Alan Richard Wideman

US Army

Alan Richard Wideman was born June 3, 1945, in Waverly, Iowa to Richard and Mary Wideman. He was born while his Dad was serving in World War II. He died February 9, 2022, at Worth County Convalescent Center, Grant City, Missouri.

Alan was raised in Waverly and Janesville, Iowa. He graduated from Janesville Iowa high school on May 17, 1963. When the family moved to Denver, Missouri, he attended Northwest Missouri State College, Maryville, Missouri until he was drafted, January, 1968 from Worth County, Missouri. He trained as a combat medic, graduating at the top of the class, and was sent for service with the US Army to Vietnam.

On October 3, 1968, as he was giving emergency aid to wounded soldiers, he tripped a wire that caused a homemade bomb to explode injuring several more soldiers. Although injured himself, he gave medical aid to those wounded before being transported to Kyoto, Japan for three months to receive treatment for his wounds to both legs, leaving him unable to walk. He arrived home in time for Christmas that year.

Alan was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Valor as well as the Purple Heart for his actions that day. He served with honor, and love of country.