March 14, 1968

“Gone but not Forgotten” 52 years ago today, on Thursday, March 14, 1968, 7th Marine Regiment lost 4 of their own heroes when Lance Corporal Wilbur Loving Minter, Jr., Private First Class Gary Lynn Willman, Private First Class Kenneth Ralph McAllister and Private First Class Edward Leon Patterson were killed by “Friendly Fire” while engaged in combat. 
At first light, on March 14, 1968, Operation WORTH started with the attack by Delta Company and the second objective was secured by the men of the 1st Battalion. Pushing forward, the men continued their climb up the western slope of Hill 310 through the dense jungle until a platoon made contact with a bunkered and fortified North Vietnamese Army (NVA) force that stopped the Marines forward progress. Artillery fire was requested on the enemy position, an error occurred, the rounds from the Marine Artillery Battery fell short of the intended target impacting on the men of Delta Company. Four men were killed by the Marine Artillery fire, and twelve were wounded who required medical evacuation.
LCpl Minter was a Marine Rifleman, age 21, born September 26, 1946, from Garland, TX. LCpl Minter arrived in Vietnam on October 14, 1967, and was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On March 14, 1968, LCpl Minter was killed in action, dying outright from Friendly Artillery fire. LCpl Minter had been in Vietnam 153 days. LCpl Minter is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 44E, Line 050. 
PFC Willman was the dear brother of James, Edy, Charles, Skeet, Fred and Jerry Willman all of Dallas, TX. PFC Willman was a Marine Mortarman, age 18, born August 11, 1949, from Dallas, TX. PFC Willman arrived in Vietnam on September 22, 1967, and was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On March 14, 1968, PFC Willman was killed in action, dying outright from Friendly Artillery fire. PFC Willman had been in Vietnam 175 days. PFC Willman is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 44E, Line 056. 
Private First Class Kenneth Ralph McAllister was survived by his wife, Connie S. McAllister and his 2 daughters and his mother; Ruth Helen Kruger McAllister, a brother and a sister; Jesse Dave McAllister and Teresa Marlene McAllister all of Danville, IL. He was predeseased by his father Harold Lee McAllister. PFC McAllister was a Marine Rifleman, age 20, born November 21, 1947, from Danville, IL. PFC McAllister arrived in Vietnam on December 19, 1967, and was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On March 14, 1968, PFC McAllister was one of the Marines killed in action, dying outright as a result of fragmentation wounds to the body from the Friendly Artillery fire. PFC McAllister had been in Vietnam 87 days. PFC McAllister is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 44E, Line 049. 
PFC Patterson was the son of Jeri Patterson of Garden Grove, CA and Dale J. Milberger. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on January 10, 1967, in Los Angeles, CA. PFC Patterson was a Marine Anti-Tank Assaultman, age 18, born December 24, 1949, from Garden Grove, CA. PFC Patterson arrived in Vietnam on February 2, 1968, and was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On March 14, 1968, PFC Patterson was killed in action, dying outright from Friendly Artillery fire. PFC Patterson had been in Vietnam 42 days. PFC Patterson is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 44E, Line 050. 
Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe all of you will live on and your sacrifices for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

March 5, 1966

“Gone but not Forgotten” 54 years ago today, on Saturday, March 5, 1966, 7th Marine Regiment lost 6 of their own heroes when Sergeant Charles Frederick Setzenfand, Corporal Roy John Higgins, Jr., Corporal Mario Clayton Kitts, Private First Class John Henry Bell, Private First Class Thomas Patrick Johnston and Private First Class Gary Ercil Sooter were killed in action. For his heroic actions that day PFC Sooter was awarded the Silver Star.
On March 5, 1966 Bravo Company, attached to the 4th Marines for Operation UTAH, was assigned to guard a downed helicopter near the Chau Ngai village complex in Song Ha District. The NVA launched a vicious attack on the Marines throughout the night, using automatic weapons, rocket propelled grenades and 60mm mortars. The Marines held their ground until help arrived in the morning with the enemy withdrawn from the battlefield the men gathered their casualties and completed evacuations of the wounded and the dead. 
Sergeant Charles Frederick Setzenfand was the son of Charles A. Setzenfand and Marian I. Setzenfand and the husband of Beverly B. Setzenfand of Butler, PA. Sgt Setzenfand, a veteran of over 4 years’ service had re-enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on April 10, 1964 in Camp LeJeune, NC. Sgt Setzenfand was a Marine Rifleman, age 24, born July 25, 1941, from Butler, PA. Sgt Setzenfand was serving with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac, under the operational control of 4th Marines. On March 5, 1966, Sgt Setzenfand was killed in action from a hostile gunshot wound. Sgt Setzenfand is honored on the Vietnam Memorial on Panel 05E, Line 123.
Corporal Roy John Higgins, Jr. was the son of Anna M. Higgins and Roy J. Higgins Sr. (Deceased) of Phoenix, AZ. Cpl Higgins, a veteran of over 4 years’ service had re-enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on December 29, 1965 while serving with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac, in Vietnam. Cpl Higgins was a Marine Rifleman, age 24, born June 25, 1941, from Phoenix, AZ. Cpl Higgins was serving with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac, under the operational control of 4th Marines. On March 5, 1966, Cpl Higgins was killed in action from a hostile gunshot wound. Cpl Higgins is honored on the Vietnam Memorial on Panel 05E, Line 118.
Corporal Mario Clayton Kitts was the son of Lucille M. Curry of Monticello, IN and Clayton H. Kitts. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on December 27, 1963 in Indianapolis, IN. Cpl Kitts was a Marine Machine Gunner, age 19, born August 26, 1946, from Fort Wayne, ID. Cpl Kitts was serving with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac, under the operational control of 4th Marines. On March 5, 1966, Cpl Kitts was killed in action from a hostile gunshot wound. Cpl Kitts is honored on the Vietnam Memorial on Panel 05E, Line 119.
Private First Class John Henry Bell was the son of Mr. Henry Bell and Mrs. Ethel Edmonds Bell and the father of John Adrian Bell all of Peoria, IL. He joined the U. S. Marines on March 10, 1965. PFC Bell was a Marine Rifleman, age 21, born March 7, 1944, from Peoria, IL. PFC Bell was serving with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac, under the operational control of 4th Marines. On March 5, 1966, PFC Bell was killed in action from a hostile gunshot wound. PFC Bell is honored on the Vietnam Memorial on Panel 05E, Line 112.
Private First Class Gary Ercil Sooter was the son of Mrs. Robert Root of Independence, MO, and his father, Ercil Sooter of Ulman, MO. PFC Sooter was a Marine Rifleman, age 19, born December 17, 1946, from Independence, MO. PFC Sooter was serving with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac, under the operational control of 4th Marines. On March 5, 1966, PFC Sooter was killed in action from a hostile gunshot wound. PFC Sooter is honored on the Vietnam Memorial on Panel 05E, Line 124. For his conspicuous gallantry that day PFC Sooter was awarded the Silver Star.
CITATION: The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Gary E. Sooter (MCSN: 2133934), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as a Rifleman with Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in Quang Ngai Province, Republic of Vietnam on 5 March 1966. While occupying a night defensive position protecting a disabled helicopter deep in enemy territory, Company B came under repeated infantry attacks and a heavy barrage of accurate enemy mortar fire. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Private First Class Sooter exposed himself continually to intense small-arms and destructive mortar fire to cover and defend approaches to his platoon's position. Later that night, observing the enemy attempting to penetrate on his left, he again fearlessly ran through a heavy volume of mortar and automatic weapons fire to block the advancing Viet Cong. While blocking the initial attempted enemy penetration, he continued to expose himself, without regard for his own safety to intense enemy fire until he fell mortally wounded. As the result of his courageous actions and heroic initiative, many of the enemy were killed and the attempted penetration of his platoon's position was prevented. Private First Class Sooter's heroism and loyal devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the cause of freedom.

February 15, 16, 17, 1968

On Thursday, February 15, 1968 - In the twilight hours of the second day of Operation PURSUIT, the point squad of a company-size patrol cautiously moved down a narrow trail in dense jungle. Suddenly, intense enemy automatic weapons fire erupted from both sides of the trail, instantly killing two Marines and seriously wounding another who fell unable to move from his exposed position on the trail. Corporal Naugle ran down the trial toward the wounded Marines. He reached the one wounded Marine who was still alive and pulled him to safety. Cpl Naugle refused medical aid for himself until the other man had been treated. Cpl Naugle subsequently succumbed to the severity of his injuries. With heavy machine gun fire and barrages of grenades the enemy pushed the patrol off the trail and down the side of the mountain. Two additional Marines were killed in action during this phase of the battle. The embattled Marines ferociously fought their way up to the site of the original contact and recovered the remains of the five Marines who had been killed in the battle. Carrying the wounded and dead down the trail in the dark under fire was an enormous challenge. Artillery and mortar fire were directed on the NVA positions to help the Marines safely extricate themselves from battle area. The wounded were medically evacuated in the early morning hours of February 16, 1968. Those killed in action were evacuated to Bravo Medical Company in DaNang an hour later. Examination of the remains and partial remains at Graves Registration in DaNang revealed only four bodies
On Friday, February 16, 1968 Charley Company was notified of the discrepancy in the body count for the February 15 battle and immediately reviewed everything that had happened during the encounter with the NVA. Two Marines recalled seeing a deceased Marine’s body being blown into a shell crater beside a large boulder during one of the many grenades and RPG barrages. It was determined that the shell crater was the probable location of the missing Marine. It was decided that a small unit would quietly return to the site of the battle avoiding contact with the enemy, locate the remains of the missing Marine and return to the Company Command Post on Hill 10. This plan offered the highest likelihood of success. 
On Saturday, February 17, 1968 - THE GREAT "8" PATROL - In the early morning hours, an 8-man volunteer squad made up of platoon comrades of the fallen Marine, embarked on their mission to recover the remains of the Charley Company Marine who had been killed on 15 February on Hill 270. The Marines returned from the NVA infested mountain without sustaining any casualties, with the remains of their fallen comrade. His remains had been found concealed in the shell crater.
Here are the members of the “Great 8 Patrol”: Sgt John McCreless, PFC Thomas M. Adamson, Cpl Al Chamberlain III, & LCpl Alfred P. Granados, Cpl William Ranes, LCpl Joseph A. Hamrick, PFC Stephen Bryan McCashin & PFC Pedro Angel Rodriguez.

February 16, 1969

On February 16, 1969, the search and destroy mission that began on February 14, 1969, in an area of Dien Ban District known by the Marines as Dodge City continued. In the early afternoon a Marine Platoon of Delta Company engaged a large North Vietnam Army (NVA) force in the village complex of Da Hoa in Dien Ban District. The NVA troops were in well fortified, concealed bunkers and had the advantage of cover as they began pouring devastating automatic weapons and small arms fire at the Marines who were assaulting from open and unprotected rice paddies. The fire fight lasted throughout the day, at times at close quarters until finally it ceased when the NVA broke contact and fled from the attacking Marines. Marine casualties were medically evacuated. The search for the enemy continued until darkness fell.
Corporal William Harold Farvour was the son of Theodore R. Farvour and Betty M. Farvour of Green Bay, WI. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on September 15, 1966, in Milwaukee, WI. Cpl Farvour was a Marine Rifleman, age 20, born July 30, 1948, from Green Bay, WI. Cpl Farvour arrived in Vietnam on June 12, 1968, and was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On February 16, 1969, Cpl Farvour was one of the casualties, killed in action as a result of hostile rifle fire. Cpl Farvour had been in Vietnam 250 days. Cpl Farvour is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 32W, Line 043. Cpl Farvour was presented the Navy Commendation Medal with the Combat “V” device signifying “Valor” (Posthumously) “For meritorious service from June 20, 1968 to February 16, 1969”.
Lance Corporal Thomas Michael Casey, Jr. was the son of Thomas M. Casey, Sr. and Francis C. Casey of Milton, MA. Having enlisted and served in the U.S. Navy in 1967, shortly after his release from active duty Thomas enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on November 20, 1967, in Boston, MA. LCpl Casey was a Marine Machine Gunner, age 22, born July 6, 1946. LCpl Casey arrived in Vietnam on May 16, 1968, and was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On February 16, 1969, LCpl Casey was one of the casualties, killed in action as a result of hostile rifle fire. LCpl Casey had been in Vietnam 277 days. LCpl Casey is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 32W, Line 042. LCpl Casey was awarded the Navy Cross for his extraordinary heroism that day. 
CITATION: The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Thomas Michael Casey, Jr. (MCSN: 2422191), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 16 February 1969, Company D was assaulting a large North Vietnamese Army force occupying a well-entrenched position in Quang Nam Province. Alertly observing an enemy fortification, Lance Corporal Casey launched a determined assault upon the hostile position, delivering accurate fire as he fearlessly maneuvered across fifty meters of fire-swept terrain. Upon reaching the hostile bunker, he boldly hurled grenades into it, destroying the North Vietnamese emplacements and killing an enemy soldier. Disregarding his own safety, he went to several casualties, and ignoring the hostile rounds impacting around him, skillfully administered first aid to his wounded comrades. Realizing the need for an M-79 grenade launcher, he again rushed across the hazardous area and, obtaining the weapon, returned to the position of heaviest contact. When two additional Marines were wounded, he unhesitatingly commenced maneuvering through a hail of fire to assist the injured men, but as he approached the casualties he was mortally wounded. His heroic actions and aggressive fighting spirit inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines. By his courage, sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades, and selfless devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Casey upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. 
Private First Class Michael Ray Coon was the son of Ester J. Morgan of Fort Worth, TX and Wallace R. Coon. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on December 29, 1967, in Dallas, TX. PFC Coon was a Marine Antitank Assaultman, age 19, born December 10, 1949, from Fort Worth, TX. PFC Coon arrived in Vietnam on June 30, 1968, and was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On February 16, 1969, PFC Coon was one of the casualties, killed in action as a result of hostile rifle fire. PFC Coon had been in Vietnam 232 days. PFC Coon is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 32W, Line 042.
Private First Class Craig Mansfield Hemphill was the son of Arthur George Hemphill and June Isabel Hemphill of Spokane, WA. PFC Hemphill was a Marine Rifleman, age 18, born March 24, 1950, from Spokane, WA. PFC Hemphill arrived in Vietnam on January 14, 1969, and was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On February 16, 1969, PFC Hemphill was one of the casualties, killed in action as a result of hostile rifle fire. PFC Hemphill had been in Vietnam 34 days. PFC Hemphill is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 32W, Line 044.
Private First Class Dennis Leroy Riley was the son of Frank C. Riley and Elsie V. Kern Riley of Hanover, PA. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on July 25, 1968, in Harrisburg, PA. PFC Riley was a Marine Machine Gunner, age 19, born September 1, 1949, from Hanover, PA. PFC Riley arrived in Vietnam on January 22, 1969, and was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On February 16, 1969, PFC Riley was one of the casualties, killed in action as a result of hostile rifle fire. PFC Riley had been in Vietnam 26 days. PFC Riley is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 32W, Line 046.
Private First Class Robert Walter Whitney was the son of Harry E. Whitney Sr. and Dorothy A. Whitney of Riverdale, IL. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on April 8, 1968, in Chicago, IL. PFC Whitney was a Marine rifleman, age 21, born January 10, 1948, from Riverdale, IL. PFC Whitney arrived in Vietnam on January 14, 1969, and was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On February 16, 1969, PFC Whitney was one of the casualties, killed in action as a result of hostile rifle fire. PFC Whitney had been in Vietnam 34 days. PFC Whitney is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 32W, Line 047.
Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe all of you will live on and your sacrifices for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

​

February 15, 1968

“Gone but not Forgotten” 52 years ago today, on Thursday, February 15, 1968, 7th Marine Regiment lost 5 of their own heroes when Lance Corporal Russell Wayne Naugle, Lance Corporal Donald Lee Dyreson, Private First Class Michael Morris Cady, Private First Class Dennis Dorsey and Private First Class Michael John Kelly were killed in action. LCpl Naugle was awarded the Silver Star for his heroic actions that day. 
On February 15, with reports of enemy troop massing in the hills overlooking Hill 10, LtCol. William Davis, Commanding Officer of 1st Battalion, 7th Marines chose Delta Company and Charley Company to send in reconnaissance patrols to locate and engage the enemy on Operation Pursuit. A squad from Delta Company moving forward on a ridgeline between Hills 270 and 310 received some incoming automatic weapons fire wounding two men, the men assaulted the enemy and secured Hill 210, they then began movement toward Hill 310 to link up with Charley Company once again drawing hostile fire. Charley Company was ordered to link up with the Delta Company men who had made contact with the enemy. Within minutes a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire, rocket propelled grenade (RPG) fire, and hand grenades hit the advancing men inflicting numerous casualties. Five Marines were dead and another twelve wounded, the main enemy position had not been on the crest of the hills but rather in the saddle that separated the two peaks.
Lance Corporal Russell Wayne Naugle was the son of Russell A. and Thelma Naugle of Republic, PA. LCpl Naugle enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on October 6, 1966. LCpl Naugle was a Marine Machine Gunner, age 18, born May 12, 1949. LCpl Naugle arrived in Vietnam on June 15, 1967, and was assigned to Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On February 15, 1968, during Operation Pursuit, 9 kilometers North, North West of Dai Loc (Ai Nghia) LCpl Naugle was wounded in the legs by enemy small arms fire 4 separate times while saving a fellow Marine who had been wounded and was lying in a dangerously exposed position. LCpl Naugle succumbed to the severity of his wounds. LCpl Naugle had been in Vietnam 247 days. LCpl Naugle is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 39E, Line 051. For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action LCpl Naugle was awarded the Silver Star.
The President of The United States takes great pride in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL posthumously to LANCE CORPORAL RUSSELL W. NAUGLE, UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a machine gun team leader with Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in the Republic of Vietnam on 15 February 1968. During Operation PURSUIT, Corporal Naugle was attached to the point squad of a company-sized patrol as it moved down a narrow trail in dense jungle. Suddenly, intense enemy automatic weapons fire erupted from both sides of the trail, instantly killing two Marines and seriously wounding another who fell unable to move from his exposed position on the trail. Realizing that the causality would be killed unless he was immediately moved to safety, Corporal Naugle, ignoring his dangerous position courageously ran down the trail toward the wounded Marines, firing his M-60 Machine Gun from the hip at the concealed enemy emplacements. Despite the heavy volume of fire directed at him, he reached the man and was pulling him to safety when he himself was painfully wounded in the leg. Ignoring his own wound, Corporal Naugle, exhibiting great physical stamina, simultaneously fired his weapon at the enemy and continued to move his companion to safety. Although seriously wounded three more times by the intense enemy fire as he continued his rescue mission, he succeeded in reaching a sheltered position. Refusing medical aid for himself until the other man had been treated he subsequently succumbed to the severity of his injuries. Corporal Naugle's unwavering devotion to duty at great personal sacrifice undoubtedly saved the life of a fellow Marine and inspired all those who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. For the President, the Commandant of The Marine Corps.
Lance Corporal Donald Lee Dyreson was the son of Vern R. Dyreson and Lucille M. Dyreson of Portland, OR. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on January 17, 1966, in Portland, OR. LCpl Dyreson was a Marine Machine Gunner, age 19, born November 18, 1948, Portland, OR. LCpl Dyreson arrived in Vietnam on March 8, 1967, and was assigned to Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On February 15, 1968, during Operation Pursuit, 9 kilometers North, North West of Dai Loc (Ai Nghia), LCpl Dyreson was killed in action by enemy small arms fire. LCpl Dyreson had been in Vietnam for 345 days. LCpl Dyreson is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 39E, Line 046. 
Private First Class Michael Morris Cady was the son of Morris F. and Florence A. Cady of Seattle, WA. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on July 12, 1967. PFC Cady was a Marine Rifleman, age 20, born October 31, 1947, from Seattle, WA. PFC Cady arrived in Vietnam on December, 15, 1967, and was assigned to Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On February 15, 1968, during Operation Pursuit, 9 kilometers North, North West of Dai Loc (Ai Nghia), PFC Cady was killed in action by enemy small arms fire. PFC Cady had been in Vietnam for 63 days. PFC Cady is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 39E, Line 045. 
Private First Class Dennis Dorsey was the son of Henry and Lavenia Dorsey of Chicago, IL. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on June 7, 1967. PFC Dorsey was a Marine Rifleman, age 18, born November 30, 1949, from Chicago, IL. PFC Dorsey arrived in Vietnam on November, 16, 1967, and was assigned to Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On February 15, 1968, during Operation Pursuit, 9 kilometers North, North West of Dai Loc (Ai Nghia), PFC Dorsey was killed in action by enemy small arms fire. PFC Dorsey had been in Vietnam for 92 days. PFC Dorsey is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 39E, Line 045. 
Private First Class Michael John Kelly was the son of John H. Kelly and Avenelle M. Kelly of Findlay, OH. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on June 8, 1967, in Columbus, OH. PFC Kelly was a Marine Rifleman, age 19, born April 17, 1948, from Findlay, OH. PFC Kelly arrived in Vietnam on November, 17, 1967, and was assigned to Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On February 15, 1968, during Operation Pursuit, 9 kilometers North, North West of Dai Loc (Ai Nghia), PFC Kelly was killed in action by enemy small arms fire. PFC Kelly had been in Vietnam for 91 days. PFC Kelly is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 39E, Line 049.

