Darrell Ernest Sturtevant

Freeport - Darrell Ernest Sturtevant passed away Jan 8, 2025. Born 10-22-49 to Franklin and Katherine Sturtevant of Freeport, IL. One brother DeWayne died April of 2019.

Darrell leaves a wife, Maria, of 33 years. Uncle James (Bonnie) Gorham of rural Freeport, IL and cousins. Uncle Gary and Aunt Shirley Belk in Yorktown, Virginia, and family in Arizona.

Darrell passed away at the Veterans Hospital in Tucson, AZ. He suffered from heart and lung disease and exposure to Agent Orange.

Growing up in Freeport, he fished, hunted, worked on cars with friends. The Sturtevant garage became the home of "The Hauling A's Car Club." Darrell enlisted as he became of age to become a "Screaming Eagle" of the 101st Airborne.

During an ambush operation, Darrell was cited for his action near Phu Bai on Jan 26, 1969. Sturtevant a radio-telephone operator in Company C, 2nd Battalion (airmobile), 327th infantry, called for illumination and joined a sweep element which pursued two North Vietnamese who engaged the Americans. Sturtevant joined the pursuit, despite wounds received during the attack. The North Vietnamese were killed. The Department of the Army awarded Sturtevant the "Army Commendation Medal", for heroism in the Republic of Vietnam. This award was presented April 21st 1970. June 7th, 1970, Sturtevant was awarded the "Bronze Medal for Meritorious Achievement" in ground operations against hostile forces.

August 22nd, 1970, Sturtevant was awarded "The Purple Heart" for wounds received in action.

Darrell moved to Arizona to be near family. His trade for 35 years was in the installation of floor covering. He went back to school in the Arts. He became certified as a Reflexologist and Shiatsu Practitioner. He remained a weapons enthusiast. He loved music, fast cars, and riding his motorcycle. Darrell left friends throughout many states. His wish about death was to slip away quietly, and he did. We all love Darrell, he was my hero! God speed, sweet man

I love you, Maria