Dale R. Buis

U.S. Army Major Dale Richard Buis (August 29, 1921 – July 8, 1959) was formerly the first name listed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Buis was born and raised in Pender, Nebraska, the son of Dr. John Buis, a physician, and his wife Serena (née Kundsen.) He graduated from Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, Missouri. He was part of the Military Assistance Advisory Group sent in 1955 to train South Vietnam troops. He and US Army Master Sergeant Chester M. "Charles" Ovnand were killed at Bien Hoa, 20 miles northeast of Saigon. The Vietcong ambushed the mess hall while the American officers were watching a movie. Buis was buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego.