Larry Aiken was born on December 24, 1948, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on June 12, 1968, and after completing basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, he was trained as an infantryman. SP4 Aiken deployed to Southeast Asia in November 1968, and served with Company C, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment of the 196th Infantry Brigade in South Vietnam from November 1968 until he was captured and taken as a Prisoner of War on May 13, 1969. After spending 59 days in captivity, he was rescued by U.S. Forces on July 10, 1969, but died of his injuries on July 25, 1969. Larry Aiken was buried at the Long Island National Cemtery in Farmingdale, New York.

Epitaph For A Hero

If I should perish overseas
In service to my Land
I shall have died a noble death--
Let none misunderstand.

I hope my body will be found,
Returned back to my home,
Where it was nourished and inspired--
No more to yearn, or roam.

Home is the soldier then from the war
Back to his family;
Home is the patriot at last,
Buried in majesty.

Pause, visitor, and cast a glance,
Upon a hero's grave;
Be thankful to breathe Freedom's air,
For which his life he gave.