February 14, 1969

“Gone but not Forgotten” 51 years ago today, on Friday, February 14, 1969, 7th Marine Regiment lost 5 of their own heroes when Second Lieutenant James Patrick Witt, Lance Corporal Charles Nick Bondi, Lance Corporal Lawrence Clarence Looby, Private First Class Billy Dale Roberts and Private First Class Michael James Wyman were killed in action. 2ndLt Witt and PFC Wyman were awarded the Silver Star for their heroic actions that day. 
Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines was ordered to conduct a search and destroy operation along the northern shore of the Thu Bong River in an area known to the Marines as Dodge City, in Dai Loc and Dien Ban districts of Quang Nam Province. On February 14, 1969, after leaving their perimeter the lead elements first engaged the enemy when they reached the Tuy La village complex. A large North Vietnam Army (NVA) unit in fortified bunkers and concealed fighting holes engaged the Marines in a furious fire fight. Several men were wounded and killed, pushing forward tank and artillery fire was brought to bear on the enemy positions. With darkness approaching Delta Company consolidated its position and set up a defensive perimeter with listening posts for the night. Two Marines were killed in action during the day long engagement and two would die of their wounds.
Second Lieutenant James Patrick Witt was the son of Mr. Robert R. Witt and Mrs Jane Elizabeth Sattler Witt of Toledo, OH. 2ndLt Witt was a Marine Basic Infantry Officer, age 21, born September 4, 1947, from Fairview, OH. 2ndLt Witt arrived in Vietnam on January 7, 1969, and was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On February 14, 1969, while participating in a Company size patrol, the lead platoon took the command post of a North Vietnamese Army (NVA) company by surprise. 2ndLt Witt’s immediate action, bold leadership while sustaining several wounds, heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in the success of the patrol. 2ndLt Witt received multiple fragmentation wounds from an enemy explosive device. 2ndLt Witt was medically evacuated and succumbed to his wounds. 2ndLt Witt had been in Vietnam 39 days. 2ndLt Witt is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 32W, Line 035. For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action 2nd Lt Witt was awarded the Silver Star. Additionally, 2ndLt Witt was also awarded a Bronze Star with the ”V” device for Valor for his meritorious service from 7 January to 14 February 1969, in Vietnam. 
CITATION: The President of the United States takes Pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to James Patrick Witt (0-106078), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 14 February 1969, during a company-sized patrol in Quang Nam Province, the point element took the command post of a North Vietnamese Army company by surprise. One enemy soldier was killed, and the others hastily retreated to the security of fortified positions under cover of protective fire from a bunker emplacement 15 meters to the Marines' front. Realizing the advantage of immediate action, Second Lieutenant Witt deployed the lead squad on line and, while initiating an aggressive assault on the enemy bunker, received multiple wounds as he moved across the fire-swept terrain to direct the fire of his men. When another Marine started to his aid, he yelled for the man to get down as a hostile hand grenade detonated nearby, injuring him again. Although painfully wounded, Second Lieutenant Witt calmly briefed the Marine and delivered explicit directions regarding the course of action to be followed by his men. Subsequently, he was medically evacuated and succumbed to his wounds. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in his unit's killing three hostile soldiers while overrunning the North Vietnamese Army position. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Second Lieutenant Witt upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. 
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the BRONZE STAR MEDAL posthumously to SECOND LIEUTENANT JAMES P. WITT, UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For meritorious service in connection with operations against with the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a Platoon Commander with D Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division from 7 January to 14 February 1969. During this period, Second Lieutenant Witt performed his demanding duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Demonstrating exceptional imitative and resolute determination, he ensured the expeditious accomplishment of all assigned tasks and consistently provided his command with outstanding support. Participating in Operations Taylor Common and Linn River, he unhesitatingly exploited each enemy contact to the maximum extent, skillfully maneuvering his men to inflict numerous casualties on the hostile forces and distinguishing himself throughout by his courage and composure under fire. Exhibiting a sincere concern for the combat readiness of his unit, he skillfully trained his men, molding them into an efficient fighting force, thereby greatly enhancing the operational effectiveness of his command. His untiring initiative and resolute determination gained the respect of all who served with him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. Second Lieutenant Witt’s leadership, professional competence, and loyal devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized. For the President, Commandant of the Marine Corps.
Lance Corporal Lawrence Clarence Looby was the son of Clarence Looby and Gertrude Looby, and the husband of Judy L. Looby all of Lincoln, NE. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on December 28, 1967, in Omaha, NE. LCpl Looby was a Marine Antitank Assaultman, age 21, born July 3, 1947, from Lincoln, NE. LCpl Looby arrived in Vietnam on August 9, 1968, and was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On February 14, 1969, LCpl Looby was killed in action dying outright from enemy small arms fire. LCpl Looby had been in Vietnam 190 days. LCpl Looby is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 32W, Line 033.
Private First Class Billy Dale Roberts was a Marine Rifleman, age 18, born March 28, 1950, from Dallas, TX. PFC Roberts arrived in Vietnam on January 16, 1969, and was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On February 14, 1969, PFC Roberts was killed in action dying outright from enemy small arms fire. PFC Roberts had been in Vietnam 30 days. PFC Roberts is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 32W, Line 033.
Private First Class Michael James Wyman was the son of Herron W. Wyman and Linnea T. Wyman of Buckner, IL. PFC Wyman enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on August 28, 1967, in St. Louis, MO. PFC Wyman was a Marine Antitank Assaultman, age 18, born August 26, 1950, from Buckner, IL. PFC Wyman arrived in Vietnam on September 4, 1968, and was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On February 14, 1969, PFC Wyman was killed in action from enemy small arms fire. PFC Wyman had been in Vietnam 164 days. PFC Wyman is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 32W, Line 041. For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action PFC Wyman was awarded the Silver Star.
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL (posthumously) to LANCE CORPORAL MICHAEL J. WYMAN, UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a machine gunner with Company D, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 14 February 1969, during a company-sized patrol in Quang Nam Province, the point element took the command post of a North Vietnamese Army company by surprise. One enemy soldier was killed and the others hastily retreated to the security of fortified positions under cover of protective fire from a bunker emplacement fifteen meters to the Marines' front. Wounded in the hip after he left his relatively secure rear position to maneuver to the point of heaviest combat, Lance Corporal Wyman resolutely continued to advance through the intense hostile fire to aid his fellow Marines. When he was within five meters of the enemy bunker, he received an injury to his other hip which knocked him to the ground and jarred his weapon loose from his hand. Ignoring his wounds, he attempted to reach his weapon and, unable to do so, calmly directed the accurate fire of his comrades. Subsequently, he was medically evacuated and succumbed to his wounds. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in his units killing 3 hostile soldiers while overrunning the North Vietnamese position. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal duty, Lance Corporal Wyman upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. FOR THE PRESIDENT, H. W. BUSE, JR., Lieutenant General, U.S. Marine Corps, Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific.

8 February 1966

“Gone but not Forgotten” 54 years ago today, on Tuesday, February 8, 1966, 7th Marine Regiment lost 3 of their own heroes when Sergeant Gerrald Aundre Stansell, Lance Corporal John Joseph Solley and Wendell Ray Wheat were killed in action. HM3 Robert R. Ingram was awarded the Silver Star.
While on Operation Taciturn, a squad patrol near the hamlet of Phu Long received some heavy automatic weapons and rifle fire from a group of Viet Cong. The patrol engaged the enemy in a fire fight which resulted in the deaths of 3 Marines. HM3 Robert R. Ingram was awarded the Silver Star for his actions on February 8, 1966. Elements of Charley Company took heavy fire while assaulting an enemy-held village. HM3 Ingram rushed to treat between 12 and 14 wounded. The unit's machine gunner was hit, and HM3 Ingram manned the gun until relieved.
Sergeant Gerrald Aundre Stansell was the son of Marvin A. Stansell and Emma Lou Benton Stansell of Charlotte, NC. Sgt Stansell was a Marine Rifleman, age 21, born June 28, 1944, from Charlotte, NC. Sgt Stansell landed in Vietnam on August 14, 1965, with Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 3rd Marine Division (Rein), FMFPAC. On February 8, 1966, Sgt Stansell was killed in action dying outright from enemy small arms fire. Sgt Stansell had been in Vietnam for 179 days. Sgt Stansell is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 06E, Line 018. 
Lance Corporal John Joseph Solley was the son of Margaret Solley of San Diego, CA and Christopher Solley of Philadelphia, PA. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on July 10, 1962, in Los Angeles, CA. LCpl Solley was a Marine Rifleman, age 22, born September 10, 1943, from San Diego, CA. LCpl Solley landed in Vietnam on August 14, 1965, with Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 3rd Marine Division (Rein), FMFPAC. On February 8, 1966, LCpl Solley was killed in action dying outright from enemy small arms fire. LCpl Solley had been in Vietnam for 179 days. LCpl Solley is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 05E, Line 018. 
Lance Corporal Wendell Ray Wheat was the son of Boyce Wheat of Garden Grove, CA and Irene S. Franklin of Jetmore, KS. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on November 5, 1962, in Los Angeles, CA. LCpl Wheat was a Marine Rifleman, age 24, born October 13, 1941, from El Paso, TX. LCpl Wheat landed in Vietnam on August 14, 1965, with Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 3rd Marine Division (Rein), FMFPAC. On February 8, 1966, LCpl Wheat was killed in action dying outright from enemy grenades and small arms fire. LCpl Wheat had been in Vietnam for 179 days. LCpl Wheat is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 05E, Line 018.

6 january, 1970

“Gone but not Forgotten” 50 years ago today, on Tuesday, January 6, 1970, 7th Marine Regiment lost 12 of their own heroes when Sergeant Beryl Gene Peters, Sergeant William Michael Adair, Sergeant Julian Robles Rodriguez, Corporal Joseph Alfred Lozano, Corporal Frank Mark Walker, Lance Corporal Dean Allyn Wilderspin, Private First Class Mickey Lee Hawkins, Private First Class John James Hargreaves, Private First Class Russell Earl Gilbrech, Private First Class Gary Harold Garner, Private First Class Richard Frederick Brant, Jr. and Private First Class Kenneth William Boward were killed in action. 
Fire Support Base (FSB) ROSS was located in the Que Son Valley about 25 miles due south of Danang. The Que Son Valley had been the site of considerable fighting over the years. In January 1970 the 7th Marines were based out of FSB Ross, and on the night of 05/06 January they once again had their hands full. On January 6, 1970, at approximately 0130 Hours under the cover of darkness and a monsoon rain which cut the visibility the Viet Cong (VC) attacked FSB Ross with a 200 rounds mortar barrage and sappers opening fire with RPG's and small arms around the entire perimeter. Explosions thundered throughout the compound catching many of the Marines asleep in their quarters, but with explosions all around them they immediately rushed for their assigned fighting holes or any defensive position in close proximity. Infiltrators had breached the wire and were inside the perimeter throwing satchel charges and grenades. The defenders rallied quickly and after cleaning out their living areas from the enemy onslaught they deployed around the perimeter to block any further attack.
Sergeant Beryl Gene Peters was the husband of Maria Renee Baca Peters and father of Dawn Renee Peters and Beryl Jean Peters, the son of Robert Beryl Peters and Wanda Inez Richardson Peters of Fort Worth, TX. Sgt Peters was a Marine Machine Gunner, age 24, born October 24, 1945. Sgt Peters was a 7 year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps serving on his second tour of duty in Vietnam. He arrived in Vietnam on December 3, 1969 and was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On January 6, 1970, Sgt Peters was killed in action, dying outright from multiple fragmentation wounds from enemy explosive devices. Sgt Peters had been in Vietnam 35 days. Sgt Peters is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 14W, Line 005.
Lance Corporal Dean Allyn Wilderspin was the son of Jack A. Wilderspin and Mildred I. Wilderspin of Flint, MI. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on May 21, 1968 in Detroit, MI. LCpl Wilderspin was a Marine Antitank Assaultman, age 21, born November 22, 1948. LCpl Wilderspin arrived in Vietnam on March 7, 1969, and was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On January 6, 1970, LCpl Wilderspin was killed in action, dying outright from multiple fragmentation wounds from enemy explosive devices in his defensive position. LCpl Wilderspin had been in Vietnam 305 days. LCpl Wilderspin is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 14W, Line 007.
Private First Class Kenneth William Boward was the son of Kenneth J. and Glay L. Boward of Martinsburg, WV, the husband of Patricia, and father of Casandra Boward. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on March 25, 1969, in Baltimore, MD. PFC Boward was a Marine Antitank Assaultman, age 20, born November 16, 1949. PFC Boward arrived in Vietnam on October 10, 1969, and was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On January 6, 1970, PFC Boward was killed in action, dying outright from multiple fragmentation wounds from enemy explosive devices in his defensive position. PFC Boward had been in Vietnam 89 days. PFC Boward is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 14W, Line 002.
Private First Class Richard Frederick Brant, Jr. was the son of Richard F. Brant, Sr. and Juanita B. Brown of Savannah, GA. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on April 14, 1969, at Ft. Jackson, SC. PFC Brant was a Marine Rifleman, age 19, born November 12, 1950, from Savannah, GA. PFC Brant arrived in Vietnam on October 12, 1969, and was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On January 6, 1970, PFC Brant was killed in action, dying outright from multiple fragmentation wounds from enemy explosive devices in his defensive position. PFC Brant had been in Vietnam 87 days. PFC Brant is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 14W, Line 003.
Private First Class John James Hargreaves was the son of Roland G. Hargreaves and Marion R. Hargreaves of Brook Park, OH, and the husband of Margaret E. Hargreaves of Mentor On the Lake, OH. He entered service (Selective Service) in the U.S. Marine Corps on April 2, 1969 in Cleveland, OH. PFC Hargreaves was a Marine Rifleman, 20, born January 22, 1949, from Brook Park, OH. PFC Hargreaves arrived in Vietnam on September 24, 1969, and was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On January 6, 1970, PFC Hargreaves was killed in action, dying outright from multiple fragmentation wounds from enemy explosive devices in his defensive position. PFC Hargreaves had been in Vietnam 105 days. PFC Hargreaves is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 14W, Line 004.
Private First Class Mickey Lee Hawkins was the son of Robert N. Hawkins of Denver, CO and Gloria D. Hawkins of Lyons, CO. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on March 24, 1969, in Denver, CO. PFC Hawkins was a Marine Rifleman, 19, born October 12, 1950, from Lyons, CO. PFC Hawkins arrived in Vietnam on September 24, 1969, and was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On January 6, 1970, PFC Hawkins was killed in action, dying outright from multiple fragmentation wounds from enemy explosive devices in his defensive position. PFC Hawkins had been in Vietnam 105 days. PFC Hawkins is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 14W, Line 004.
Corporal Joseph Alfred Lozano was a Marine Rifleman, 22, born July 17, 1947, from Chicago, IL. Cpl Lozano arrived in Vietnam on October 15, 1969, and was assigned to Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On January 6, 1970, Cpl Lozano was killed in action, dying outright from enemy small arms fire. Cpl Lozano had been in Vietnam 84 days. Cpl Lozano is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 14W, Line 005. In death, Cpl Lozano was awarded his third Purple Heart and for his heroic actions Cpl Lozano was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with the “V” device signifying Valor. 
Private First Class Gary Harold Garner was the son of Clarence Garner and Lelia Garner of Jamesport, MO. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on January 24, 1969, in Kansas City, MO. PFC Garner was a Maine Antitank Assaultman, age 20, born May 18, 1949, from Chillicothe, MO. PFC Garner arrived in Vietnam on July 30, 1969, and was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On January 6, 1970, PFC Garner was killed in action, dying outright from multiple fragmentation wounds and enemy rifle fire. PFC Garner had been in Vietnam 161 days. PFC Garner is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 14W, Line 003. 
Sergeant William Michael Adair was the son of Lyle D. Adair and Margaret J. Adair of Salem, OR. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and entered active duty at Camp Pendleton, CA, on July 18, 1969, and was assigned Temporary Additional Duty (TAD) for 18 months for duty in Vietnam. Sgt Adair was a Marine Personnel/Administration Man, age 24, born October 24, 1945, from Bellevue, WA. Sgt Adair arrived in Vietnam on August 19, 1969, and was assigned to Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On January 6, 1970, Sgt Adair was killed in action, dying outright from multiple fragmentation wounds from enemy explosive devices. Sgt Adair had been in Vietnam 141 days. Sgt Adair is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 14W, Line 006. 
Sergeant Julian Robles Rodriguez was the husband of Katherine M. Rodriguez of New Orleans, LA, and the son of Julian P. and Teresa R. Rodriguez of San Benito, TX. Sgt Rodriguez was a Marine Supply Administrative Man, Manual Account, age 26, born August 29, 1943, from San Benito, TX. Sgt Rodriguez arrived in Vietnam on April 20, 1969, and was assigned to Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On January 6, 1970, Sgt Rodriguez was killed in action, dying outright from multiple fragmentation wounds from enemy explosive devices. Sgt Rodriguez had been in Vietnam 262 days. Sgt Rodriguez is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 14W, Line 006. 
Corporal Frank Mark Walker was the son of Robert W. Walker and Julia A. Walker of Flushing, MI. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on May 23, 1967. Cpl Walker was a Marine Rifleman, 20, born November 4, 1949, from Flushing, MI. Cpl Walker arrived in Vietnam on January 16, 1968, and was assigned to Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On May 25, 1968, PFC Walker was reassigned and joined 2nd Combined Action Company (CAG) as a Combined Action Platoon (CAP) Rifleman where on August 24, 1968, while on patrol he was wounded from a hostile explosive device. On January 29, 1969, LCpl Walker was transferred and once again joined the 7th Marines, assigned to Alpha Company where he served as a Rifleman until being reassigned to serve as the assistant Battalion Mail Orderly with H&S Company on November 4, 1969. On January 6, 1970, Cpl Walker was killed in action, dying outright from multiple fragmentation wounds from enemy explosive devices. Cpl Walker had been in Vietnam 722 days. Cpl Walker is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 14W, Line 006. LCpl Walker was presented with the Navy Achievement Medal with the Combat “V” for outstanding achievement in the superior performance of duties in the field of leadership as a Rifleman and subsequently as a Fire Team Leader with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines ... from January 17, 1968 to June 23, 1969. 
Private First Class Russell Earl Gilbrech was the son of Robert C. Gilbrech and Helen L. Gilbrech of Plainfield, IN. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on March 14, 1968. PFC Gilbrech was a Marine Motor Vehicle Operator, age 21, born December 9, 1948, from Plainfield, IN. PFC Gilbrech arrived in Vietnam on April 30, 1969, and was assigned to Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On January 6, 1970, PFC Gilbrech was killed in action, dying outright from multiple fragmentation wounds from enemy explosive devices in his defensive position. PFC Gilbrech had been in Vietnam 252 days. PFC Gilbrech is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 14W, Line 004. 
Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe all of you will live on and your sacrifices for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

​

december 20, 1965

“Gone but not Forgotten” 54 years ago today on Monday, December 20, 1965, 
7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their heroes when Private First Class Richard Finisa Moody succumbed to the wounds he received in combat.
On December 10, 1965, after the initial phase of the planned movement during operation Harvest Moon, LtCol Utters’ Echo Company was dispatched south of their location to link up and with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines who were pinned down by enemy fire and taking casualties. Both Marine rifle Company's engaged the enemy who were in well entrenched, fortified and in concealed positions along a tree line which began at the base of Hill 407. The enemy force was equipped with 12.7mm machine guns, mortars and a variety of small arms which rained a heavy volume of fire on the attacking Marines. The battle continued until both units were able to withdraw with their casualties into a defensive perimeter that night. The day had been costly for the Marines, four men were killed in action and two would later die of their wounds. 
PFC Moody was the son of John A. Jr. and Magleane Moody of Cottage Hills, IL. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on February 19, 1965. PFC Moody was a Marine Rifleman, age 18, born March 5, 1947, from Cottage Hills, IL. PFC Moody Landed in Vietnam July 6, 1965, with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 3rd Marine Division (Rein), FMFPac. On December 10, 1965, PFC Moody was wounded and medically evacuated, first to the 1st Medical Battalion and then to the U.S. Air Force Hospital at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippine Islands where on December 20, 1965, PFC Moody succumbed to the enemy small arms wounds he received in combat on December 10, 1965. PFC Moody had been in Vietnam 168 days (Including hospitalization). PFC Moody is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 04E, Line 031. Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe you will live on and your sacrifice for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation

