In Memory

Peter Lorenz Wood - Class Of 1960

Peter Lorenz Wood

Peter Lorenz Wood

2LT - O1 - Army - Reserve - 25th Inf. Division

Pete began his tour on October 21, 1967 and died in the service of his county January 20, 1968 in South Vietnam.

Panel 35E - Line 1    The Vietnam Veterans Memorial



 
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03/13/09 07:24 PM #1    

Robert G Whiteside (1960)

It is an honor to post a tribute to my friend Peter Lorenz Wood. Pete was my classmate from our early days at Oneonta through SPJS and SPHS and on to Pasadena City College where we were in the same social fraternity.

Some of my fondest memories of Pete are about being in the same Cub Scout den; playing football with Bob Byram and Ed Salter at Alhambra Park; and hearing his objective views on how to deal with our military obligations.

The last time I saw Pete was at a party in Pasadena just a couple of weeks before I left for Army basic training and he was sent to Vietnam. Less than four months later, the news of Pete being killed in action on January 20, 1968 hit hard.

But as time has passed I have discovered a certain pride in knowing such a great guy. If you ever get to Washington, DC go to the Vietnam Memorial Wall and touch his name. He deserves all of our respect for his ultimate sacrifice while serving our country.

04/03/09 12:23 AM #2    

Dick Dooly (1960)

I didn’t get to know Pete Wood in High School, but we were both enrolled at PCC after High School, and I joined a social fraternity he was in. A few classmates from South Pasadena were in that fraternity – Bob Whiteside, John Hutcheson, and Pete. We had a lot of fun together. When I was at UCLA, Pete enrolled there my senior year, and we used to get together and talk about a lot of things – and about Vietnam.

I had joined the Air Force in late 1965, and on a leave in December 1967 I went to a Christmas party at Pete’s parent’s house in South Pasadena – I got to talk with Pete and meet some of the members of his Army unit. About four weeks later, I learned he had been killed in Vietnam. Pete’s death happened so unexpectedly and quickly that he never knew what hit him – the only blessing in this tragedy. It took me a long time to recover from the shock and grief. On the positive side, I feel very fortunate to have known him. In my experience, Pete was one of the most likeable and decent people I have ever known. I will never forget Pete Wood.

04/15/09 08:39 PM #3    

Steve Ledder (1960)

I was in the same driver education class with Pete in the summer of 1959. Our instructor was Mr. Minard - a very brave man indeed. I recall our practicing mountain driving up to Mt. Wilson. Later, in 1966-1967, I worked with Pete's mother in the South Pas post office. When I was in D.C. in 1995, I visted the Vietnam Memorial and placed my hand over Pete's name. Pete was a good guy and deserves our utmost respect for his sacrifice.

05/25/13 09:17 AM #4    

James 'Jim' Clark (1966)

Pete- As Memorial Day nears, the Vietnam veterans of South Pasadena High School, Tigers all, salute you. As long as we're here, you're here.

Jim Clark '66


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