In Memoriam · Liberty County, Georgia

Dan Ninkey James

Specialist Four · U.S. Army

March 20, 1948 – December 29, 1968

Killed in Action · Republic of Vietnam

Service & Sacrifice

Born: March 20, 1948 · Riceboro, Georgia
Branch: United States Army · Infantry
Entered service: Jacksonville, Florida
Killed in action: December 29, 1968 · Republic of Vietnam (age 20)
Rank: Promoted to Specialist Four (SP4) posthumously

His Story

The youngest of the four, Dan Ninkey James was raised in Riceboro and entered the Army through Jacksonville, Florida. He served as an infantryman in Vietnam, earning the Combat Infantryman Badge and — for his valor under fire — the Bronze Star Medal three times. He was killed in action on December 29, 1968, two days after Christmas. He was just 20 years old, and was promoted to Specialist Four posthumously.

Decorations & Awards

Bronze Star Medal (three awards)
Purple Heart
Combat Infantryman Badge
Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon w/ Device
Expert Badge (Machine Gun)
Marksman Badge (Automatic Rifle)

On the Wall of Faces

See his photo and leave a remembrance on the national Wall of Faces, maintained by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. View on VVMF →