November 17 1968, 1969

“Gone but not Forgotten” 51 years ago today, on Sunday, November 17, 1968, 7th Marine Regiment lost 2 of their own heroes when Lance Corporal Thomas Francis Callahan and Private First Class Ernest David Perinotto were killed in action.
Lance Corporal Thomas Francis Callahan was the son of Marie C. Callahan of St Louis, MO and George H. Callahan who predeceased his son and the brother of Nancy Callahan Libera. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on March 14, 1967, in St Louis, MO. LCpl Callahan was a Marine Rifleman, age 19, born October 25, 1949. He arrived in Vietnam on January 31, 1968, and was assigned to Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III Marine Amphibious Force, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. On November 17, 1968, after an initial report that enemy rockets had been launched in the area, a squad in their ambush position just west of Route 540 near the hamlet of Duong Lam (1) in the Hieu Duc District of Quang Nam Province observed a large enemy force moving in a westerly direction. The squad engaged the enemy in a fire fight and called for additional support. By the time the reaction force arrived from Cobb Bridge, the Viet Cong had withdrawn having killed one Marine and wounded five additional Marines. One of the casualties was LCpl Callahan who was killed in the action as a result of multiple fragmentation wounds from a hostile explosive device. LCpl Callahan had been in Vietnam 292 days. LCpl Callahan is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 39W, Line 079.
Private First Class Ernest David Perinotto was the son of Ester Perinotto of Allentown, PA and Ernest Perinotto also of Allentown, PA. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on February 26, 1968, in Philadelphia, PA. He arrived in Vietnam on October 1, 1968, and was assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III Marine Amphibious Force, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. On November 17, 1968, while on a squad combat patrol in the vicinity of Bo Ban in Hieu Duc District Quang Nam Province the Marines saw four Viet Cong East of their location. The patrol began pursuit and when closing on the enemy they were hit with a volley of rifle fire. During the fire fight with the enemy, PFC Perinotto was killed as a result of fragmentation wounds from a hostile grenade and one of his comrades was wounded requiring evacuation. PFC Perinotto had been in Vietnam 48 days. PFC Perinotto is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 38W, Line 004. PFC Perinotto was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously for his heroic actions that day.
CITATION: PFC Perinotto was awarded the Silver Star Medal for his heroic actions that day. The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Ernest D. Perinotto (MCSN: 2438154), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifleman with Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 17 November 1968, while acting as the Point Man on a patrol through the rain swollen rice paddies near the village of Bo Ban in Quang Nam Province, Private First Class Perinotto alertly detected and engaged a well-concealed North Vietnamese Army force. An aggressive attack rendered the enemy's position untenable and forced them to flee toward a stream to their rear. Rapidly assessing the situation, Private First Class Perinotto fearlessly exposed himself to North Vietnamese fire as he ran across the inundated rice paddies in pursuit of the enemy and killed two of the hostile soldiers. Upon reaching the bank of the stream, he boldly entered the water when an enemy soldier, concealed along the stream bank, opened fire. Whirling around, Private First Class Perinotto began delivering return fire, and in the ensuing fire fight, he was seriously wounded. Determined to destroy the enemy he refused to seek cover and resolutely continued fighting. Observing the North Vietnamese soldier throwing a hand grenade, Private First Class Perinotto shot and killed him before he was mortally wounded by the exploding hostile grenade. His resolute determination and heroic actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of many of his fellow Marines. By his courage, bold initiative and unswerving devotion to duty, Private First Class Perinotto upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
“Gone but not Forgotten” 50 years ago today, on Monday, November 17, 1969, 7th Marine Regiment lost 2 of their own heroes when Private First Class Brian Lewis Long was killed in action and Private First Class Alan Bradford Turner died in a non-hostile accident.
Private First Class Brian Lewis Long was the son of Lewis Long and Leah Long of New Martinsville, WV. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on December 5, 1968, in Pittsburg, PA. PFC Long was a Marine Rifleman, age 23, born November 7, 1946. He arrived in Vietnam on May 31, 1969, and was assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III Marine Amphibious Force, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. On November 17, 1969, while searching two huts and a cave complex below the ridgeline west of Hill 953 in Duc Duc District of Quang Nam Province a claymore mine was detonated resulting in PFC Long being killed by multiple shrapnel wounds from the hostile explosive device. PFC Long had been in Vietnam 171 days. PFC Long is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 16W, Line 089.
Private First Class Alan Bradford Turner was the son of Nyla J. Turner of Castro Valley, CA and the son of Milton E. Logan, Jr. and step-son of Donald Turner both (Deceased). He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on February 12, 1969, in Oakland, CA. PFC Turner was a Marine Rifleman, age 21, born September 11, 1948. He arrived in Vietnam on October 14, 1969, and was assigned to Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III Marine Amphibious Force, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. On November 17, 1969, PFC Turner was a non-battle casualty who required evacuation for medical treatment from the forward Command Post (CP) located northwest of Hill 800 in Que Son District of Quang Nam Province. Due to the thick jungle canopy the helicopter from HMM-364 that arrived could not land, and the extraction from the ground would have to be made with the use of a jungle penetrator hoisting the Marine onboard though the canopy. Approaching the door of the aircraft, the apparatus began to sway and hit the side of the helicopter. PFC Turner fell, or was knocked out of the apparatus, falling to his death on the ground below. PFC Turner had been in Vietnam 35 days. PFC Turner is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 16W, Line 093. Note: U.S. Marine Corps records indicate Alan Bradford LOGAN enlisted and served as Alan Bradford TURNER.
Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe all of you will live on and your sacrifices for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.
44

november 12, 1968, 1969

“Gone but not Forgotten” 51 years ago today, on Tuesday, November 12, 1968, 7thMarine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when Corporal Marvin Edward Gay died of a non-hostile accidental death. Cpl Gay was the son of Anna M. Gay of Lexington, KY and George W. Gay. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on June 5, 1967, in Louisville, KY. Cpl Gay was a Marine Rifleman, age 21, born September 27, 1947. He arrived in Vietnam on June 19, 1968 and was assigned to Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III Marine Amphibious Force, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. On November 12, 1968, while on security duty guarding Cobb Bridge which crossed the Tuy Loan River in Hieu Duc District of Quang Nam Province the Marine security force periodically dropped C-4 explosives into the water to guard against enemy sappers. Cpl Gay attempted to light the detonation cord in the explosive charge. Thinking the first ignition had failed he struck another match and attemted to light the detonation cord a second time when the charge exploded in his hands causing his instant tramatic death. I was about 40 to 50 feet away waiting to speak with Marvin and watching him trying to ignite the C-4 charge. I had shouted for him to throw the charge but unfortunately, I was an instant too late. I was the first person to reach his remains and accompanied them to Graves Registration, Bravo Company, 1stMedical Battalion in DaNang. Cpl Gay was a close friend and fellow Christian which made his death especially difficult for me personally. Cpl Gay had been in Vietnam 147 days. Cpl Gay is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 39W, Line 053.
“Gone but not Forgotten” 50 years ago today, on Wednesday, November 12, 1969, 7thMarine Regiment lost 6 of their own heroes when Lance Corporal Robert Bryant Hamblett, Lance Corporal Daniel Francis Lynch, Private First Class D C Carter, Private First Class Jerome Higgins, Private First Class Ralph Ellis Dias and Private First Class Carl Henderson were killed in action.
On November 12, 1969, 1st Battalion was raining on a search and clear operation of Hon Nui Tau, Hill 953 in the Que Son Mountains, a known sanctuary for the North Vietnam Army (NVA) from where they would launch attacks on the valleys below. Moving through dense jungle and steep slopes a Marine platoon ran into the enemy in well-fortified bunkers. The day erupted with the sound of enemy machine-gun, automatic weapons and Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs) fire directed toward the Marine platoon that was pinned down on the rugged slope. The NVA soldiers were well protected from small arms, and as the attacking force the Marines were forced to find any nook or cranny on the mountainside for protection as the NVA fire rained down on them. With the intense fire and shards of metal from NVA mortars and RPG's shredding the foliage, casualties from the heavy fire began to accumulate. A reaction force was sent in to reinforce the pinned down unit but soon found themselves fighting for every inch of ground to advance towards their beleaguered comrades. The assault was proving costly, supporting arms were called in and the Marines fell back to safer positions to enable the artillery and air strikes do their job on the bunkers and caves they had been confronting. After the artillery and air strikes were concluded the Marines moved through the battlefield but the enemy had slipped away, preparing to encounter the Marines again on their own terms. The day's fire fights proved costly for the Marines, six of their comrades were killed in the ground action, two died when a Cobra helicopter flying in support went down and crashed, and many more were wounded.
Lance Corporal Robert Bryant Hamblett was the son of Silas D. Hamblett and Helen E. Hamblett of Forestville, MD. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on September 6, 1968, in Roanoke, VA. He was a Marine Rifleman, age 19, born March 13, 1950. He arrived in Vietnam on February 16, 1969, and was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III Marine Amphibious Force, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. On November 12, 1969, LCpl Hamblett was one of those casualties, he died as a result of enemy rifle fire when his reaction squad joined the battle. LCpl Hamblett had been in Vietnam 270 days. LCpl Hamblett is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 16W, Line 064. LCpl Hamblett was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on November 12, 1969".
CITATION: The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Robert Bryant Hamblett (MCSN: 2486513), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gun Team Leader with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 12 November 1969, Lance Corporal Hamblett was a member of a reaction force which was directed to assist a platoon that had been pinned down by fire from elements of a North Vietnamese Army battalion occupying a well-fortified bunker complex in the Que Son Mountain area of Quang Nam Province. Arriving at the site of the beleaguered unit, the reaction force was also pinned down by an extremely heavy volume of mortar, small-arms, and automatic-weapons fire. Realizing the need for immediate action, Lance Corporal Hamblett seized the initiative and commenced maneuvering his men in an attempt to execute a flanking movement. As he was directing his men across the fire-swept terrain, he pinpointed the enemy machine gun emplacement which was the principal source of hostile fire. Aware that one person would attract less attention than a group; he deployed his team back to friendly lines and commenced a lone assault up a steep slope toward the hostile bunker. Undaunted by the enemy rounds impacting all around him; he determinedly pressed forward but was mortally wounded by sniper fire as he darted across an open area. By his courage, valiant initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Hamblett inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. For the President (Signed) John H. Chafee, Secretary of the Navy.
Lance Corporal Daniel Francis Lynch was the son of Daniel F. Sr. and Frances M. Lynch both deceased of East Weymouth, MA. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on August 7, 1968, in Boston, MA. He arrived in Vietnam on April 1, 1969, and was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III Marine Amphibious Force, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. On November 12, 1969, during a search and clear mission in the Que Son Mountains, Alpha Company made contact and engaged an NVA force. Fire fights with the enemy lasted throughout the day and into the night, pulling back from the Marines positions, the enemy utilized effective 60mm mortar fire against the Marines resulting in the deaths of two men and the wounding of several others. LCpl Lynch was one of the casualties when a mortar round landed near his position causing his death from multiple fragmentation wounds. LCpl Lynch had been in Vietnam 226 days. LCpl Lynch is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 16W, Line 066.
Private First Class D C Carter was the son of Decie Carter and Sussie M. Carter of West Hollywood, FL, the husband of Jannie Carter and the father of Daniel D. Carter of New Haven, CT. PFC Carter was a Marine Antitank Assaultman, age 23, born August 8, 1946. He enlisted on March 26, 1969 in New Haven CT arriving in Vietnam for duty on October 10, 1969. He was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III Marine Amphibious Force, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. On November 12, 1969, during a search and clear mission in the Que Son Mountains, PFC Carter was one of the casualties when a mortar round landed near his position causing his death from multiple fragmentation wounds. PFC Carter had been in Vietnam 33 days. PFC Carter is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 16W, Line 062.
Private First Class Jerome Higgins was the son of Robert H. and Lou A. Higgins of Springfield, OH. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on December 3, 1968, in Chicago, IL. PFC Higgins was a Marine Rifleman, age 19, born January 20, 1950. He arrived in Vietnam on May 28, 1969, and was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III Marine Amphibious Force, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. On November 12, 1969, during a search and clear mission in the Que Son Mountains, PFC Higgins was one of those casualties he died as a result of enemy rifle fire when his reaction squad joined the battle. PFC Higgins had been in Vietnam 169 days. PFC Higgins is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 16W, Line 062. PFC Higgins was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 12 November 1969".
CITATION: The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Jerome Higgins (MCSN: 2457197), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 12 November 1969, Private First Class Higgins was a member of a platoon from Company D which was pinned down by fire from elements of a North Vietnamese Army battalion occupying a well-fortified bunker complex in the Que Son Mountain area of Quang Nam Province. Reacting instantly to the critical situation, he fearlessly maneuvered to the point of heaviest contacts and fired light antitank assault weapons at two machine gun emplacements, killing four hostile soldiers and silencing the fire from that sector. During the ensuing fierce engagement, Private First Class Higgins observed two wounded Marines fall in an open area which was being raked with intense enemy mortar and automatic weapons fire. Undaunted by the fusillade, he boldly darted into the hazardous area, pulled the casualties to a covered location, and then helped carry them to a landing zone for medical evacuation. Returning to the battle, he pinpointed a principal source of hostile fire and moving to a dangerously exposed vantage point, ignored the enemy rounds impacting all around him as he destroyed the position with a light antitank assault weapon. Private First Class Higgins was mortally wounded by sniper fire as he attempted to return to his unit's defensive perimeter. By his courage, valiant initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty, Private First Class Higgins was instrumental in the subsequent defeat of the numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country. For the President (Signed) John H. Chafee, Secretary of the Navy.
Private First Class Ralph Ellis Dias was the son of Melvin Dias and Anna Mae Dias of Shelocta, PA. PFC Dias was a Marine Rifleman, age 19, born July 15, 1950. He arrived in Vietnam on April 28, 1969, and was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III Marine Amphibious Force, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. On November 12, 1969, during a search and clear mission in the Que Son Mountains, PFC Dias was one of those casualties he died as a result of enemy rifle fire when his reaction squad joined the battle. PFC Dias had been in Vietnam 199 days. PFC Dias is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 16W, Line 063. For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity PFC Dias was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism that night.
The President of the United Statesin the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to PRIVATE FIRST CLASS RALPH E. DIAS, UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, while serving as a Rifleman with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division in the Republic of Vietnam on November 12, 1969. As a member of a reaction force which was pinned down by enemy fire while assisting a platoon in the same circumstance, Private First Class Dias, observing that both units were sustaining casualties, initiated an aggressive assault against an enemy machine gun bunker which was the principal source of hostile fire. Severely wounded by enemy snipers while charging across the open area, he pulled himself to the shelter of a nearby rock. Braving enemy fire for a second time, Private First Class Dias was again wounded. Unable to walk, he crawled fifteen meters to the protection of a rock located near his objective and, repeatedly exposing himself to intense hostile fire, unsuccessfully threw several hand grenades at the machine gun emplacement. Still determined to destroy the emplacement, Private First Class Dias again moved into the open and was wounded a third time by sniper fire. As he threw a last grenade which destroyed the enemy position, he was mortally wounded by another enemy round. Private First Class Dias' indomitable courage, dynamic initiative, and selfless devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the . He gallantly gave his life in service to his country. 
Private First Class Carl Henderson was the son of John Henderson of Philadelphia, PA and O'Nett Henderson of Canton, MS. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on April 10, 1969, in Philadelphia, PA. PFC Henderson was a Marine Rifleman, age 19, born July 15, 1950. He arrived in Vietnam on October 16, 1969 and was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III Marine Amphibious Force, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. On November 12, 1969, during a search and clear mission in the Que Son Mountains, PFC Henderson was one of the casualties he died as a result of enemy rifle fire. PFC Henderson had been in Vietnam 28 days. PFC Henderson is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 16W, Line 064.

November 8, 1969

“Gone but not Forgotten” 50 years ago today, on Saturday, November 8, 1969, 7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when Private First Class Roger Paul Walling was killed in action. PFC Walling was the son of Wayne A. and Dora E. Walling, of Chamois, MO. He enlisted in the U.S. Marines on February 12, 1969, in St Louis, MO. PFC Walling was a Marine Rifleman, age 19, date of birth April 9, 1950. He arrived in Vietnam on October 10, 1969, and was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On November 8, 1969, while on a search and clear operation ten bamboo huts used by the NVA were found on the north-eastern slope close to the summit of Hill 845 in Duc Duc District. The Marines encountered sniper rifle fire during the search of the structures that wounded one Marine and killed PFC Walling. Pfc Walling had been in Vietnam 29 days. Pfc Walling is honored on the Vietnam Memorial with his name inscribed on Panel 16W Line 47. Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe you will live on and your sacrifice for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

november 1, 1968

“Gone but not Forgotten” 51 years ago today, on Friday, November 1, 1968, 7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when Corporal Theodore Hubert Dalton succumbed to the wounds he received from “Friendly Fire” while engaging hostile forces on October 31, 1968. Corporal Theodore Hubert Dalton was the son of Edward E. Dalton and Mary G. Dalton of Sharpsville, PA. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on July 5, 1967, in Pittsburg, PA. Cpl Dalton was a Marine Rifleman, age 19, born January 18, 1949. He arrived in Vietnam on December 14, 1967, and was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On the evening of October 31, 1968, two squads were deployed to ambush positions in the vicinity of the Duong Lam village complex in Hieu Duc District. One squad set in their assigned position and was unaware that the squad from their platoon was enroute to their ambush position and would cross in their field of fire. Waiting in darkness, silent shadowy figures were observed approaching, the Marines opened fire on the friendly unit mistaking their comrades as an enemy force. By the time a cease fire was called, two Marines lay dead, and two were mortally wounded. Wounded and evacuated to the Naval Support Activity Station Hospital in DaNang, Cpl Dalton died on November 1, as a result of the gunshot wounds he sustained from friendly rifle fire. Cpl Dalton had been in Vietnam 325 days. Cpl Dalton is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 40W, Line 074.

october 31, 1968

“Gone but not Forgotten” 51 years ago today, on Thursday, October 31, 1968, 7th Marine Regiment lost 5 of their own heroes when Private First Class Thomas Eugene Newstead was killed in action; Staff Sergeant Bill Edward Ramsey, Jr., Private First Class Gregory Leroy Nutterand, Private First Class Anthony Lawrence Spino died from “Friendly Fire” while engaging hostile forces and Private First Class Albert Peter Smeriglio died of a non-hostile accident. 
Private First Class Thomas Eugene Newstead was the son of Robert A. and Roberta M. Newstead of Buckley, MI. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on August 17, 1966, in Detroit, MI. He was a Marine Rifleman, age 21, born October 21, 1947. He arrived in Vietnam on March 20, 1968, and was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On October 31, 1968, while on the Golden Gate Bridge security on the southern approach to Hill 55, the Marines were hit with a heavy volume of enemy small arms and Rifle Propelled Grenade (RPG) fire. In his defensive position, PFC Newstead was hit and killed dying outright from the hostile rifle fire. PFC Newstead had been in Vietnam 226 days. PFC Newstead is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 40W, Line 066. 
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On the evening of October 31, 1968, two squad ambush positions were deployed to the vicinity of the Duong Lam village complex in Hieu Duc District. One squad set in their assigned position unaware that another squad from their platoon was enroute and would cross in their field of fire. Waiting in darkness, silent, shadowy figures were observed approaching, the Marines opened fire on the friendly unit mistaking their comrades as an enemy force. By the time a cease fire was called, two Marines lay dead, and two were mortally wounded. 
Staff Sergeant Bill Edward Ramsey, Jr. was the son of Bill E. Ramsey and Hattie M. Ramsey of Fort Worth, TX, and the husband of Dorothy L. Ramsey of Jacksonville, NV. SSgt Ramsey was a twelve-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a Marine Infantry Unit Leader, age 34, born October 17, 1934. He arrived in Vietnam on May 29, 1968, and was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On the evening of October 31, 1968, SSgt Ramsey was one of the casualties; he was killed as a result of gunshot wounds sustained from friendly fire. SSgt Ramsey had been in Vietnam 156 days. SSgt Ramsey is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 40W, Line 067. 
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Private First Class Gregory Leroy Nutter was the son of Matthew Nutter and Catherine Nutter of Philadelphia, PA. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on November 8, 1967, in Philadelphia, PA. He was a Marine Rifleman, age 19, born April 17, 1949. He arrived in Vietnam on May 1, 1968, and was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On the evening of October 31, 1968, PFC Nutter was wounded at 05:45H and evacuated to the Naval Support Activity Station Hospital in DaNang, where he died at 17:20H as a result of gunshot wounds sustained from friendly rifle fire. PFC Nutter had been in Vietnam 184 days. PFC Nutter is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 40W, Line 066. 
Private First Class Anthony Lawrence Spino was the son of Anthony Spino and Beatrice R. Spino who predeceased her son, and he was the dear brother of Michael Spino all of Chicago, IL. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on November 14, 1967. PFC Spino was a Marine Rifleman, age 18, born November 25, 1949. He arrived in Vietnam on May 2, 1968 and was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On the evening of October 31, 1968, PFC Spino was one of the casualties; he was killed as a result of gunshot wounds sustained from friendly rifle fire. PFC Spino had been in Vietnam 183 days. PFC Spino is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 40W, Line 068. 

