2LT ANTHONY EDWARD KUPKA

ANTHONY EDWARD KUPKA

Carl G. Pyper
cgp906@sbcglobal.net
Fellow 'Candidate'
906 Frisco Avenue Monett MO 65708 USA
Candidate Kupka, A.E.
'Best way to get through OCS: Be fit. Pass the fitness and academic tests. Keep your mouth shut/eyes forward. Believe that doing it is just a matter of doing it. Don't freak out be calm and friendly. THAT was Kupka...over 10 solid weeks of the summer of 1967. 'Don't remember having any extensive conversation w/Kupka, but he impressed me with his subtle/friendly attitude...A guy looking directly into my eyes vague friendly smile on his face, as he passes me somewhere in the squad bay or passageways. Our Platoon Sergeant (Sgt. Gaymon) heaped the drill and harrassment on us, but Kupka just took it, and kept on trucking. During a 'problem-solving' discussion held by our Platoon Commander (Capt. Jenkins), the case of an unrulely/insuborinate junior Marine in a field situation was presented. 'What are you going to do now, Candidate?' Several of the candidates gave our solutions...most shot down. Finally Capt. Jenkins came around to Kupka. 'Well Candidate?' Without hesitation/absent even a hint of bravado, Kupka calmly/firmly responded: 'I'd take the man around back and fix the problem' (or words to that effect). Capt. Jenkins suppressed a smile a such a ('unorthodox') response. The rest of the platoon took a deep breaths, murmuring words to the effect of 'Yeah, 'fits. That's Kupka' I never saw or corresponded with Kupka after OCS, but was shocked when the word of his being KIA found its way to me. Nice guy one of the best-performing candidates in 1st Platoon, had been lost. Learning that he was married made it all the more sorrowful. Memories of 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, OCS, 1967 are daily welcomed back. Among our trainers, I always migrate to Sgt. Gaymon. Imaginitively revisiting my fellow candidates, I see Kupka, moving here, moving there hunched over doing this, doing that...catching my eye, knowing smile on his face. Thankfully, the fellows who have already written about Kupka had the priviledge of benefiting directly from his talents and goodwill. Thanks for being a calming influence and a good example to me while we were in 1st Platoon together. May Light Perpetual shine upon you Kupka. Pyper, C.G.
Aug 20, 2010

Robert Lopez
ppddispatchdl@ci.petersburg.ak.us
Fellow Marine & Vietnam Veteran
Petersburg Alaska
Saepe Expertus, Semper Fidelis, Fratres Aeterni...
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever...
Feb 20, 2010

manny g
Fellow Veteran 69-70 An Khe
Union Gap, WA. 98903
�You are Remembered�
Peace and condolence, to the family and friends. "He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother.� Rest in peace brave soldier, you have not been forgotten. (W.Shakespeare) May God Bless You for your Sacrifice!!!
Apr 16, 2007

EDWARD SPRAGUE
vet69vet@yahoo.com
LT. KUPKA was my platoon leader
2021 MILK ST.
DIGHTON, MA 02715 BRISTOL
REMEBERING A GREAT MAN
LT. KUPKA was one of the best officers I met while serving in the MARINE CORPS. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think about what happened APRIL16,1969.
Tuesday, March 28, 2000

R Craycraft
The sacrifice you made will not be forgotten. Thank you for being a brave American. Rest in peace dear soldier and may God bless you and your family always.
Friday, February 20, 2004

Richard Besley
Rwbesley@aol.com
I new Buddy since his birth
3993 Briarbush Way
Fairfax, VA 22031 USA
You will never be forgotten
Buddy was my oldest friend in this world. We went through alot together. Never thought we would both go off to war and only one to return.
Tuesday, March 11, 2003