I am a Marine Corps researcher, who ironically also graduated HS in 1965 (but in Wisc). Orval Skarman was a Marine in Vietnam - who, after a year there of bitter fighting - went missing. After 37 years, we now have some convincing evidence as to his fate - and I'm trying to locate any of his family members.
If anyone can tell me the names of any brothers/sisers (if any), or any other family members who may still be there - it would be greatly appreciated.
Bruce,
I was in class of 64. Orville went to our church. He has a surviving sister Sharon Skarman Strum. email address glyle53@aol.com. Hope this helps and can help close this tragedy.
Bruce,
I was Orv's best friend in high school, and would like get any information
you may have. I can also get in touch with his Mother, incase you have not been able to.
Sincerely,
Jeff
Orval's sister is Karen Skarman. Karen graduated in 1956 with my sister Georgine Skarman. Currently Karen lives in Duluth and Orval's mom, Anne, lives in a high rise in West Duluth. Sharon is the daughter of Walter and Jennie Skarman. Walter is the brother of Orval's dad Harry. Just to clear the record.
Bruce,
I was in class of 64. Orville went to our church. He has a surviving sister Sharon Skarman Strum. email address glyle53@aol.com. Hope this helps and can help close this tragedy.
I am married to Brad Bennett, USMC 1965-1967. When Brad returned to Vietnam in 2002 he met up with a group of MArines who were on a search team that shared inofrmation from their computer regarding ORval. Upon his return I contacted Orval's sister Karen and played the tape recorded conversation with her. AT that time she knew of the search and that there was a strong possibility that they found the place where Orval was thrown from a helicopter. Karen and her mom, Anne, went to Washington and gave DNA samples inthe event any remains of Orval were found at the helicopter crash site. It is truly the hope of the family that we can find Orval.
I am a Marine Corps researcher, who ironically also graduated HS in 1965 (but in Wisc). Orval Skarman was a Marine in Vietnam - who, after a year there of bitter fighting - went missing. After 37 years, we now have some convincing evidence as to his fate - and I'm trying to locate any of his family members.
If anyone can tell me the names of any brothers/sisers (if any), or any other family members who may still be there - it would be greatly appreciated.
I am not a class member but after many years looked up my MIA bracelet on Orval with much searching I found his picture on your sight I was in tears. I would very much like to be forwarded any findings on what is going on. Would someone please let me know if this is posible.
thank you
Orval unknown friend of 37 years
Dottie Aleshire
I also wore a POW/MIA bracelet for Orval. I was surprised to see Dottie's note. It never occured to me that there would be more than one bracelet for one person. It is nice to know that there were so many people caring at the time.
After all of the election coverage on John McCain as a surviving POW I googled Orval hoping to find that he had returned to his family. I am deeply saddened to learn that he did not.
Hi Barb
I have not looked on this site for some time and when I did and saw that you also had Orvals bracelet I was over come. He is a friend that I realy never knew but I have had is bracelet since I was 16 well now I am 55 I wish I had got to know Orval, because he has been a great part of my life, Since I got Orvals MIA bracelet I have always though of him , wondered about him and his family.
Orval has been a great part of my life in a different way, a soilder who has put is self out for our country.
Hi All:
I also have an MIA bracelet with Orvals name on it and can see I'm in good company. I discovered this site on Memorial Day '08 also looking for any info on him. I was very sorry to learn that he was never recovered. He seemed like such a great guy, I know for friends and family these wounds will never heal.
I graduated from Denfeld with Orv in '65. I I lived directly across the street from him when it was called Cody Street where the Elim Church now stands. I new him very well, consider him a great friend and wear his braclet to this day. I went Navy in '66 and he went Marines so my trip to Viet Nam was a lot safer than his. Years later I joined the ANG-Colorado and pulled one weekend of duty in Duluth. While standing in the mess line, another airman noticed the bracelet and was shocked to see it. He said his brother, I think his name was Jeff, was in ANG-Minn-Duluth. Orv, if you are still around and ever read this, trust me, I understand. And if you are gone, I'll see you on the other side. Love you, brother.
My Mother just went to Heaven. Â While going through her old things I found the bracelet that I wore through high school for Orval. Â I prayed for his safety and return everyday. Â Sorry to hear he wasn't able to come home to his Mom. Â
