Episcopal Press and News

Vietnam Christian Service Volunteer Shot in Vietnam

Diocesan Press Service. June 10, 1971 [94-4]

NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Ted Studebaker, 25, a volunteer staff member of Vietnam Christian Service, was shot and killed recently at DiLinh, South Vietnam, when soldiers, presumably North Vietnamese, entered the local staff headquarters, it was announced by Church World Service.

In New York, the Rev. Boyd B. Lowry, Operations Director, Vietnam Christian Service, stated:

"Ted Studebaker will be profoundly missed in the life of VNCS. His life style from his work as an agriculturalist to the joy of guitar music which he loved to play communicated across cultures effectively, that here was an American who cared for the dignity and life of the Vietnamese people. "

Young Studebaker was the second member of the VNCS. staff to die of gunfire within less than a year. Last October Gloria Redlin of Oshkosh, Wis., a volunteer nurse, was killed.

Vietnam Christian Service is headquartered in Saigon and conducts broad training and rehabilitation activities, particularly among refugees. It is staffed by 150 Vietnamese and 54 internationals. A large number are doctors, nurses, social workers, physical therapists, agriculturists, community development and social workers.

Episcopalians help support Vietnam Christian Service through contributions to the Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief.