The award-winning Texas Vietnam Heroes Exhibit arrived at the Bullock Texas State History Museum, Austin, on Monday August 18th under the escort of the Southeast Texas and Austin Texas Chapters of the Texas Patriot Guard Riders. The PGR, assisted by Boy Scouts from the Capitol Area Council BSA, conducted an arrival
ceremony and included the presentation of the flag to Linda Kaplan Kovac (widow) and Chris Kaplon brother of U.S. Marine Cpl. Phillip Felix Kaplon, Jr. of Houston. Cpl Kaplon was assigned to Company K, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division. On Nov. 7, 1968, Marines in his company were fired upon by several rounds of enemy small arms fire. One man was wounded and Cpl. Kaplon was killed by hostile rifle fire.
The exhibit of 3,417 personalized dog tags honors the Texans who were killed or are unaccounted for in the Vietnam War. The exhibit is a memorial extension of the Texas Capitol Vietnam Veterans Monument on the grounds of the State Capitol in Austin.
The exhibit will remain on display at the museum through September 10th.
Remember – Honor – Learn