Arthur Clifton Retzlaff, known as “Skip”, was born on December 2, 1942, in Westfield, NJ. He graduated from Westfield High School in 1961, where he played leading roles in the theatrical group and played baseball. He was an Eagle Scout, a member of the Boy Scout Order of the Arrow and received the Scout God and Country Award at the First Methodist Church. He was also active in Little League, as player, umpire and coach.

Retzlaff entered the service after graduating from the Citadel Military Academy in 1965 and was sent to Fort Sill, OK, for artillery training. He volunteered for jump school at Fort Benning, GA, and later took jungle training in Panama before going overseas.

After entering the US Army, he arrived in Vietnam on February 26, 1967, serving with the 173rd Airborne Brigade where he attained the rank of First Lieutenant (1LT).

Retzlaff was killed on July 10, 1967, in Kontum Province, South Vietnam, as a result of multiple fragmentation wounds.

Retzlaff received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.

Sources: Michael Valadez (friend) and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024