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Oct0ber 30, 1966

“Gone but not Forgotten” 53 years ago today, on Sunday, October 30, 1966, 7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when Second Lieutenant Francis Joseph Casey was killed in action. 2nd Lieutenant Francis Joseph Casey was the son of Marion D. Casey of Bronx, NY and James Casey (Deceased). He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on March 18, 1966, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in MCS, Quantico, VA. He was a Marine Infantry Officer, age 24, born June 15, 1942. In Vietnam he was assigned as a Platoon Commander to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On October 30, 1966, a platoon patrol on a search and destroy mission northeast of Phu Long (4) hamlet in the Binh Son District of Quang Ngai Province was hit with a volley of enemy rifle fire wounding two men. 2ndLt Casey, the platoon commander, was hit in his left hip and abdomen, mortally wounded; he died from the hostile rifle fire before he could be medically evacuated for treatment. 2ndLt Casey is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 11E, Line 129. Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe you will live on and your sacrifice for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

october 28, 1967

“Gone but not Forgotten” 52 years ago today, on Saturday, October 28, 1967, 7th Marine Regiment lost 3 of their own heroes when Corporal Angel Luis Diaz, Lance Corporal John Gregg Tinker and Private First Class Elmer Edward Ellsworth were killed in action.
Corporal Angel Luis Diaz was the son of Natividad Diaz and Concepcion Diaz of Hartford, CT. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on August 25, 1966, in New Haven, CT. He was a Marine Rifleman, age 21, born August 1, 1946. He arrived in Vietnam on May 30, 1967 and was assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On October 24, 1967, during a platoon combat patrol along the Tuy Loan River northeast of Giao Tri village complex in Hieu Duc District a Marine detonated an M-26A1 grenade rigged as a Booby Trap with a trip wire causing an explosion. A Medical evacuation was requested for the wounded man and the men began a sweep for signs of more explosive devices, one was found and destroying it in place. Continuing the search two more Anti-Personnel M-26A1's were detonated by the search team resulting in three Marines being killed and three being wounded. Cpl Diaz was wounded and evacuated to the Naval Support Activity Station Hospital in DaNang where on October 28, 1967, Cpl Diaz died as a result of multiple fragmentation wounds through the neck sustained from a hostile explosive device. Cpl Diaz had been in Vietnam 152 days. PFC Diaz is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 28E, Line 090. 

october 27, 1969

“Gone but not Forgotten” 50 years ago today, on Monday, October 27, 1969, 7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when Private Joe Lee Peterson was killed in action. Private Joe Lee Peterson was the son of Louis Peterson and Lula Peterson both deceased, the nephew of Pearl Gibson and brother of Rufus Peterson both of Albany GA. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on April 15, 1969 in Atlanta, GA. He was a Marine Rifleman, age 20, born May 14, 1949. Pvt Peterson arrived in Vietnam on October 12, 1969, and was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On October 27, 1969, while on patrol on the northern slope of Rai Lua Mountain (Hill 185) in Que Son District Pvt Peterson tripped a Booby-Trap which detonated a Secondary Firing Device believed to have been a 105 mm artillery round. The subsequent explosion killed Pvt Peterson as a result of multiple fragmentation wounds and wounded six additional Marines who were medically evacuated. Pvt Peterson had been in Vietnam 16 days. Pvt Peterson is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 17W, Line 124. Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe you will live on and your sacrifice for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

april 24, 1967

“Gone but not Forgotten” 52 years ago today, on Monday, April 24, 1967, 7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when Lance Corporal Richard Lee Hadnot was killed in action. LCpl Hadnot was the son of Frank and Castina Hadnot (Both Deceased), the grandson of Charlie and Sudie Hadnot of Newton, TX. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on June 2, 1966, in Houston, TX. LCpl Hadnot was a Marine Rifleman, age 19, born June 26, 1947, from Newton, TX. LCpl Hadnot arrived in Vietnam and was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On April 24, 1967, a Marine combat patrol from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines near the hamlet of La Chau in Hieu Duc District Quang Nam Provence was returning to their perimeter when they discovered a punji pit camouflaged with bamboo with a mud cover. When a Marine removed the cover from the pit a grenade detonated causing a Secondary Firing Device (SFD) to explode wounding two men and killing LCpl Hadnot who died as a result of multiple fragmentation wounds. LCpl Hadnot is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 18E, Line 079.

MARCH 28, 1965

“Gone but not Forgotten” - This is one of the longer posts I have made. It is a powerful story that depicts the fierceness of the battles in Vietnam. Please take the time to read and share this to better understand what our heroes went through that day to preserve our freedom and protect each other. Semper Fidelis!
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“Gone but not Forgotten”, 53 years ago today, on Wednesday, March 28, 1966, on Operation Indiana, 1st Battalion 7th Marines, 3rd Marine Division (Rein), FMF fought against a North Vietnamese Army Battalion in Quang Ngai Province, Republic of South Vietnam. The battle was incredibly ferocious and the bloodiest endured by the First Battalion in its first year in country. Approximately 59 casualties were sustained, with 55 from Charley Company. Charley Company lost 11 of our own heroes when Staff Sergeant John George Bansavage, Sergeant Pedro Padilla, Sergeant Ricardo Rodriguez-Colon, Corporal Richard LeOtis Mayes, Corporal John Leigh McCarty, Private First Class Michael Ray Beck, Private First Class Edmund Francis Eddy, Private First Class Paul Elian Hassey, Private First Class William Francis Joyce, Private First Class Thomas McEntee and Private First Class Leroy Eugene Simons were killed in action. For their actions that day Corpsman Robert R. Ingram was awarded The Medal of Honor, Cpl. E. Wayne Fowler and Pvt. Alvin S. La Pointe are awarded the Navy Cross Medal. Silver Star Medals were also awarded to 1stLt. Benjamin R. Goodwyn, Sgt. James A. Reeves, SSgt Herbert Underhill (Artillery Forward Observer attached to Charley Co.), and 1stLt. Jerry D. Voyles.
Operation Indiana Intelligence and Planning Upon the termination of Operation Texas, the 3rd battalion of the 5th Army of Vietnam (ARVN) Regiment remained in position near the hamlet of Lam Loc (1) and had repulsed several attacks by the enemy forces which either returned or remained in the area. On the morning of March 28, 1966, Col Peatross received a phone call from the senior advisor to the 2nd ARVN Division that ARVN units were in heavy contact with the Viet Cong (VC). A decision was made to land the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines as a blocking force for a subsequent ARVN sweep to trap and destroy the VC. A meeting of the Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion and supporting units was held and the helilift of the Marines into the Battle area began at 1400H that same day. By 1700H LtCol James P. Kelley’s 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 3rd Marine Division (Rein), FMF, who were helilifted from Chu Lai, had landed in the designated Landing Zone (LZ) without incident. Operation Indiana was underway. Charley Company, one of the first on the ground moved out towards its designated blocking position. Moving forward in the brush covered terrain the lead platoon made a navigational error had moved north of their objective. The point Marine sighted a VC outpost and reported immediately to the Company Commander who ordered the 3rd Platoon to pursue. No sooner had the Marines approached the edge of the Village when the VC sprung their ambush and took the lead platoon under heavy machinegun and automatic weapons fire from well concealed positions. The Marines were pinned down in the open and unable to advance forward. The first platoon moved to envelop the right flank and relieve the pressure on their fellow Marines who had sustained numerous casualties and were unable to extract themselves from a precarious position due to the heavy enemy fire and any advance stalled by the enemy. The Marines attacked the enemy with the support of Weapons Platoon; they carried the position by use of anything at their disposal including grenades and bayonets. Due to the heavy casualties and extreme enemy fire the second platoon, held in reserve in the initial assault was committed to the attack joining the embattled third platoon. Again, the attack was stalled due to heavy automatic weapons fire from a determined enemy force that would not yield any ground. Marines fought hand-to-hand, one Marine attacked a 12.7mm anti-aircraft machinegun bunker which had been cutting his friends down in the open. He attacked the position with just a bayonet and hand grenades killing the gunner, and chasing down and killing the gunner’s helper who had tried to escape in a tunnel. Heavy artillery and air strikes struck the hamlet of Vinh Loc, but the enemy would not let up with its withering fire directed at the Marines and by now the Charley Company Command Post (CP) was receiving heavy incoming 81mm mortar fire. With the onset of dusk the first platoon was ordered to withdraw, the VC made a concentrated effort to cover the Marine dead and wounded with intensive fire. The men managed to withdraw from the battlefield and set up a perimeter with all their wounded, although seven Marines who had been killed in action had to be left behind until daylight. As was the case in most battles the VC withdrew their able bodied men, their wounded and some of their dead during the night. At first light Charley Company, with the help of Bravo and Delta Company’s, swept the battlefield and recovered their dead for transport back to Chu Lai. The aftermath during this short period of Operation Indiana, the Marine forces killed 69 VC, with an additional 160 who were probably killed or wounded. Five suspects were detained, one VC captured, and several weapons were captured including two 12.7mm Anti Aircraft machine-guns. Although considered a success, Marine casualties were high for the short but bloody battle. 11 Marines died in action and 55 were wounded, the majority of the casualties were from Charley Company who had borne the brunt of the battle. It was fate that transformed Charley Company from a blocking force to an attacking force and forever left its mark on the young men of that Marine unit. 
Staff Sergeant John George Bansavage was the son of Banis Banzevicius and Magdalena Motina Banzevicius (Deceased) of Amsterdam, NY and husband of Barbara F. Bansavage of St. Petersburg, FL. A Korean War Veteran, SSgt Bansavage was a Marine Infantry Unit Leader, age 32, born January 19, 1934, from Amsterdam, NY. SSgt Bansavage landed in Vietnam on August 14, 1965, with Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division under the Operational Control of 3rd Marine Division (Rein), FMF. On March 28, 1966, SSgt Bansavage was killed in action dying outright from hostile small arms fire. SSgt Bansavage had been in Vietnam 227 days. SSgt Bansavage is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 06E, Line 055. 
Sergeant Pedro Padilla was the son of David L. Padilla and the brother of Ruben Padilla of Albuquerque, NM. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on September 5, 1962, in Albuquerque, NM. Sgt Padilla was a Marine rifleman, age 25, born March 26, 1941, from Albuquerque, NM. Sgt Padilla landed in Vietnam on August 14, 1965, with Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division under the Operational Control of 3rd Marine Division (Rein), FMF. On March 28, 1966, Sgt Padilla was killed in action dying outright from hostile small arms fire. Sgt Padilla had been in Vietnam 227 days. Sgt Padilla is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 06E, Line 057. 
Sergeant Ricardo Rodriguez-Colon was the son of Jose and Paula Rodriguez-Colon of Brooklyn, NY and the husband of Isabel Rodriguez-Colon of Vista, CA. Sgt Rodriguez-Colon was a Veteran of over 14 years in the U.S. Marine Corps with service in the Korean War. Sgt Rodriquez-Colon was a Marine Infantry Unit Leader, age 35, born April 30, 1930, from New York, NY. Sgt Rodriquez-Colon landed in Vietnam on August 14, 1965, with Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division under the Operational Control of 3rd Marine Division (Rein), FMF. On March 28, 1966, Sgt Rodriquez-Colon was killed in action dying outright from hostile small arms fire. Sgt Rodriquez-Colon had been in Vietnam 227 days. Sgt Rodriquez-Colon is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 06E, Line 059. In death Sgt Rodriquez-Colon earned his 3rd Gold Star on his Purple Heart indicating his fourth award of the Purple Heart Medal.
Corporal Richard LeOtis Mayes was the son of Hazel Mayes and Richard Mayes (Deceased). He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on July 25, 1962, in Salt Lake City, UT. Cpl Mayes was a Marine Rifleman, age 20, born May 19, 1945, from Sidney, MT. Cpl Mayes landed in Vietnam on August 14, 1965, with Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division under the Operational Control of 3rd Marine Division (Rein), FMF. On March 28, 1966, Cpl Mayes was killed in action dying outright from hostile small arms fire. Cpl Mayes had been in Vietnam 227 days. Cpl Mayes is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 06E, Line 057. 
Corporal John Leigh McCarty was the son of Dorothy L. Corum and Winfred C. McCarty. Cpl McCarty was a Marine Rifleman, age 21, born November 6, 1944, from Stockton, CA. Cpl McCarty landed in Vietnam on August 14, 1965, with Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division under the Operational Control of 3rd Marine Division (Rein), FMF. On March 28, 1966, Cpl McCarty was killed in action dying outright from hostile small arms fire. Cpl McCarty had been in Vietnam 227 days. Cpl McCarty is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 06E, Line 057. 
Private First Class Michael Ray Beck was the son of Weston Clifford Beck and Helen Berniece Ray Beck of Cheyenne, WY. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on August 12, 1965, in Denver, CO. PFC Beck was a Marine Rifleman, age 19, born February 24, 1947, from Cheyenne, WY. PFC Beck landed in Vietnam on August 14, 1965, with Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division under the Operational Control of 3rd Marine Division (Rein), FMF. On March 28, 1966, PFC Beck was killed in action dying outright from multiple enemy gunshot wounds. PFC Beck had been in Vietnam 227 days. PFC Beck is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 06E, Line 056. 
Private First Class Edmund Francis Eddy was the son of Edmund B. and Catherine J. Eddy of Hartford, CT. PFC Eddy was a Marine Field Radio Operator, age 22, born September 11, 1943, from Hartford, CT. PFC Eddy landed in Vietnam on August 14, 1965, with Golf Battery, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines, attached to Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division under the Operational Control of 3rd Marine Division (Rein), FMF. On March 28, 1966, PFC Eddy was killed in action dying outright from hostile small arms fire. PFC Eddy had been in Vietnam 227 days. PFC Eddy is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 06E, Line 056. 
Private First Class Paul Elias Hassey was the son of Hassey E. Hassey and Hilda Hassey of New Bedford, MA. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on August 28, 1962, in Boston, MA. PFC Hassey was a Marine Rifleman, age 22, born April 6, 1943, from New Bedford, MA. PFC Hassey landed in Vietnam on August 14, 1965, with Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division under the Operational Control of 3rd Marine Division (Rein), FMF. On March 28, 1966, PFC Hassey was killed in action dying outright from hostile small arms fire. PFC Hassey had been in Vietnam 227 days. PFC Hassey is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 06E, Line 056. 
Private First Class William Francis Joyce was the son of William A. Joyce and Louise A. Joyce (Deceased) of Brockton, MA. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on April 4, 1963, in Boston, MA. PFC Joyce was a Marine Rifleman, age 24, born November 16, 1940, from Hyde Park, MA. PFC Joyce arrived in Vietnam on January 18, 1966, and was assigned to Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division under the Operational Control of 3rd Marine Division (Rein), FMF. On March 28, 1966, PFC Joyce was killed in action dying outright from hostile small arms fire. PFC Joyce had been in Vietnam 70 days. PFC Joyce is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 06E, Line 056. Upon his death, it was discovered that for unknown reasons William had enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps using a pseudonym; he had enlisted as Richard Joseph Preskenis and given his date of birth as December 16, 1943.
Private First Class Thomas McEntee was the son of Catherine McEntee and James McEntee (Deceased) of Yeadon, PA. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on January 31, 1964. PFC McEntee was a Marine Machine Gunner, age 20, born March 30, 1946, from Philadelphia, PA. PFC McEntee landed in Vietnam on August 14, 1965, with Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division under the Operational Control of 3rd Marine Division (Rein), FMF. On March 28, 1966, PFC McEntee was killed in action dying outright from multiple fragmentation wounds from a hostile explosive device. PFC McEntee had been in Vietnam 227 days. PFC McEntee is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 06E, Line 057. 
Private First Class Leroy Eugene Simons was the son of Francis W. Simons and Edna L. Simons (Deceased) and the brother of Wilma Simons Hobson of Springfield, OH. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on October 12, 1962, in Dayton, OH. PFC Simons was a Marine Rifleman, age 21, born February 21, 1945, from Springfield, OH. PFC Simons landed in Vietnam on August 14, 1965, with Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division under the Operational Control of 3rd Marine Division (Rein), FMF. On March 28, 1966, PFC Simons was killed in action dying outright from hostile small arms fire. PFC Simons had been in Vietnam 227 days. PFC Simons is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 06E, Line 058. 
CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Hospital Corpsman Third Class Robert R. Ingram (NSN: 7719205), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Corpsman with Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced, Fleet Marine Force, against elements of a North Vietnam Aggressor (NVA) battalion in Quang Ngai Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 28 March 1966. Petty Officer Ingram accompanied the point platoon as it aggressively dispatched an outpost of an NVA battalion. The momentum of the attack rolled off a ridge line down a tree covered slope to a small paddy and a village beyond. Suddenly, the village tree line exploded with an intense hail of automatic rifle fire from approximately 100 North Vietnamese regulars. In mere moments, the platoon ranks were decimated. Oblivious to the danger, Petty Officer Ingram crawled across the bullet spattered terrain to reach a downed Marine. As he administered aid, a bullet went through the palm of his hand. Calls for "CORPSMAN" echoed across the ridge. Bleeding, he edged across the fire swept landscape, collecting ammunition from the dead and administering aid to the wounded. Receiving two more wounds before realizing the third wound was life-threatening, he looked for a way off the face of the ridge, but again he heard the call for corpsman and again, he resolutely answered. Though severely wounded three times, he rendered aid to those incapable until he finally reached the right flank of the platoon. While dressing the head wound of another corpsman, he sustained his fourth bullet wound. From sixteen hundred hours until just prior to sunset, Petty Officer Ingram pushed, pulled, cajoled, and doctored his Marines. Enduring the pain from his many wounds and disregarding the probability of his demise, Petty Officer Ingram's intrepid actions saved many lives that day. By his indomitable fighting spirit, daring initiative, and unfaltering dedications to duty, Petty Officer Ingram reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS to: CORPORAL EARL W. FOWLER, UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS, for service as set forth in the following: CITATION: For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Squad Leader with Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines in action against insurgent communist forces (Viet Cong) in the Republic of Vietnam on 28 March 1966. During Operation INDIANA, Corporal Fowler's platoon was engaged in an assault on a hostile village in Quang Ngai Province. The intense volume of enemy machine-gun and automatic weapons fire soon inflected heavy Marine casualties and halted the advance of the two attacking squads. Quickly appraising the situation, Corporal Fowler skillfully deployed his squad to provide covering fire and, with complete disregard for his own safety, courageously moved across an open field where three wounded Marines lay helpless only about ten yards from a Viet Cong machine gun bunker. As he reached the position of his stricken comrades, he was knocked to the ground by a barrage of enemy concussion grenades. Undaunted, he picked himself up and took the Viet Cong under fire with his M-79, killing and wounding several and forcing the others to withdraw temporarily. As he was administering medical aid to the casualties, the Viet Cong returned. Again, Corporal Fowler drove them back, killing two with his pistol at a distance of five feet. After helping to carry the wounded men to a covered position, he replenished his supply of ammunition and re-crossed the fire-torn field, directing covering fire while other casualties were withdrawn. Although he was wounded in his valiant effort, he stalwartly refused evacuation and remained with his squad through the night, helping to defend the perimeter. By his indomitable fighting spirit and determination to aid his comrades at the risk of his own life, Corporal Fowler upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. 
CITATION: For the President, Secretary of the Navy. The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Alvin S. LaPointe (2083443), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as a rifleman in Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in Quang Ngai Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 28 March 1966. While engaged in a search and destroy operation against communist insurgent forces, Private LaPointe's platoon came under an intense volume of well aimed automatic weapons fire. While engaged in vicious hand-to-hand combat, Private LaPointe observed an enemy antiaircraft weapon raking his squad with a murderous volume of accurate fire. Facing almost certain death, he heroically crawled across the fire swept slope toward the enemy bunker armed only with his bayonet and hand grenades. Within ten feet of the emplacement, he fearlessly and aggressively leaped into the position and, landing astride the gun, stabbed and killed the gunner. Seeing his comrade killed, the second Viet Cong fled into a tunnel within the position. Courageous and oblivious to the imminent danger, Private LaPointe unhesitatingly followed and killed him. Through his extraordinary initiative and inspiring valor in the face of almost certain death, he saved his comrades from injury and possible loss of life and enabled the platoon to seize and hold the vital enemy position. By his personal bravery, indomitable fighting spirit and devotion to duty, Private LaPointe reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Home Town: Sudbury, Massachusetts.
CITATION: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Ben Reed Goodwyn (MCSN: 0-85210), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 28 March 1966, First Lieutenant Goodwyn's Company was engaged in search and destroy operations in Quang Ngai Province when two of the platoons were subjected to intense small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire from a battalion sized Viet Cong force. Without hesitation, First Lieutenant Goodwyn moved to the point of crisis to maintain his Company's momentum in attacking the enemy and personally supervise the maneuvering of his men. Completely disregarding his own safety, he repeatedly exposed himself to the withering hostile fire to direct his units. Keenly observing that the aggressive enemy threatened his Company's right flank, First Lieutenant Goodwyn led his reserve platoon in an assault of the Viet Cong positions. Although the volume of enemy fire intensified as the battle progressed, he exhibited uncommon composure and courage, constantly exposing himself to danger as he moved from position to position. His personal example and firm leadership served to inspire and motivate all who observed him throughout the bitter engagement in which more than one hundred Viet Cong were killed and numerous weapons were captured. By his intrepid fighting spirit, bold initiative and unfaltering dedication to duty, First Lieutenant Goodwyn upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Home Town: Ennis, Texas. 
CITATION: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Jerry Davis Voyles (MCSN: 0-87983), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 28 March 1966, in Quang Ngai Province, First Lieutenant Voyles was moving his platoon as the reserve when the company became heavily engaged with a Viet Cong battalion. When two other platoons were unable to advance further and the command post was under violent fire, First Lieutenant Voyles' unit was assigned to attack and seize the key terrain of the Viet Cong defense. Leading his men to an assault position about one hundred meters from the crest of the hill, he personally directed the attack against the numerically superior Viet Cong force. In the increasingly violent enemy fire, First Lieutenant Voyles remained in the forefront as the action turned into a vicious grenade-bayonet struggle. His demonstrated courage in the hail of fire and flying shrapnel served to inspire his men and motivate them to press the attack with a renewed spirit which resulted in overrunning the hostile positions. His valiant leadership was a significant factor in the success of the engagement in which more than thirty Viet Cong were killed and numerous weapons captured. By his extraordinary fortitude in the face of enemy fire, intrepid fighting spirit and selfless dedication to duty throughout, First Lieutenant Voyles upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. Home Town: Bay City, Texas. 
CITATION: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant James A. Reeves (MCSN: 2080209), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 28 March 1966, during Operation INDIANA, Sergeant Reeves' platoon was maneuvering to assist elements of Company C that were heavily engaged with a large enemy force when the lead elements came under a heavy volume of hostile automatic weapons fire and sustained numerous casualties. Reacting instantly, Sergeant Reeves unhesitatingly left his position of relative safety with the rear squad and maneuvering across the fire-swept terrain, commenced assisting his wounded comrades. While returning to inform his platoon commander of the seriousness of the situation, his helmet was struck by a hostile round, knocking him violently to the ground. Quickly recovering, he resolutely continued to advance until reaching his platoon's command group. After providing his platoon commander with information concerning the condition of the injured men, he again maneuvered across the hazardous area to the location of the wounded Marines and assisted in moving the casualties to a helicopter landing zone. When the company subsequently came under an intense hostile mortar attack, he fearlessly ignored the enemy rounds impacting near him while embarking the wounded aboard medical evacuation aircraft. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Sergeant Reeves was instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. Home Town: Kelleysville, West Virginia.
CITATION: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant [then Sergeant] Herbert Underhill (MCSN: 597136), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Artillery Forward Observer with Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. While participating in a company search and clear mission on 28 March 1966, during Operation INDIANA in Quang Ngai Province, Staff Sergeant Underhill was located with the Command Group of Company C when the lead platoon became engaged with elements of a battalion size force of Viet Cong. In the initial moments of the fire fight, the platoon suffered heavy casualties and its advance was temporarily halted. As Staff Sergeant Underhill requested an artillery fire mission in order to relieve the pressure on the beleaguered Marines, the command group came under intense fire, mortally wounding his radioman. Unhesitatingly, he rushed to his companion's position, administered first aid and moved him to a covered position. Then, completely disregarding the intensity of the enemy fire around him, he calmly began an assault of a key terrain feature. Staff Sergeant Underhill courageously exposed himself to heavy enemy mortar and machine gun fire to direct preparatory fires on the objective. For four consecutive hours, he continuously exposed himself to intense fire, effectively calling in and skillfully adjusting supporting fires which resulted in heavy enemy casualties and the destruction of Viet Cong fortifications and emplacements. Demonstrating exceptional bravery despite grave personal risk, Staff Sergeant Underhill contributed materially to the accomplishment of his unit's mission and inspired all who observed him. By his bold initiative, daring actions and uncommon devotion to duty, Staff Sergeant Underhill upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. Home Town: Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
“Gone but not Forgotten” 52 years ago today, on Wednesday, March 28, 1967, 7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when Private First Class William Joseph Lenover was killed in action. PFC Lenover was the son of Ralph F. Lenover and Coletta L. Lenover of Dolton, IL. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on March 18, 1966, in Chicago, IL. PFC Lenover was a Marine Rifleman, age 19, born September 2, 1947, from Dolton, IL. PFC Lenover arrived in Vietnam and was assigned to Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On March 28, 1967, during Operation DeSoto, while on patrol south of Hai Mon hamlet in Duc Pho District a booby trap was tripped which detonated a secondary firing device believed to be a 155mm artillery round rigged as a mine. Three Marines were wounded and medically evacuated to the Naval Support Activity Station Hospital in DaNang where PFC Lenover died as a result of multiple fragmentation wounds from a hostile explosive device. PFC Lenover is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 17E, Line 062. 
Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe all of you will live on and your sacrifices for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

