identified in 2019.

Memorial Day serves as a poignant reminder not only for those who died in combat but also for the families and communities left behind. “Behind every name is a story of sacrifice,” Taylor said, emphasizing the importance of honoring both the fallen and those still awaiting closure.