1

Canadians In Vietnam


Although the Canadian government decided to remain neutral during the Vietnam War many Canadians elected to take part. It has been argued that more than 30 000 Canadians volunteered to serve in the United States army in Vietnam.

Throughout history Canadians have often served in the American forces (many took part in the U.S. Civil war in the 1860's and to this day many Canadians have volunteered for service with our American neighbours in Afganistan and Iraq). Gaspesians have served in many of these American conflicts. Eldon William Tozer of Cullen's Brook and Charles Laviolette of St. Omer both served in the Vietnam War. The North Wall in Windsor, Ontario memorializes all of the Canadian veterans of the Vietnam War.

2

Eldon William Tozer

Eldon William Tozer was born in 1934 to Mr. & Mrs. James Tozer of Cullen's Brook, Quebec. He left the Gaspe as a young man to find work in the United States but he retained his Canadian citizenship until his death. He joined the United States Navy and would serve for 13 years before his death in 1969. Eldon William Tozer married and had four children, Janet, Donna, David, and Gwendyl. He was a family man and actively corresponded with several family members during his service overseas.

Eldon William Tozer served as Chief Electrician's Mate Patrol Officer in the 535 River Division principally patrolling on the Vinh Te Canal on the Mekong Delta, one of the most volatile regions during the Vietnam War. He served with distinction and was awarded the Naval Commendation Medal, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and he was also posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

Eldon Tozer was given emergency leave to return home after his wife was tragically killed in a car accident. He elected to return to Vietnam for a second tour and was killed on Thursday, November 20th at 1:45am during an ambush when the patrol boat was hit with two explosives. His last words, recorded by a surviving comrade, were "At least now I'll be with my wife."

3

Eldon William Tozer
Vietnam War, 1965-1973
Cullen's Brook, Bonaventure, Quebec, Canada


Credits:
Bay Chaleur Military Museum

4

Eldon Tozer and his Children
20th Century, Circa 1960's



Credits:
Bay Chaleur Military Museum

5

Eldon Tozer and his sister, Frances
20th Century, Circa 1960's



Credits:
Bay Chaleur Military Museum

6

Eldon William Tozer and his Family
20th Century, Circa 1960's



Credits:
Bay Chaleur Military Museum

7

Winston, Eldon and Vernon Tozer
20th Century, 1960's
Cullen's Brook, Bonaventure, Quebec, Canada


Credits:
Bay Chaleur Military Museum

8

Eldon William Tozer's River Division Badge
Vietnam War, 1965-1973
Cullen's Brook, Bonaventure, Quebec, Canada


Credits:
Bay Chaleur Military Museum

9

Eldon Tozer's Uniform
20th Century, Circa 1960's
Cullen's Brook, Bonaventure, Quebec, Canada


Credits:
Bay Chaleur Military Museum

10

Eldon William Tozer Recieving Vietnam Cross of Gallantry
Vietnam War, 1965-1973
Cullen's Brook, Bonaventure, Quebec, Canada


Credits:
Bay Chaleur Military Museum

11

The Last Letter . . .

This is a copy of the last letter Eldon William Tozer wrote addressed to his sister Ruth and dated only five days before his death. This letter acts as a strong testament to Eldon's fervent belief in the cause for which he was fighting and for which he would shortly forfeit his life. The letter was never finished, it was discovered among his personal belongings after his death and was given to his grieving family at home.

12

Eldon William Tozer's Letter (Page 1)
15 November 1969
Cullen's Brook, Bonaventure, Quebec, Canada


Credits:
Bay Chaleur Military Museum

13

Eldon William Tozer's Letter (Page 2)
15 November 1969
Cullen's Brook, Bonaventure, Quebec, Canada


Credits:
Bay Chaleur Military Museum

14

The Flag

Eldon William Tozer's body was brought home to New Carlisle on the Gaspe and he was interred in the Riverside Cemetery in his native town of Cullen's Brook. This flag was folded and presented to Mrs. Tozer in a ceremony conducted by RNCS T. DeCelle of the Navy Base in Springfield Mass., with the following words "On behalf of the President and the United States Navy, I present to you this flag under which Eldon so nobly served."