March 13, 1968

“Gone but not Forgotten” 51 years ago today, on Wednesday, March 13, 1968, 7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when Private First Class Carl Michael Morris was killed in action. PFC Morris was the son of Mae W. Hand Morris and Robert H. Morris of Hummelstown, PA, the husband of Vickie J. Morris, and the father of John M. Morris of Harrisburg, PA. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on May 24, 1967, in New Cumberland, PA. PFC Morris was a Marine Machine Gunner, age 18, born May 18, 1949, from Harrisburg, PA. PFC Morris arrived in Vietnam on November 10, 1967, and was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On March 13, 1968, on the first day of Operation Worth, Bravo Company and Delta Company departed their Combat Bases to their assigned attack positions and began attacking westward at 07:00H. By 11:00H, Objective 1, Hill 167 in the Hieu Duc District was secured and a Landing Zone (LZ) was established for subsequent operational and resupply use. During the search and clearing of the area four North Vietnamese Army soldiers were encountered and were killed during the firefight. One of the Marine casualties was PFC Morris who was killed in action, dying outright as a result of hostile rifle fire. PFC Morris had been in Vietnam 125 days. PFC Morris is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 44E, Line 039. 
“Gone but not Forgotten” 49 years ago today, on Friday, March 13, 1970, 7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when Corporal Samuel Garcia Ybarra was killed in action. Cpl Ybarra was the son of Mary Mireles, dear stepson of Julian Mireles of Austin, TX, and the son of Samuel R. Ybarra. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on February 28, 1968, in San Antonio, TX. Cpl Ybarra was a Marine Rifleman, age 23, born November 5, 1946, from Austin, TX. Cpl Ybarra arrived in Vietnam on October 19, 1968, and was assigned to Hotel Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. During the month of March 1970, the 2nd Battalion was conducting search and destroy operations throughout the Que Son Valley in southern Quang Nam Province. The Marines also defended Landing Zone (LZ) Ross and Fire Support Base RYDER. On March 13, 1970, a Hotel Company patrol was reacting to sniper fire near the Thuan Long village complex on the western slope of Hill 270 in Que Son District when Cpl Ybarra, who was point man of the patrol, tripped a Booby Trap causing an explosion. The hidden explosive device was believed to be a 155mm artillery round, killed Cpl Ybarra outright by multiple fragmentation wounds and wounded two additional Marines who were evacuated for medical treatment. Cpl Ybarra had been in Vietnam 511 days. Cpl Ybarra is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 13W, Line 125. 
Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe both of you will live on and your sacrifices for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

january 17, 1966

“Gone but not Forgotten” 53 years ago today, on Monday, January 17, 1966, 7th Marine Regiment lost 2 of their own heroes when Lance Corporal Salvador Redilla Dulay and Private First Class Joseph Ray Roberts were killed in action. 
Lance Corporal Salvador Redilla Dulay was the son of Sofronio Dulay and Florentian R. Dulay of Fairfield, CA. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on August 17, 1964, in San Francisco, CA. LCpl Dulay was a Marine Machine Gunner, age 19, born November 26, 1946, in the Philippines. LCpl Dulay landed in Vietnam on August 14, 1965, with Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 3rd Marine Division (Rein), FMF. On January 17, 1966, during Operation Mallard under the Operation Control (OPCON) of the 9th Marines, India Company began a sweep eastward through the village complex of My Hiep, in Dai Loc District towards their assigned Landing Zone (LZ) for extraction. Approaching their destination, the Marines were hit by a barrage of enemy mortar fire and a volley of rifle fire which resulted in thirteen casualties who were medically evacuated. LCpl Dulay was one of the wounded Marines evacuated to Charley Medical Battalion in DaNang, where he died of multiple shrapnel wounds. LCpl Dulay had been in Vietnam 157 day. LCpl Dulay is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 04E, Line 076.
Private First Class Joseph Ray Roberts was the son of Mattie Roberts of Chicago, IL and John Roberts. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on September 15, 1964, in Chicago, IL. PFC Roberts was a Marine Machine Gunner, age 19, born September 14, 1947. PFC Roberts landed in Vietnam on August 14, 1965, with Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 3rd Marine Division (Rein), FMFac.  
During Operation Taciturn on Monday, January 17, 1966, a squad size patrol encountered an enemy unit in the vicinity of Hill 60 on the Nam Tram (Trung Phan) Peninsula. With the opposing forces immediately engaged each other with small arms fire, 3 Marines were wounded before contact was broken. On the return to their Combat Base for medical evacuation, PFC Roberts died as a result of a gunshot wound from the hostile fire. PFC Roberts had been in Vietnam 157 day. PFC Roberts is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 04E, Line 077.
Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe both of you will live on and your sacrifices for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

december 29, 1965

“Gone but not Forgotten” 53 years ago today on Wednesday, December 29, 1965, 7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when Corporal Thomas Edward Murray was killed in action. Cpl Murray was the son of Frederick J. and Lottie Murray of Somerville, MA. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on September 13, 1962, in Boston, MA. Cpl Murray was a Marine Rifleman, age 20, born January 3, 1945. Cpl Murray arrived in Vietnam on August 14, 1965, with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 3rd Marine Division (Rein), FMFPAC. On December 29, 1965, while walking point on a Marine combat patrol near the Thuong Hoa village complex in Binh Son District the Viet Cong opened fire hitting Cpl Murray was struck in the chest and neck killing him in action dying outright from the enemy small arms fire. Cpl Murray had been in Vietnam for 138 days. Cpl Murray is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 04E, Line 038. Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe you will live on and your sacrifice for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

december 22, 1968

“Gone but not Forgotten” 50 years ago today on Sunday, December 22, 1968, 7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when Hospitalman James Ferrell Fletcher was killed in action. HN Fletcher was the son of James Thomas Fletcher and Evelyn Louise Fletcher of Garden City, MI. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on June 7, 1967 in Detroit, MI. HN Fletcher was a U.S. Navy Corpsman, age 20, born November 17, 1948, from Garden City, MI. HN Fletcher arrived in Vietnam on December 15, 1968, and was assigned to Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac, attached to Charley Company. On December 22, 1968 while on a road sweep of Route 4 to locate and clear enemy explosive devices between the hamlets of Gaio Ai and Dong Hoa an explosion occurred approximately 5 kilometers east of Dai Loc. HN Fletcher who was at the rear of the patrol was killed in action, dying outright as a result of multiple fragmentation wound by what was believed to have been a command detonated Anti-personnel mine. HN Fletcher had been in Vietnam 8 days. HN Fletcher is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 36W, Line 047.
“Gone but not Forgotten” 49 years ago today on Monday, December 22, 1969, 7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when Private First Class Charles Ransome Raines succumbed to the wounds he received in combat on December 21, 1969. PFC Raines was the son of Dexter M. Raines of Newport, TN and Helen Gorrell Raines who predeceased her son and the dear brother of Jess C. Raines also of Newport, TN. PFC Raines was a Marine Rifleman, age 19, born August 29, 1950, from Newport, TN. PFC Raines arrived in Vietnam on October 10, 1969, and was assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On December 21, 1969, PFC Raines was wounded in action by multiple fragmentation wounds from an enemy grenade. He was medically evacuated and died in the early hours of December 22, 1969. PFC Raines had been in Vietnam 74 days. PFC Raines is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 15W, Line 083.
Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe both of you will live on and your sacrifices for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

DECEMBER 8, 1966,1967,1968

“Gone but not Forgotten” - 52 years ago today on Thursday, December 8, 1966, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment lost 3 of their own heroes when Corporal Franklin Jack Lummus, Hospitalman David Joseph Richard Branstrom and Private First Class Michael Thornton Foust were killed in action.
In the early morning hours of December 8, 1966, a well-planned and coordinated attack by the Viet Cong (VC) occurred against the CAC Lima-4 defensive position near Son Tra village, in Binh Son District. Silently, several of the enemy cut the protective wire and slipped inside, meanwhile, one of the Vietnamese, inside the compound who had been a VC agent opened up a gate for another entry for the attackers. Once inside the sappers began to throw hand grenades and satchel charges. The defenders battled back, their aggression and determination broke the will of the VC sending them into retreat. Two Marines, a USN Corpsman and five Popular Forces' (PF) were killed in the action; three Marines and one PF were wounded and medically evacuated. 
Corporal Franklin Jack Lummus was the husband of Maryann Kinkead of Atlanta, TX. He had been in the U.S. Marine Corps for 6 years. Cpl Lummus was a Marine Rifleman, age 25, born November 18, 1941, was from Atlanta, TX. Cpl Lummus was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On December 8, 1966, Cpl Lummus died as a result of multiple fragmentation wounds from an enemy explosive device. Cpl Lummus is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 13E, Line 022.
Hospitalman David Joseph Richard Branstrom was the son of Theodore J. and Verna C. Branstrom of Lincoln, NE. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on March 19, 1965 in Omaha, NE. HN Branstrom was a Navy Corpsman, age 19, born July 23, 1947, was from Lincoln, NE. HN Branstrom was assigned to Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac, for duty with Alpha Company. On December 8, 1966, HN Branstrom died as a result of multiple fragmentation wounds from an enemy explosive device. HN Branstrom is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 13E, Line 020.
Private First Class Michael Thornton Foust was the son of Grace Foust of Oildale, CA and Noan M. Foust of Birmingham, AL. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on December 10, 1965 in Los Angeles, CA. Pfc Foust was a Marine Rifleman, age 19, born July 9, 1947, was from Victorville, CA. Pfc Foust was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On December 8, 1966, Pfc Foust died as a result of multiple fragmentation wounds from an enemy explosive device. Pfc Foust is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 13E, Line 021.
“Gone but not Forgotten” - 50 years ago today on Sunday, December 8, 1968, Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment lost 6 of our own heroes while fighting on Operation Meade River when Second Lieutenant David R. Turner, Staff Sergeant James Eugene Brewer, Hospitalman Third Class Larry L. Marsh, Private First Class Charles Warren E. Caldwell, Private First Class Paul Quammen Etter, and Hospitalman Harvie P. Winkles, III, were killed in action. In a separate incident Mike Company lost one of their heroes when Private First Class Jack Dohn Schaffner became a hostile ground casualty through misadventure. 
On December 8, a platoon from Charley Company began a search and clear mission into an area known as "Dodge City" by the Marines located south of Hill 55 and Route 4 in Dien Ban District. Sweeping though the Da Hoa village complex the Marines began to receive sporadic rifle fire. Advancing towards the source of the small arms fire several of the enemy were sighted and the Marines began to pursue them until they confronted enemy troops in fortified bunkers who opened up with machine gun and automatic weapons. Air support was called in to assist the Marines. Following the air strikes the men assaulted the enemy positions continuously moving forward until contact was broken by the enemy who withdrew from the advancing Marines. Three Marines and two U.S. Navy Corpsman died, and eleven men were wounded during the day long fire fight.
Second Lieutenant David Robert Turner was the son of Gordon B. Turner and Dorothy A. Turner of Walnut Creek, CA. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on November 9, 1967 and upon completing OCS was commissioned as a 2ndLt in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in Quantico, VA. 2ndLt Turner was a Marine Artillery Officer, age 22, born December 27, 1945, from Walnut Creek, CA. On extended active duty 2ndLt Turner arrived in Vietnam on August 19, 1968, and was assigned to India Battery, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. He was a Forward Observer attached to C 1/7 for Operation Meade River. On December 8, 1968, 2ndLt Turner was one of the casualties. He died from enemy small arms fire. 2ndLt Turner had been in Vietnam 112 days. 2ndLt Turner is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 37W, Line 070.
SSgt Brewer was the son of Ernest E. Brewer and brother of Larry D. Brewer of Indianapolis, IN, the husband of Jennifer M. Brewer and the father of Jamie L. and Jill M. Brewer of Las Vegas, NV. SSgt Brewer had reenlisted on January 26, 1966 in Las Vegas, NV. He was a Marine Infantry Unit Leader, age 25, born November 17, 1943. He arrived in Vietnam on September 17, 1968, and was assigned to Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On December 8, 1968, SSgt Brewer was one of the casualties. He died from enemy small arms fire. SSgt Brewer had been in Vietnam 83 days. SSgt Brewer is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 37W, Line 061.
HM3 Larry L. Marsh was the son of Earl M. Marsh and Elsie A. Marsh of Battle Creek, MI. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on August 9, 1966, in Detroit, MI. HM3 Marsh was a Combat Corpsman, age 21, born July 25, 1947, from Battle Creek, MI. HM3 Marsh arrived in Vietnam on July 15, 1968, and was assigned to Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac, attached to Charley Company. On December 8, 1968, HM3 Larry L. Marsh was one of the casualties. He died from enemy small arms fire. HM3 Larry L. Marsh had been in Vietnam 147 days. HM3 Marsh is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 37W, Line 066.
PFC Caldwell was the son of Charles W. Caldwell and Dorothy F. (Lucas) Caldwell of Rush, KY. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on July 28, 1967. PFC Caldwell was a Marine Rifleman, age 21, born January 27, 1947, from Rush, KY. He arrived in Vietnam on January 28, 1968, and was assigned to Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On December 8, 1968, PFC Caldwell was one of the casualties. He died from enemy small arms fire. PFC Caldwell had been in Vietnam 315 days. PFC Caldwell is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 37W, Line 061.
PFC Etter was the son of Lester F. Etter of Ann Arbor, MI and Barbara Davenport of Dayton, OH. He entered service (Selective Service) in the U.S. Marine Corps on April 16, 1968, in Detroit, MI. PFC Etter was a Marine Rifleman, age 22, born January 12, 1946, from Anne Arbor, MI. PFC Etter arrived in Vietnam on October 2, 1968, and was assigned to Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On December 8, 1968, PFC Etter was one of the casualties. He died from enemy small arms fire. PFC Etter had been in Vietnam 68 days. PFC Etter is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 37W, Line 063.
HN Winkles was a Combat Corpsman, age 20, born April 20, 1948, from Texico, NM. HN Winkles arrived in Vietnam on July 15, 1968, and was assigned to Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac, attached to Charley Company. On December 8, 1968, HN Winkles was one of the casualties. He died from enemy small arms fire. HN Winkles had been in Vietnam 147 days. HN Winkles is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 37W, Line 072.

