Steven M. Larrabee

U.S. Army

Chief Warrant Officer Steven Larrabee was born August 25, 1949, in Portland, Maine. In 1950 his family moved to Los Angeles where his father, who was in the Navy, was stationed. He attended elementary school in Costa Mesa and graduated from Laguna Beach High School. He was an accomplished guitarist and played lead in several bands. When not playing guitar he could often be found surfing at Laguna Beach and enjoying hamburgers, pizza, or tacos. Steven lived in Irvine with his mother prior to joining the Army. Steven faithfully served his country in Vietnam as a Scout pilot flying the Hughes OH-6 and was assigned to 1st Calvary Division, 9th Calvary, 1st Squadron, F Troop. His helicopter squadron was depicted in the movie Apocalypse Now. On March 24, 1971, the last day of his tour of duty, Steven was killed when his helicopter was brought down by enemy fire. He was posthumously promoted to Chief Warrant Officer II and awarded the Silver Star for his service to his country. Steven was also awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.