On November 21, 2015, Brattleboro’s American Legion Post 5 honored local soldiers killed in action during the Vietnam War.
A ceremony, at the post home on Linden Street, included students from Brattleboro Union High School reading the names and a brief biography of each of the 11 men, followed by a brief address by Dr. Robert Tortolani, a combat battalion surgeon during the Vietnam War.
Below visitors will find photos shared by the family, a brief biography and a student tribute by Elizabeth Day remembering the life and service of Jan Alan Ulmer.
May 16, 1943 – April 18, 1968
Jan Ulmer was born in Brattleboro, son of Gordon and Margaret Ulmer. He was raised at 18 Forest Street (now 7 Thorn Lane) with his three siblings: Shirley Olivio, Gordon Ulmer, Jr., and Judy Valente.
Jan graduated from Brattleboro High School in 1961, where he “lettered” in football, tennis and skiing. Jan was a very skilled ski jumper and he represented the Brattleboro Outing Club in many ski jumping competitions.
He attended the University of Colorado and studied radio at Cambridge School in Boston before he joined the Army in 1965.
Jan enlisted in the Army in 1965 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Special Forces in 1966.While on leave before traveling to Vietnam, Jan married Suzanne Marois at Guardian Angel Church in Berlin, New Hampshire on July 8, 1967.
In Vietnam, Jan served as a forward observer. He died in combat during the “Tet Offensive” on April 18, 1968 in Tey Ninh Province. In addition to the usual medals, Jan was awarded the Silver Star and the Bronze Star.
On August 8, 1968 his widow was awarded his medals at a ceremony at the State Armory in New Hampshire.