7 december, 1968

“Gone but not Forgotten” - 50 years ago today on Saturday, December 7, 1968, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment lost 13 of their own heroes when Gunnery Sergeant Richard Crawford, Sergeant Fred Alexander Ratliff, Corporal David Harlow Phelps, Lance Corporal Lanny William Phipps, Lance Corporal Babe Pinole, Private First Class James Wisdom Bowling, Private First Class Kenneth Miller, Private First Class Robert Lee Pacheco, Private First Class Kenneth William Rubbo, Private First Class Jimmy Dean Biggs, Private First Class Herbert Kirk Skinner, Private First Class Don Eldridge Turner and Private Walter Clarence Lee were killed in action. 
On December 7, 1968, during Operation MEADE RIVER under the operational control of the 1st Marines, shortly after midnight a squad from Alpha Company was occupying a listening post in Quang Nam Province when they alertly observed two North Vietnamese Army (NVA) squads advancing toward Alpha Company's position. Realizing the enemy's intent, they quickly moved a heavy volume of fire on the advancing hostile force, killing several of the attackers and forcing the remaining soldiers to retreat in panic and confusion. The following morning Alpha Company was conducting a search and destroy operation 2 kilometers southeast of Hill 55 and 6 kilometers west-northwest of Dien Ban in Quang Nam Province to locate any NVA elements still in the area when the Marines were pinned down by intense machine gun fire from a reinforced NVA platoon occupying a fortified position. The Marines engaged the heavily armed NVA force in the vicinity of Ha Nong Tay. The battle raged throughout the day as the Marines tried to break through the enemy lines until darkness fell. Alpha Company sustained heavy casualties. The Marines dug in for the night and recovered the bodies of their thirteen fallen comrades. 
GySgt Richard Crawford was the son of Thomas R. Crawford and Sarah M. Crawford who were deceased. He was the husband of Mrs. Joanna L. Crawford, and the father of sons Thomas A., Richard H. and James E. Crawford of all of San Antonio, TX. GySgt Crawford was a Korean War Veteran with over eighteen years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps. GySgt Crawford was a Marine Infantry Unit Leader, age 36, born November 13, 1932, from Ocala, FL. He arrived in Vietnam on November 11, 1968, and was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On December 7, 1968, GySgt Crawford was killed by enemy small arms fire. He had been in Vietnam 27 days. GySgt Crawford is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 37W, Line 055. 
Sgt Fred Alexander Ratliff was the son of William P. Ratliff of Denver, CO and Eunice C. Ratliff of Lexington, KY. He was a six year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. He had reenlisted on April 26, 1967 in Denver, CO. Sgt Ratliff was a Marine Rifleman, age 23, born June 13, 1945, from Denver, CO. He arrived in Vietnam on October 1, 1968, and was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On December 7, 1968, Sgt Ratliff was killed by enemy small arms fire. He had been in Vietnam 68 days. Sgt Ratliff is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 37W, Line 059. Sgt Ratliff was posthumously awarded the Silver Star Medal for his heroic actions that day.
CITATION: The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Fred A. Ratliff (MCSN: 2015147), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 7 December 1968, Company A was conducting a search and destroy operation in Quang Nam Province during Operation Meade River when the Marines became heavily engaged with a reinforced North Vietnamese Army platoon employing machine guns from a well-fortified position and sustained numerous casualties. Rapidly assessing the situation, Sergeant Ratliff began deploying a squad to relieve elements of another platoon pinned down by the intense hostile fire when he alertly observed several wounded Marines lying in a dangerously exposed area close to an enemy machine gun emplacement. Reacting instantly, he established a base of fire to suppress the fire from the nearest North Vietnamese fortification and fearlessly led a fire team across the open terrain toward his fallen comrades. Although painfully wounded by hostile small arms fire, Sergeant Ratliff boldly advanced on the enemy position delivering accurate fire against the hostile soldiers, accounting for two North Vietnamese defenders killed. Ignoring his serious injury, Sergeant Ratliff was mortally wounded as he resumed his movement to reach the wounded Marines. His daring initiative and heroic efforts inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit's mission. By his courage, sincere concern for the welfare of his fellow Marines and selfless devotion to duty, Sergeant Ratliff upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
Corporal David Harlow Phelps was the son of Daniel E. Phelps and Thelma I. Phelps of Buffalo, NY. David enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on November 26, 1965 in Buffalo, NY. Cpl Phelps was a Marine Rifleman, age 21, born July 18, 1947, from Buffalo, NY. He arrived in Vietnam on August 5, 1968, and was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On December 7, 1968, Cpl Phelps was killed by enemy small arms fire. He had been in Vietnam 125 days. Cpl Phelps is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 37W, Line 058. 
Lance Corporal Lanny William Phipps was the son of John W. Phipps and Margaret Phipps of Rutherford, NJ. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on February 12, 1968 in Newark, NJ. LCpl Phipps was a Marine Rifleman, age 23, born March 25, 1945, from Rutherford, NJ. He arrived in Vietnam on July 28, 1968, and was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On December 7, 1968, LCpl Phipps was killed by enemy small arms fire. He had been in Vietnam 133 days. LCpl Phipps is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 37W, Line 058. LCpl Phipps was posthumously awarded the Silver Star Medal for his heroic actions that day.
CITATION: The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Lanny William Phipps (MCSN: 2255099), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 7 December 1968, Company A was conducting a search and destroy operation in Quang Nam Province when the Marines were pinned down by intense machine gun fire from a reinforced North Vietnamese Army platoon occupying a fortified position and sustained heavy casualties. Rapidly assessing the situation, Lance Corporal Phipps fearlessly commenced maneuvering across the fire-swept terrain in an assault upon the nearest enemy machine gun position. Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting near him, he boldly continued moving across the hazardous area, delivering accurate suppressive fire upon the hostile soldiers and had advanced to within ten meters of the North Vietnamese emplacement when he was mortally wounded by a concealed enemy sniper. His daring initiative and heroic efforts inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit's mission. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Phipps upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Lance Corporal Babe Pinole was the son of Elmer Pinole and Faye E. Pinole of Santa Rosa, CA. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on September 18, 1967 in Oakland, CA. LCpl Pinole was a Marine Rifleman, age 23, born December 20, 1944, from Santa Rosa, CA. He arrived in Vietnam on November 21, 1968, and was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On December 7, 1968, LCpl Pinole was killed by enemy small arms fire. He had been in Vietnam 17 days. LCpl Pinole is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 37W, Line 058. 
Private First Class James Wisdom Bowling was a Marine Rifleman, age 20, born April 24, 1948, from Evansville, IN. He arrived in Vietnam on February 21, 1968, and was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On December 7, 1968, Pfc Bowling was killed by enemy small arms fire. He had been in Vietnam 291 days. Pfc Bowling is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 37W, Line 054. 
Private First Class Kenneth Miller was the son of Duepree Miller of Knox, IN and Patricia J. Peloquin of Napolean, MI. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on May 4, 1967 in Detroit, MI. Pfc Miller was a Marine Machine Gunner, age 18, born March 13, 1950, from Brooklyn, MI. He arrived in Vietnam on May 12, 1968, and was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On December 7, 1968, Pfc Miller was killed by enemy small arms fire. He had been in Vietnam 210 days. Pfc Miller is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 37W, Line 057. 
Private First Class Robert Lee Pacheco was the son of Frank Louis G Sr. and
Kathryn Pacheco and the brother of William, Frank Louis Jr and George all of Los Olivos, CA. Pfc Pacheco was a Marine Rifleman, age 20, born June 15, 1948, from Los Olivos, CA. He arrived in Vietnam on July 14, 1968, and was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On December 7, 1968, Pfc Pacheco was killed by enemy small arms fire. He had been in Vietnam 147 days. Pfc Pacheco is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 37W, Line 058. 
Private First Class Kenneth William Rubbo was the husband of Kathleen L. Rubbo of North Versailles, PA and the son of Emma Mlinac of Turtle Creek, PA, and Kenneth Rubbo. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on November 28, 1967 in Pittsburg, PA. Pfc Rubbo was a Marine Machine Gunner, age 19, born August 5, 1949, from Turtle Creek, PA. He arrived in Vietnam on July 20, 1968, and was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On December 7, 1968, Pfc Rubbo was killed by enemy small arms fire. He had been in Vietnam 141 days. Pfc Rubbo is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 37W, Line 059. 
Private First Class Jimmy Dean Biggs was the son of James D. Biggs and stepson of Betty J. Biggs of Kansas City, MO, the son of Joyce A. Waltman. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on February 21, 1968 in Kansas City, MO. Pfc Biggs was a Marine Rifleman, age 19, born August 31, 1949, from Kansas City, MO. He arrived in Vietnam on July 20, 1968, and was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On December 7, 1968, Pfc Biggs was killed by enemy small arms fire. He had been in Vietnam 128 days. Pfc Biggs is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 37W, Line 054. Pfc Biggs was posthumously awarded the Silver Star Medal for his heroic actions that day.
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the SILVER STAR (Posthumously) To JIMMY D. BIGGS, Private First Class, United States Marine Corps for service as set forth in the following CITATION: The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Jimmy D. Biggs (MCSN: 2451993), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Shortly after midnight on 7 December 1968, Private First Class Biggs was occupying a listening post in Quang Nam Province when he alertly observed two North Vietnamese Army squads advancing toward his company's position. Realizing the enemy's intent, he quickly led his men in directing a heavy volume of fire on the advancing hostile force, killing several of the attackers and forcing the remaining soldiers to retreat in panic and confusion. Subsequently, the following morning, he was leading his squad back to the scene of the evening's battle when the Marines came under intense enemy machine gun fire and sustained several casualties. Observing his mortally wounded squad leader among the injured, Private First Class Biggs unhesitatingly took command of his unit, and rapidly establishing a defensive perimeter, he coordinated the extraction of casualties while continually appraising the platoon commander of the tactical situation. As Company A resumed its advance, the Marines again came under heavy North Vietnamese machine gun fire, and quickly pinpointing a hostile emplacement, Private First Class Biggs fearlessly assaulted the enemy soldiers. Ignoring the enemy rounds impacting near him, he had boldly advanced to within ten meters of the North Vietnamese machine gun when Private First Class Biggs was mortally wounded by the intense enemy fire. His daring initiative and heroic efforts inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit's mission. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty, Private First Class Biggs upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Private First Class Herbert Kirk Skinner was the son of Herbert Max Skinner of Woodland Hills, CA. Pfc Skinner was a Marine Rifleman, age 19, born January 3, 1949, from Woodland Hills, CA. He arrived in Vietnam on September 23, 1968, and was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On December 7, 1968, Pfc Skinner was killed by enemy small arms fire. He had been in Vietnam 76 days. Pfc Skinner is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 37W, Line 059. 
Private First Class Don Eldridge Turner was the son of Sam Coleman who predeceased his son and Essie Turner of Dorchester, MA. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on April 9, 1968 in Boston, MA. Pfc Turner was a Marine Rifleman, age 20, born June 14, 1948, from Dorchester, MA. He arrived in Vietnam on October 2, 1968, and was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On December 7, 1968, Pfc Turner was killed by enemy small arms fire. He had been in Vietnam 67 days. Pfc Turner is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 37W, Line 060. 
Private Walter Clarence Lee was the son of Clarence and Imogene Booker Lee. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on December 6, 1967. Pvt Lee was a Marine Machine Gunner, age 19, born February 14, 1949, from Caruthersville, MO. He arrived in Vietnam on September 22, 1968, and was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On December 7, 1968, Pvt Lee was killed by enemy small arms fire. He had been in Vietnam 77 days. Pvt Lee is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 37W, Line 056. 
Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe all of you will live on and your sacrifices for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

november 30, 1965

“Gone but not Forgotten” 53 years ago today, on Tuesday, November 30, 1965, 7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when Second Lieutenant Tyrone Sidney Pannell was killed in action. 2ndLt Pannell was the son of Myra Pannell of Amityville, NY and Robert E. Pannell and the husband of Marlene G. Pannell of St Albans, NY. He received a commission as a 2dLt in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves in Quantico. VA. 2ndLt Pannell was a Marine Infantry Officer, age 24, born October 23, 1941, from Amityville, NY. 2ndLt Pannell landed in Vietnam on August 14, 1965, with Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, FMFPac. On November 30, 1965, while leading a combat patrol as the Platoon Commander of the 2nd Platoon, Delta Company, 1st Battalion 7th Marines, in the Binh Son District, Quang Ngai Province, South Vietnam, a booby trap was tripped causing an explosion resulting in the death of 2ndLT Pannell and another Marine being seriously wounded and medically evacuated. 2ndLt Pannell was killed in action dying outright from multiple fragmentation wounds. 2ndLt Pannell had been in Vietnam 109 days. 2ndLt Pannell is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 03E, Line 118. 2ndLt Pannell was the first African-American Marine Officer killed in action in Vietnam. Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe you will live on and your sacrifice for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

november 29, 1967

“Gone but not Forgotten” - 51 years ago today on Wednesday, November 29, 1967, Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment lost 5 of our own heroes when Corporal Roderick Wayne Breault, Corporal Victor Lincoln Crump, Lance Corporal Dwight Farwell Bennett, Jr., Lance Corporal Kenneth Allen Roe and Private First Class Jose Louis Moreno were killed in action. 
The Dai Loc Bridge, also known as Marshall Bridge was strategically located just south of the 3rd Battalion Command Post (CP) on Hill 37. The bridge was normally guarded by the Marines of the 3rd Battalion but with most of the Battalion on Operation Foster it was the task of Marines from Charley Company, 1st Battalion. On November 29, 1967, in the early morning hours, approximately 02:10, a ground assault was launched from both sides of the river against the squad of Marines from Charley Company who were guarding Marshall Bridge. The enemy silently crept within 30 meters of the Marines defensive position before opening fire with small arms and rocket propelled grenades setting the defenders bunker on the south end of the bridge ablaze. Small arms fire was immediately returned, and a squad sized reaction force which had been in an ambush position north of the bridge immediately responded to assist the embattled men. With sounds of explosions and gun fire resonating in the night the reaction force arrived on the scene and found the enemy had withdrawn and five Marines had been killed during the attack.
Cpl Breault was a Marine Machine Gunner, age 20, born March 28, 1947, from Hudson Falls, NY. Cpl Breault arrived in Vietnam on December 1, 1966, and was assigned to Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On November 29, 1967, Cpl Breault was killed in action dying outright from multiple fragmentations wound from an enemy explosive device. Cpl Breault had been in Vietnam 364 days. Cpl Breault is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 31E, Line 002. For his heroic actions that morning Cpl Breault was (Posthumously) awarded the Bronze Star Medal with the “V” device signifying Valor. 
Cpl Crump was a Marine Machine Gunner, age 19, born January 10, 1948, from Baltimore, MD. Cpl Crump arrived in Vietnam on March 8, 1967, and was assigned to Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On November 29, 1967, Cpl Crump was killed in action dying outright from multiple fragmentations wound from an enemy explosive device. Cpl Crump had been in Vietnam 207 days. Cpl Crump is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 31E, Line 003. 
Lance Corporal Dwight Farwell Bennett Jr. was the beloved son of Dwight F. Bennett Sr. and Dorothy Bennett; loving brother of Diana Boswell, David Donald Bennett, and Debra Mary Bennett. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on December 19, 1966. LCpl Bennett was a Marine Machine Gunner, age 19, born May 19, 1948, from Melrose Park, IL. LCpl Bennett arrived in Vietnam on June 16, 1967, and was assigned to Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On November 29, 1967, LCpl Bennett was killed in action dying outright from multiple fragmentations wound from an enemy explosive device. LCpl Bennett had been in Vietnam 167 days. LCpl Bennett is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 31E, Line 002. 
LCpl Kenneth Allen Roe was the son of Howard F. Roe and Irene C. Roe of River Rouge, MI. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on March 31, 1966 in Detroit, MI. LCpl Roe was a Marine Machine Gunner, age 20, born November 26, 1947, from River Rouge, MI. LCpl Roe arrived in Vietnam on September 25, 1967, and was assigned to Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On November 29, 1967, LCpl Roe was killed in action dying outright from multiple fragmentations wound from an enemy explosive device. LCpl Roe had been in Vietnam 66 days. LCpl Roe is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 31E, Line 007. 
PFC Moreno was a Marine Rifleman, age 21, born July 19, 1946, from Lubbock, TX. PFC Moreno arrived in Vietnam on November 16, 1967, and was assigned to Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On November 29, 1967, PFC Moreno was killed in action dying outright from multiple fragmentations wound from an enemy explosive device. PFC Moreno had been in Vietnam 14 days. PFC Moreno is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 31E, Line 005. 
NOTE: Because of the multiple grenade explosions and fire in the bunker on the South end of the bridge, Cpl Breault, Cpl Crump, and PFC Moreno's remains could not be identified and they were buried in a group burial at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA, at Section 46 Site 369
Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe all of you will live on and your sacrifices for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

november 24 , 1966

“Gone but not Forgotten” 52 years ago today, on Thursday, November 24, 1966, 7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when Second Lieutenant Arthur Brumagen was killed in action. 2ndLt Brumagen was the son of Mr. and Mrs. James D. Brumagen of Richmond, KY, the husband of Elsie J. Brumagen, the father of son David and daughters Candice and Trudy Brumagen of South Glen Falls, NY. He was a veteran of over fourteen years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps and was commission as a 2dLt in 1964. He arrived in Vietnam on July 20, 1966, and was assigned to Headquarters Company, 7th Marines until October 1, 1966, when he was reassigned as a Platoon Commander with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III Marine Amphibious Force, Fleet Marine Force Pacific. On November 24, 1966, during Operation RIO BLANCO the Marines were waiting at their designated Landing Zone (LZ) North of Xa Doi Dien village complex in Son Tinh District to be lifted out by helicopters to a new area of operations. Several rounds were fired at the men by a Viet Cong sniper, 2dLt Brumagen was hit and killed as a result of the hostile rifle fire. 2dLt Brumagen had been in Vietnam 128 days. 2dLt Brumagen is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 12E, Line 113. 2ndLt Brumagen served as an enlisted man in the USMC before accepting a commission in 1964. He was awarded the Silver Star in Korea. The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Arthur Brumagen (MCSN: 669182), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company I, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 7 November 1952. Although painfully wounded during the initial phase of an assault against an enemy hill, Corporal Brumagen unhesitatingly assumed command of the unit when the platoon commander was critically wounded and fearlessly led his men through devastating hostile small-arms and grenade fire to the crest of the hill. When ordered to withdraw, he skillfully organized the remaining members of his group, supervised the evacuation of the wounded and covered their withdrawal. Remaining in the area to assure that none of his men had been unknowingly left behind, he searched the entire sector before rejoining the platoon and refused medical treatment until he reached the aid station. By his indomitable fighting spirit, courageous initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Corporal Brumagen served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. General Orders: SPOT AWARD: 1st Marine Division, Serial 3908 (February 1, 1953). Action Date: November 7, 1952. Additionally, 2ndLt Brumagen was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with the “V” Device for Valor in Vietnam. 

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november 16, 1969

“Gone but not Forgotten” 49 years ago today, on Sunday, November 16, 1969, 7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when Lance Corporal John Pell Rackhaus was killed in action. Lance Corporal John Pell Rackhaus was the son of Della I. Wilson of Marshall, IL, and William J. Rackhaus. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on October 3, 1968, in Indianapolis, IN. LCpl Rackhaus as a Marine Antitank Assaultman, age 20, born July 21, 1949. He arrived in Vietnam on April 15, 1969, and was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III Marine Amphibious Force, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. On November 16, 1969, while on a Search and Clear mission on the southwest slope of Hill 953 at the 600 meter level of elevation in the Duc Duc District of Quang Nam province the Marine squad was engaged by rifle fire from an enemy force that wounded two men and caused the death of LCpl Rackhaus. LCpl Rackhaus had been in Vietnam 216 days. LCpl Rackhaus is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 16W, Line 085. Six months earlier LCpl Rackhaus was awarded the Silver Star Medal for his heroic actions on the night of May 29, 1969. The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal John P. Rackhaus, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division (Rein.), Fleet Marine Force, Pacific in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Late on the night of 29 May 1969, Private First Class Rackhaus' platoon was occupying an ambush site along a trail in Quang Nam Province approximately 500 meters from the company command post. Suddenly, an estimated North Vietnamese Army company utilizing rocket--propelled grenades, small arms, and automatic weapons launched a determined attack from three sides against the outnumbered Marines. When his sector of the platoon's defensive position was attacked, Private First Class Rackhaus joined in delivering such a heavy volume of return fire that the enemy advance was halted. Observing a wounded Marine fall in front of the enemy, he completely disregarded his own safety as he boldly left his position to assist the injured man. Although wounded in one hand by hostile fire, which rendered it nearly useless, he ignored his painful injury as he resolutely continued to move toward the wounded Marine. As he reached his comrade, he was confronted with four enemy soldiers and, reacting instantly, accurately fired his M-16 rifle and killed all four North Vietnamese. Undaunted by the hostile rounds impacting around him, Private First Class Rackhaus used his one good hand to pull the wounded Marine to a casualty collection point. Alertly observing one of the injured men stop breathing, he immediately applied mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and successfully revived the Marine. During the remainder of the fierce fire fight, Private First Class Rackhaus assisted in treating the casualties until reinforcements and medical evacuation helicopters arrived. His heroic actions inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the defeat of the enemy force. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Private First Class Rackhaus upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. 
Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe both of you will live on and your sacrifices for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

November 12, 1968, 1969

“Gone but not Forgotten” 50 years ago today, on Tuesday, November 12, 1968, 7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when Corporal Marvin Edward Gay died of a non-hostile accidental death. Cpl Gay was the son of Anna M. Gay of Lexington, KY and George W. Gay. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on June 5, 1967, in Louisville, KY. Cpl Gay was a Marine Rifleman, age 21, born September 27, 1947. He arrived in Vietnam on June 19, 1968 and was assigned to Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III Marine Amphibious Force, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. On November 12, 1968, while on security duty guarding Cobb Bridge which crossed the Tuy Loan River in Hieu Duc District of Quang Nam Province the Marine security force periodically dropped C-4 explosives into the water to guard against enemy sappers. Cpl Gay, attempted to light an explosive charge for a second time thinking the first ignition had failed when the charge exploded in his hands causing his instant death. I was about 40 to 50 feet away waiting to speak with Marvin and watching him trying to ignite the C-4 charge. I had shouted for him to throw the charge but unfortunately, I was an instant too late. I was the first person to reach his remains and accompanied him to Graves Registration, Bravo Company, 1st Medical Battalion in DaNang. Cpl Gay was a close friend and fellow Christian which made his death especially difficult for me personally. Cpl Gay had been in Vietnam 147 days. Cpl Gay is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 39W, Line 053. 
“Gone but not Forgotten” 49 years ago today, on Wednesday, November 12, 1969, 7th Marine Regiment lost 6 of their own heroes when Lance Corporal Robert Bryant Hamblett, Lance Corporal Daniel Francis Lynch, Private First Class D C Carter, Private First Class Jerome Higgins, Private First Class Ralph Ellis Dias and Private First Class Carl Henderson were killed in action.
On November 12, 1969, 1st Battalion was on a search and clear operation of Hon Nui Tau, Hill 953 in the Que Son Mountains, a known sanctuary for the North Vietnam Army (NVA) from where they would launch attacks on the valleys below. Moving through dense jungle and steep slopes a Marine platoon ran into the enemy in well-fortified bunkers. The day erupted with the sound of enemy machine-gun, automatic weapons and Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs) fire directed toward the Marine platoon who was pinned down on the rugged slope. The NVA were well protected from small arms, and as the attacking force the Marines were forced to find any nook or cranny on the mountainside for protection as the NVA fire raining down on them. With the intense fire and shards of metal from NVA mortars and RPG's shredding the foliage, casualties from the heavy fire began to accumulate. A reaction force was sent in to reinforce the pinned down unit but soon found themselves fighting for every inch of ground to advance towards their beleaguered comrades. The assault was proving costly, supporting arms were called in and the Marines fell back to safer positions to enable the artillery and air strikes do their job on the bunkers and caves they had been confronting. After the artillery and air strikes were concluded the Marines moved through the battlefield but the enemy had slipped away, preparing to encounter the Marines again on their own terms. The day's fire fights proved costly for the Marines, six of their comrades were killed in the ground action, two died when a Cobra helicopter flying in support went down and crashed, and many more were wounded.
Lance Corporal Robert Bryant Hamblett was the son of Silas D. Hamblett and Helen E. Hamblett of Forestville, MD. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on September 6, 1968, in Roanoke, VA. He was a Marine Rifleman, age 19, born March 13, 1950. He arrived in Vietnam on February 16, 1969, and was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III Marine Amphibious Force, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. On November 12, 1969, LCpl Hamblett was one of those casualties, he died as a result of enemy rifle fire when his reaction squad joined the battle. LCpl Hamblett had been in Vietnam 270 days. LCpl Hamblett is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 16W, Line 064. LCpl Hamblett was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on November 12, 1969". CITATION: The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Robert Bryant Hamblett (MCSN: 2486513), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gun Team Leader with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 12 November 1969, Lance Corporal Hamblett was a member of a reaction force which was directed to assist a platoon that had been pinned down by fire from elements of a North Vietnamese Army battalion occupying a well-fortified bunker complex in the Que Son Mountain area of Quang Nam Province. Arriving at the site of the beleaguered unit, the reaction force was also pinned down by an extremely heavy volume of mortar, small-arms, and automatic-weapons fire. Realizing the need for immediate action, Lance Corporal Hamblett seized the initiative and commenced maneuvering his men in an attempt to execute a flanking movement. As he was directing his men across the fire-swept terrain, he pinpointed the enemy machine gun emplacement which was the principal source of hostile fire. Aware that one person would attract less attention than a group; he deployed his team back to friendly lines and commenced a lone assault up a steep slope toward the hostile bunker. Undaunted by the enemy rounds impacting all around him; he determinedly pressed forward but was mortally wounded by sniper fire as he darted across an open area. By his courage, valiant initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Hamblett inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. For the President (Signed) John H. Chafee, Secretary of the Navy. 
Lance Corporal Daniel Francis Lynch was the son of Daniel F. Sr. and Frances M. Lynch both deceased of East Weymouth, MA. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on August 7, 1968, in Boston, MA. He arrived in Vietnam on April 1, 1969, and was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III Marine Amphibious Force, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. On November 12, 1969, during a search and clear mission in the Que Son Mountains, Alpha Company made contact and engaged an NVA force. Fire fights with the enemy lasted throughout the day and into the night, pulling back from the Marines positions, the enemy utilized effective 60mm mortar fire against the Marines resulting in the deaths of two men and the wounding of several others. LCpl Lynch was one of the casualties when a mortar round landed near his position causing his death from multiple fragmentation wounds. LCpl Lynch had been in Vietnam 226 days. LCpl Lynch is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 16W, Line 066. 
Private First Class D C Carter was the son of Decie Carter and Sussie M. Carter of West Hollywood, FL, the husband of Jannie Carter and the father of Daniel D. Carter of New Haven, CT. PFC Carter was a Marine Antitank Assaultman, age 23, born August 8, 1946. He enlisted on March 26, 1969 in New Haven CT arriving in Vietnam for duty on October 10, 1969. He was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III Marine Amphibious Force, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. On November 12, 1969, during a search and clear mission in the Que Son Mountains, PFC Carter was one of the casualties when a mortar round landed near his position causing his death from multiple fragmentation wounds. PFC Carter had been in Vietnam 33 days. PFC Carter is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 16W, Line 062. 
Private First Class Jerome Higgins was the son of Robert H. and Lou A. Higgins of Springfield, OH. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on December 3, 1968, in Chicago, IL. PFC Higgins was a Marine Rifleman, age 19, born January 20, 1950. He arrived in Vietnam on May 28, 1969, and was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III Marine Amphibious Force, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. On November 12, 1969, during a search and clear mission in the Que Son Mountains, PFC Higgins was one of those casualties he died as a result of enemy rifle fire when his reaction squad joined the battle. PFC Higgins had been in Vietnam 169 days. PFC Higgins is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 16W, Line 062. PFC Higgins was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 12 November 1969". CITATION: The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Jerome Higgins (MCSN: 2457197), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 12 November 1969, Private First Class Higgins was a member of a platoon from Company D which was pinned down by fire from elements of a North Vietnamese Army battalion occupying a well-fortified bunker complex in the Que Son Mountain area of Quang Nam Province. Reacting instantly to the critical situation, he fearlessly maneuvered to the point of heaviest contacts and fired light antitank assault weapons at two machine gun emplacements, killing four hostile soldiers and silencing the fire from that sector. During the ensuing fierce engagement, Private First Class Higgins observed two wounded Marines fall in an open area which was being raked with intense enemy mortar and automatic weapons fire. Undaunted by the fusillade, he boldly darted into the hazardous area, pulled the casualties to a covered location, and then helped carry them to a landing zone for medical evacuation. Returning to the battle, he pinpointed a principal source of hostile fire and moving to a dangerously exposed vantage point, ignored the enemy rounds impacting all around him as he destroyed the position with a light antitank assault weapon. Private First Class Higgins was mortally wounded by sniper fire as he attempted to return to his unit's defensive perimeter. By his courage, valiant initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty, Private First Class Higgins was instrumental in the subsequent defeat of the numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country. For the President (Signed) John H. Chafee, Secretary of the Navy. 
Private First Class Ralph Ellis Dias was the son of Melvin Dias and Anna Mae Dias of Shelocta, PA. PFC Dias was a Marine Rifleman, age 19, born July 15, 1950. He arrived in Vietnam on April 28, 1969, and was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III Marine Amphibious Force, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. On November 12, 1969, during a search and clear mission in the Que Son Mountains, PFC Dias was one of those casualties he died as a result of enemy rifle fire when his reaction squad joined the battle. PFC Dias had been in Vietnam 199 days. PFC Dias is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 16W, Line 063.  
PFC Dias was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism that night. The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to PRIVATE FIRST CLASS RALPH E. DIAS, UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, while serving as a Rifleman with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division in the Republic of Vietnam on November 12, 1969. As a member of a reaction force which was pinned down by enemy fire while assisting a platoon in the same circumstance, Private First Class Dias, observing that both units were sustaining casualties, initiated an aggressive assault against an enemy machine gun bunker which was the principal source of hostile fire. Severely wounded by enemy snipers while charging across the open area, he pulled himself to the shelter of a nearby rock. Braving enemy fire for a second time, Private First Class Dias was again wounded. Unable to walk, he crawled fifteen meters to the protection of a rock located near his objective and, repeatedly exposing himself to intense hostile fire, unsuccessfully threw several hand grenades at the machine gun emplacement. Still determined to destroy the emplacement, Private First Class Dias again moved into the open and was wounded a third time by sniper fire. As he threw a last grenade which destroyed the enemy position, he was mortally wounded by another enemy round. Private First Class Dias' indomitable courage, dynamic initiative, and selfless devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in service to his country. (Signed) RICHARD M. NIXON
Private First Class Carl Henderson was the son of John Henderson of Philadelphia, PA and O'Nett Henderson of Canton, MS. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on April 10, 1969, in Philadelphia, PA. PFC Henderson was a Marine Rifleman, age 19, born July 15, 1950. He arrived in Vietnam on October 16, 1969 and was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III Marine Amphibious Force, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. On November 12, 1969, during a search and clear mission in the Que Son Mountains, PFC Henderson was one of the casualties he died as a result of enemy rifle fire. PFC Henderson had been in Vietnam 28 days. PFC Henderson is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 16W, Line 064. 
I cannot close this memorial without recognizing those 2 Marine Aviators who died providing close air support for their embattled 7th Marines Brothers.
1. 
2. Major Howard Boyd “Hank” Henry, U.S. Marine Corps was the husband of Jacqueline D. Henry. Maj Henry was a Marine Pilot, age 36, born February 18, 1933. Maj Henry arrived in Vietnam on August 28, 1969 and was assigned to Marine Observation Squadron 2 (VMO-2), Marine Aircraft Group 16, 1st Marine Air Wing, III Marine Amphibious Force, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. On November 12, 1969, Maj Henry was killed in action while flying an AH-1G Cobra (Tail number 68-15080) from squadron VMO-2, in close air support of the embattled 7th Marines. Maj Henry's helicopter (Papa) was hit by enemy fire and crash landed while attacking a heavy machine gun dug into the north face of the Que Son Mountains. Lt. Dumas and Lt Deane K. Swickard (Papa 2) were attacking the same gun position. This gun was causing considerable problems for the Marines operating in the immediate area and had several Marines pinned down in a bomb crater. The helicopters attack was made generally west to east. Numerous gun runs were made without effect. After a couple of runs Papa 2’s weapons systems malfunctioned. The minigun and 40 mm jammed, and the rockets would not launch due to an intervelometer problem. Papa sent us high and dry to the west. From that position we watched as Papa made a couple more firing passes. Apparently, the gun was mobile and was possibly being moved in and out of a cave. We were close to the gun. Even in the relative sound proof cockpit of the Cobra the gun was clearly audible as it returned our fire. On their last pass we radioed that they were taking hits and we could see pieces of the aircraft coming off. At about that same time, Maj. Henry radioed he was on fire. We could see what looked like a ball of fire in the exhaust, but no flames were visible from the engine cowling. Lt. Dumas and Lt Swickard turned toward Maj. Henry and Lt. Lofton as they turned northeast. At that time, Lt. Dumas radioed there was a good emergency landing area at their 10 o'clock. Lt Swickard could not remember if they responded or not. Their crash landing looked good. The Cobra appeared to be generally intact after impact. Papa 2 dove down and made simulated firing passes, in an attempt to keep the enemy away and locate their exact positions until we could get an H-46 in to rescue them. There was no sign of them. Papa 2 looked for them and expected them to come up on guard. Nothing. A radio call went out for help and Lt. Bartlett arrived with his section of Cobras. As he arrived the H-46 landed near the burning Cobra. The crew chief found both pilots dead. The main blade had struck both. Maj Henry assisted his weapons officer, 1stLt Joseph Lofton, out of the helicopter and while they were moving away from the downed craft, both men were hit by the helicopter rotor, killing both instantly. Maj Henry had been in Vietnam 77 days. Maj Henry is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 16W, Line 064. 
Maj Henry was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions on November 12, 1969, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing GENERAL ORDERS:
CITATION: (Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Major Howard Boyd Henry (MCSN: 0-85097), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia. 
Major Henry was awarded The Silver Star Medal for his actions on October 22, 1969, CITATION: The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Major Howard Boyd Henry (MCSN: 0-85097), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Pilot with Marine Observation Squadron TWO (VMO-2), Marine Aircraft Group SIXTEEN (MAG-16), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 22 October 1969, Major Henry launched as Section Leader of a flight of two HA-1G Cobra helicopters assigned the emergency extraction of a seven-man reconnaissance patrol which had sustained four casualties. Arriving over the designated area, he immediately established radio contact with the team and was informed that only three members of the team were able to defend its position. Unable to establish the beleaguered patrols exact location, he requested a flare ship and commenced low-altitude passes over the area to search for the embattled men. Undaunted by the constant threat of hostile fire and extremely adverse weather conditions which severely restricted visibility and the area of maneuverability, Major Henry fearlessly directed his aircraft on repeated runs under the obscuring cloud cover. Maintaining continuous radio communication with the ground unit, he continually encouraged the Marines and requested guidance by visual sighting of his aircraft's lights or the sound of his engine in an attempt to pinpoint the patrol's position. As a result of his low-altitude circling of their position, he succeeded in preventing the enemy from launching an attack. After over eight hours of maneuvering over the reconnaissance team's position, Major Henry directed the insertion of a reaction force and the extraction of the patrol. By his courage, bold initiative and unswerving devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Major Henry was instrumental in saving the lives of several of his fellow Marines and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Maj Henry was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with the V Device signifying Valor earlier in his tour of duty in Vietnam (Citation unavailable). 
Maj Henry was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart with the Gold Star signifying his second award. 
3. 
1stLt Joseph Alan Lofton was a Marine Aviator from Akron, OH. He was born October 18, 1945. He arrived in Vietnam on September 1, 1969 and was assigned to Marine Observation Squadron 2 (VMO-2), Marine Aircraft Group 16, 1st Marine Air Wing, III Marine Amphibious Force, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. On November 12, 1969, 1stLt Lofton was killed in action while serving as the Weapons Officer on an AH-1G Cobra (Tail number 68-15080) from squadron VMO-2, in close air support of the embattled 7th Marines. His helicopter was hit by enemy fire and crash landed. He was assisted from the aircraft by his Pilot, Maj Henry. While they were moving away from the downed aircraft; both men were hit by the helicopter rotor, killing both instantly. 1stLt Lofton was posthumorisly awarded the Air Medal and the Purple Heart. 1stLt Lofton had been in Vietnam 73 days. 1stLt Lofton is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 16W, Line 065. 
Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe all of you will live on and your sacrifices for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

november 8, 1969

“Gone but not Forgotten” 49 years ago today, on Saturday, November 8, 1969, 7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when Private First Class Roger Paul Walling was killed in action. PFC Walling was the son of Wayne A. and Dora E. Walling, of Chamois, MO. He enlisted in the U.S. Marines on February 12, 1969, in St Louis, MO. PFC Walling was a Marine Rifleman, age 19, date of birth April 9, 1950. He arrived in Vietnam on October 10, 1969, and was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On November 8, 1969, while on a search and clear operation ten bamboo huts used by the NVA were found on the north eastern slope close to the summit of Hill 845 in Duc Duc District. The Marines encountered sniper rifle fire during the search of the structures that wounded one Marine and killed PFC Walling. Pfc Walling had been in Vietnam 29 days. Pfc Walling is honored on the Vietnam Memorial with his name inscribed on Panel 16W Line 47. Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe you will live on and your sacrifice for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

November 1, 1968, 1969

“Gone but not Forgotten” 50 years ago today, on Friday, November 1, 1968, 7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when Corporal Theodore Hubert Dalton succumbed to the wounds he received from “Friendly Fire” while engaging hostile forces on October 31, 1968. Corporal Theodore Hubert Dalton was the son of Edward E. Dalton and Mary G. Dalton of Sharpsville, PA. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on July 5, 1967, in Pittsburg, PA. Cpl Dalton was a Marine Rifleman, age 19, born January 18, 1949. He arrived in Vietnam on December 14, 1967, and was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On the evening of October 31, 1968, two squad ambush positions were deployed to the vicinity of the Duong Lam village complex in Hieu Duc District. One squad set in their assigned position and was unaware that another squad from their platoon was enroute and would cross in their field of fire. Waiting in darkness, silent shadowy figures were observed approaching, the Marines opened fire on the friendly unit mistaking their comrades as an enemy force. By the time a cease fire was called, two Marines lay dead, and two were mortally wounded. Wounded and evacuated to the Naval Support Activity Station Hospital in DaNang, Cpl Dalton died on November 1, as a result of the gunshot wounds he sustained sustained from friendly rifle fire. Cpl Dalton had been in Vietnam 325 days. Cpl Dalton is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 40W, Line 074. 
“Gone but not Forgotten” 48 years ago today, on Saturday, November 1, 1969, 7th Marine Regiment lost 3 of their own heroes when 2nd Lieutenant Oliver Evans Deal Jr., and Private First Class Lonnie Pitts Newland were killed in action and Hospitalman 2nd Class John Edward Vandenberg, Jr. was killed by “Friendly Fire” while engaging hostile forces.
November 1, 1969, during a search and clear operation in the Que Son Mountains, the Battalion Command Post (CP) was located along the southeastern slope of Chu Hang Mountain close to the Kilo Company CP. At approximately 1845Hours a barrage of incoming North Vietnam Army (NVA) 82 mm mortar fire was walked up the slope over the crest and down the other side of the mountain; three 82 mm mortar rounds landed near fighting holes at the 3rd Battalion CP wounding twelve men and killing 2dLt Deal and PFC Newland as a result of multiple fragmentation wounds from the hostile mortar attack.
Second Lieutenant Oliver Evans Deal Jr. was the son of Oliver Evans Deal Sr. and Gaye Follmer Deal. 2ndLt Deal was a Marine Ground Supply Officer, age 21, born October 28, 1946. 2ndLt Deal arrived in Vietnam on October 29, 1969, and was assigned to Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On November 1, 1969, 2ndLt Deal was killed in action as a result of multiple fragmentation wounds from the hostile mortar attack. 2ndLt Deal had been in Vietnam 4 days. 2ndLt Deal is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 16W, Line 012. 
Private First Class Lonnie Pitts Newland was the son of Dorothy L. Newland of Pinellas Park, FL and William J. Newland of Columbus, OH. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on March 3, 1969, in Jacksonville, FL. PFC Newland was a Marine Imagery Interpreter, age 19, born September 20, 1950. He arrived in Vietnam on September 14, 1969, and was assigned to Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On November 1, 1969, PFC Newland was killed in action as a result of multiple fragmentation wounds from the hostile mortar attack. PFC Newland had been in Vietnam 49 days. PFC Newland is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 16W, Line 014. 
Hospitalman 2nd Class John Edward Vandenberg, Jr. was the son of John Edward Vandenberg Sr. and Bertha Anne Vandenberg of Grand Rapids, MI. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on April 27, 1966, in Detroit, MI. HM2 Vandenberg was a Navy Corpsman, age 24, born June 19, 1945. Arriving in Vietnam, HM2 Vandenberg was assigned to Headquarters and Service Company, attached to India Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPAC. In the early morning hours a figure was spotted outside the India Company perimeter southwest of Hill 270 and was challenged by a sentry, he did not respond to the challenge and appeared to be ducking behind some brush. The sentry opened fire on the dark figure, a subsequent search of the area revealed that HM2 Vandenberg, a U.S. Navy Corpsman had sustained mortal wounds to his head, from the sentry's rifle fire. HM2 Vandenberg was killed by “Friendly Fire”. HM2 Vandenberg had been in Vietnam 79 days. HM2 Vandenberg is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 16W, Line 014. 
Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe all of you will live on and your sacrifices for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

october 30, 1966

“Gone but not Forgotten” 52 years ago today, on Sunday, October 30, 1966, 7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when Second Lieutenant Francis Joseph Casey was killed in action. 2nd Lieutenant Francis Joseph Casey was the son of Marion D. Casey of Bronx, NY and James Casey (Deceased). He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on March 18, 1966, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in MCS, Quantico, VA. He was a Marine Infantry Officer, age 24, born June 15, 1942. In Vietnam he was assigned as a Platoon Commander to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On October 30, 1966, a platoon patrol on a search and destroy mission northeast of Phu Long (4) hamlet in the Binh Son District of Quang Ngai Province was hit with a volley of enemy rifle fire wounding two men. 2ndLt Casey, the platoon commander, was hit in his left hip and abdomen, mortally wounded; he died from the hostile rifle fire before he could be medically evacuated for treatment. 2ndLt Casey is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 11E, Line 129. Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe you will live on and your sacrifice for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

OCTOBER 28, 1967

“Gone but not Forgotten” 51 years ago today, on Saturday, October 28, 1967, 7th Marine Regiment lost 3 of their own heroes when Corporal Angel Luis Diaz, Lance Corporal John Gregg Tinker and Private First Class Elmer Edward Ellsworth were killed in action. 
Corporal Angel Luis Diaz was the son of Natividad Diaz and Concepcion Diaz of Hartford, CT. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on August 25, 1966, in New Haven, CT. He was a Marine Rifleman, age 21, born August 1, 1946. He arrived in Vietnam on May 30, 1967 and was assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On October 24, 1967, during a platoon combat patrol along the Tuy Loan River northeast of Giao Tri village complex in Hieu Duc District a Marine detonated an M-26A1 grenade rigged as a Booby Trap with a trip wire causing an explosion. A Medical evacuation was requested for the wounded man and the men began a sweep for signs of more explosive devices, one was found and destroying it in place. Continuing the search two more Anti-Personnel M-26A1's were detonated by the search team resulting in three Marines being killed and three being wounded. Cpl Diaz was wounded and evacuated to the Naval Support Activity Station Hospital in DaNang where on October 28, 1967, Cpl Diaz died as a result of multiple fragmentation wounds through the neck sustained from a hostile explosive device. Cpl Diaz had been in Vietnam 152 days. PFC Diaz is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 28E, Line 090.

October 24, 1967

“Gone but not Forgotten”51 years ago today, on Tuesday, October 24, 1967, 7th Marine Regiment lost 4 of their own heroes when Lance Corporal Harold James Sotzen, Lance Corporal Michael Louis Browning, Private First Class Francis John Thibeault and Private First Class Richard Lee McNeish were all killed in action. LCpl Browning was awarded the Silver Star for his heroic actions that night.
Lance Corporal Harold James Sotzen was the son of Harold R. Sotzen and Catherine M. Sotzen of Clawson, MI. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on June 22, 1966. He was a Marine Rifleman, age 18, born November 4, 1948. He arrived in Vietnam on September 23, 1967, and was assigned to India Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. During the month of October 1967, 3rd Battalion with its Command Post on Hill 37, and India Company on Hill 65 in the Dai Loc District, continued to conduct assigned combat operations in Quang Nam Province. On October 24, 1967, during Operation Knox a Marine left his position on a ridge line south of Hill 478 in Phu Loc District and preceded to a water point, on his return he took a different direction approaching the Hotel Company perimeter. Warned by the men who saw him not to go beyond them, he continued on his way. Within minutes shots and moaning sounds were heard. A patrol was dispatched immediately towards the sounds, and as the men rounded a bend in the trail they came under small arms fire wounding three of them. A body was visible on the trail but could not be reached because of the intense enemy fire forcing the patrol to withdraw towards friendly lines. The next morning the Marines left in force and found and identified LCpl Sotzen, who was missing from India Company, he was still on the trail where he had been killed in action from multiple hostile gunshot wounds. LCpl Sotzen had been in Vietnam 32 days. LCpl Sotzen is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 28E, Line 062.
In a separate incident on October 24, 1967, while on a platoon combat patrol along the Tuy Loan River northeast of Giao Tri village complex in Hieu Duc District a Marine detonated an M-26A1 grenade rigged as a Booby Trap with a trip wire causing the explosion. A Medevac was requested for the wounded man and the men began a sweep for signs of more explosive devices, one was found and destroying in place. Continuing the search two more AP M-26A1's were accidentally detonated by the search team resulting in three Marines being killed and three being wounded.
Lance Corporal Michael Louis Browning was the son of CS2 Robert L. Browning USN of Bremerton, WA and Mary A. Lovers of Spokane, WA. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on December 28, 1966, in Los Angeles, CA. He was a Marine Rifleman, age 19, born May 23, 1948. He arrived in Vietnam on July 26, 1967, and was assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On October 24, 1967, LCpl Browning was one of the casualties killed in action. LCpl Browning had been in Vietnam 91 days. LCpl Browning is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 28E, Line 059. LCpl Browning was presented with the Silver Star Medal posthumously "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 24 October 1967."
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Michael Louis Browning (MCSN: 2251278), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Grenadier with Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in the Republic of Vietnam on 24 October 1967. While LCpl Browning’s squad was on a search and clear mission in the vicinity of the Tuy Loan River in Quang Nam Province, the point man and a companion were seriously injured when a booby trap was accidentally detonated. Ignoring the probable presence of other booby traps in the area, Lance Corporal Browning quickly moved forward to assist the wounded men. After rendering first aid, he placed one of the casualties across his shoulders and was proceeding toward the landing zone, when he detonated another booby trap hidden in the thick brushwood. With exceptional presence of mind, he placed the wounded man on the ground and, disregarding his own safety, shielded him from the blast with his own body. As a result of his intrepid actions, Lance Corporal Browning was mortally wounded by fragments from the exploding mine. His valiant effort to save the life of a fellow Marine at the risk of his own was an inspiration to all with whom he served. By his extraordinary courage, determination and selfless devotion to duty, he upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Private First Class Francis John Thibeault was the son of Leo A. Thibeault of Lonsdale, RI and Mary G. Thibeault of Barrington, RI and the brother of Joseph L. Thibeault of Central Falls, RI. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on April 27, 1967, in Providence, RI. He was a Marine Rifleman, age 24, born August 2, 1943. He arrived in Vietnam on October 16, 1967, and was assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On October 24, 1967, PFC Thibeault was one of the casualties killed in action as a result of multiple fragmentation wounds. PFC Thibeault had been in Vietnam 9 days. PFC Thibeault is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 28E, Line 063. 
Private First Class Richard Lee McNeish was the son of Alex A. Cameron and Edith C. Cameron of Mercer, PA. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on April 6, 1967, in Pittsburg, PA. He was a Marine Rifleman, age 22, born July 7, 1945. He arrived in Vietnam on September 20, 1967, and was assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On October 24, 1967, PFC McNeish was one of the casualties killed in action as a result of multiple fragmentation wounds. PFC McNeish had been in Vietnam 35 days. PFC McNeish is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 28E, Line 061. 

Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe all of you will live on and your sacrifices for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

OCTOBER 18, 1966, 1967

“Gone but not Forgotten” 52 years ago today, on Tuesday, October 18, 1966, 7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when Corporal Charles A. Slager was killed in action. Cpl Slager was the son of Clarence Nicholas Slager and Earline Marie Dykstra Slager (Deceased) of Berwyn, IL and the dear brother of Judy Pock also of Berwyn, IL. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on August 28, 1964, in Chicago, IL. He was a Marine Rifleman, age 19, born December 23, 1946. Arriving in Vietnam he was assigned to Mike Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On October 16, 1966, while on a patrol under the Operational Control of the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines during a search of the hamlets of Tan Phuoc (2) in the Binh Son District of Quang Ngai Province a Marine tripped a booby trapped M-26 grenade in a trench line wounding two Marines. Cpl Slager was evacuated to the 1st Medical Battalion at the Chu Lai Military Complex, where on October 18, 1966 he succombed to the effects of the multiple shrapnel wounds he received from the hostile explosive device. Cpl Slager is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 11E, Line 089.
“Gone but not Forgotten” 51 years ago today, on Wednesday, October 18, 1967, 7th Marine Regiment lost 2 of their own heroes when Lance Corporal Delbert Wayne Haase died of illness and Lance Corporal Howard Lenley Ogden, Jr., was killed in action (Body not Recovered). LCpl Ogden was awarded the Silver Star for his heroic actions that night. 
Lance Corporal Delbert Wayne Haase was the son of Lennie Haase of Crawfordsville, IN and Virginia Haase of Coronado, CA. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on August 26, 1966, in Indianapolis, IN. He was a Marine Rifleman, age 19, born August 16, 1948. He arrived in Vietnam on January 26, 1967, and was assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On October 18, 1967, LCpl Haase became ill and was evacuated to the Station Hospital, Naval Support Activity in Da Nang where he died as a result of confluent bronchopneumonia and adrenal apoplexy. LCpl Haase had been in Vietnam 266 days. LCpl Haase is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 28E, Line 035.
Lance Corporal Howard Lenley Ogden, Jr., was the son of Caroline W. Ogden of Phoenix, AZ and Howard L. Ogden Sr. of Kansas City, MO. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on September, 1966, in Omaha, NE. He was a Marine Rifleman, age 19, born August 14, 1948. He arrived in Vietnam on August 21, 1967, and was assigned to Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. Reacting on a call for assistance, 
Golf Company landed on October 17, 1967, approximately two kilometers northwest of Recon Team Petrify in their defensive perimeter heavily engaged with enemy forces that had surrounded them. The climb from the Landing Zone (LZ) would be a long and tedious one towards the Recon Force and it wasn't long before the lead elements of the reaction force ran into a North Vietnam Army (NVA) ambush that stalled their forward progress. The Marines fought their way up the jungle slopes until they reached and linked up with the Recon team the following day and immediately the Marines began the decent to the prearranged LZ for extraction. The NVA would not make it easy for the men to leave their cover, with the rear guard battling enemy mortar, automatic weapons fire and grenades as the men withdrew from their forward positions, four men of Golf Company were wounded. LCpl Ogden a member of the rear guard was observed to have been hit once and then mortally wounded by a second enemy round as he fought protecting his fellow Marines decent to safety. Extraction completed, on arrival at the CP a head count was taken and it was discovered that one man was missing from his unit; LCpl Ogden fighting in the rear guard action who had been fatally shot was unknowingly left behind during the confusion which existed under heavy enemy fire. A plan of action to search for and recover their fallen comrade would be put in motion but after numerous attempts no trace of their comrade was ever located. LCpl Ogden is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 28E, Line 037. LCpl Ogden was presented with the Silver Star Medal posthumously "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 18 October 1967".
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Howard Ogden, Jr. (MCSN: 2312138), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Grenadier with Company G, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, in Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam on 18 October 1967. Lance Corporal Ogden was engaged in action as a member of a reaction force assigned to extract an embattled reconnaissance unit. During the evacuation of the unit and its wounded, the reaction force came under an extremely heavy volume of fire from machine guns, automatic weapons and hand grenades from well-concealed, fortified positions, causing several more casualties. Lance Corporal Ogden, with complete disregard for his own safety, exposed himself to the heavy volume of fire and provided covering fire with his M-79 Grenade Launcher. Although wounded in the leg, he continued to deliver accurate covering fire until he was mortally wounded. His aggressive and courageous action in providing suppressive fire was a determining factor in the successful evacuation of the reconnaissance unit and casualties to friendly lines. By his uncommon valor, indomitable fighting spirit and fearless devotion to duty, he upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe all of you will live on and your sacrifices for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

OCTOBER 17, 1966

“Gone but not Forgotten” 52 years ago today, on Monday, October 17, 1966, 7th Marine Regiment lost 3 of their own heroes when Corporal Edward Joseph Corcoran was killed by “Friendly Fire” from a Combined Action Platoon compound, Lance Corporal Dalton Earl Jackson died of a non-hostile accidental homicide and Private First Class Raymond Jefferson Ross, Jr. was killed in action. 
Cpl Corcoran was the son of Harold Corcoran and Anne Marie Corcoran (Deceased) of North Hills, PA. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on August 21, 1964, in Philadelphia, PA. He was a Marine Rifleman, age 20, born January 25, 1946. He arrived in Vietnam and was assigned to Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On October 17, 1966, on the way to their night ambush position near the hamlet of My Hue in Binh Son District the patrol lead by Cpl Corcoran deviated from their assigned route and entered into the hamlet of Ben Yen Noi. A Combined Action Platoon (CAP) from Combined Action Company (CAC) LIMA-1 located at Fort Page, as a part of their routine night deployment had an ambush set up on that trail. The CAP unit mistook the Marines who had strayed into their ambush for the enemy and opened fire at the shadowy figures. Cpl Corcoran who was in the lead was hit and died instantly, shouts from his men alerted the CAP members and they ceased fire immediately. Cpl Corcoran was killed in action as a result of gunshot wounds sustained from friendly fire. Cpl Corcoran is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 11E, Line 081.
Lance Corporal Dalton Earl Jackson was the son of Frieda G. Bunton of Shreveport, LA and James D. Jackson of St Petersburg, FL. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on January 19, 1965, in Shreveport, LA. He was a Marine Antitank Assaultman, age 18, born December 31, 1947. He arrived in Vietnam and was assigned to Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On October 17, 1966, at the 2nd Battalion Command Post in Chu Lai, near the hamlet of Nam Binh in Binh Son District, a Marine accidently discharged his .45 cal pistol. The projectile struck LCpl Jackson mortally wounding him. LCpl Jackson is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 11E, Line 082.
Private First Class Raymond Jefferson Ross, Jr. was the son of Raymond J. Ross Sr. of Norwalk, CA and Marilyn L. Ross of La Mirada, CA. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on March 29, 1966, in Los Angeles, CA. He was a Marine Rifleman, age 21, born August 1, 1945. He arrived in Vietnam and was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On October 17, 1966, a truck was ambushed near Dong La hamlet in Binh Son District; on board suspected Viet Cong detainees were being taken to Battalion S-2 for processing and a squad of Delta Company men who were providing security. The Marines engaged the enemy in a fire fight during which three Marines were wounded, one did not survive and died before he could be medically evacuated for treatment. PFC Ross was killed in action as a result of an enemy gunshot wound. PFC Ross is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 11E, Line 084.
Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe all of you will live on and your sacrifices for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

OCTOBER 16. 1967, 1968, 1969

“Gone but not Forgotten” 51 years ago today, on Monday, October 16, 1967, 7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when Corporal Richard Arthur Demers was killed in an accident. Cpl Demers was the son of George N. Demers and Rose B. Laroche Demers of Berlin, NH. Cpl Demers was a Marine Antitank Assaultman, age 20, born February 27, 1947. Arriving in Vietnam he was assigned to Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPAC. Cpl Demers, having been wounded was awarded the Purple Heart on July 19, 1967. In a separate incident on October 16, 1967, a 106mm recoilless rifle burst while firing, 4 kilometers south of Tuy Loan Bridge. Cpl Demers was killed from the explosion from multiple fragmentary wounds. Cpl Demers had been in Vietnam 292 days. Cpl Demers is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 28E, Line 014.
“Gone but not Forgotten” 50 years ago today, on Wednesday, October 16, 1968, 7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when Lance Corporal Michael Lawrence Russo III succumbed to the wounds he received in combat on September 20, 1968. LCpl Michael Lawrence Russo III was the son of Leonora Russo of Brooklyn, NY. He was a Marine Rifleman, age 20, born October 19, 1947. He arrived in Vietnam on August 29, 1968, and was assigned to duty with Golf Company, BLT 2/7, 9th MAB. At first light on September 20, Golf and Hotel Companies began to sweep east through the Nong Son village complex and the tree line of the previous day’s battleground with Fox Company and the NVA in DODGE CITY, this time the men met no resistance. After the aerial bombardment and artillery barrages during the night the NVA forces had displaced. Once inside the tree line the Marines found well developed fortifications that had given the enemy advantage of cover during the battle. Pushing forward toward the blocking positions, by 0800H Golf Company became engaged with a large enemy force on the eastern edge of the Nong Son village complex. Once again the Marines confronted the NVA in heavily fortified positions with clear fields of fire for their small arms and crew served weapons bearing down on the assaulting Marine units. Golf Company had to disengage from their assault, with five dead and twenty two men wounded, artillery and air support was requested. Hotel Company attacked the enemy's right flank and was also stiffly resisted by the tenacious foe. By 1600H when coordinated ground and air attacks following sorties of 500 lb. bombs with napalm drops, the NVA troops were seen to flee in groups of twenty to thirty men from the fortifications. A perimeter was established by the Marines, and throughout the night mortar and artillery fire was directed into the surrounding area. The day's battle resulted in seven Marines being killed in action and forty eight wounded, most being evacuated for treatment. LCpl Russo was one of the casualties; he was wounded and medically evacuated to the 12th U.S. Air Force Hospital in Cam Rahn Bay, Vietnam where on October 16, 1968, he died as a result of a cerebral contusion caused by the wounds he received in combat. LCpl Russo is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 41W, Line 067. 
“Gone but not Forgotten” 48 years ago today, on Thursday, October 16, 1969, 7th Marine Regiment lost 2 of their own heroes when Private First Class Edward Leon Goodman died of malaria and Private First Class Harold Franklin Hysmith was killed in action. 
PFC Goodman was the son of Robert Goodman and Esther M. Terrell both deceased, the nephew of Aaron and Lucinda Tuddles of Annapolis, MD. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on December 17, 1968, in Baltimore, MD. He was a Marine Rifleman, age 18, born November 15, 1950. He arrived in Vietnam on July 9, 1969, and was assigned to Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. PFC Goodman fell ill and was admitted to the Station Hospital, Naval Support Activity in DaNang where on October 16, 1969, he died of Malaria. PFC Goodman had been in Vietnam 102 days. PFC Goodman is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 17W, Line 084.
PFC Hysmith was the son of Lucinda Hysmith Green and step-son of J.W. Green of Jasper, FL. He entered service (Selective Service) in the U.S. Marine Corps on March 30, 1969, in Jacksonville, FL. He was a Marine Rifleman, age 18, born February 6, 1950. He arrived in Vietnam on September 22, 1969, and was assigned to Mike Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On October 16, 1969, the lead squad of a patrol walked into the killing zone of a North Vietnam Army (NVA) ambush site near the hamlet of Thon Ba in Que Son District. The NVA who were waiting for the Marines to approach opened fire on the squad killing PFC Hysmith and wounding five men before anyone could take cover. Air support was called and an attack against the enemy was mounted but they had melted away into the thick vegetation. PFC Hysmith had been in Vietnam 25 days. PFC Hysmith is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 17W, Line 084.
Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe all of you will live on and your sacrifices for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

OCTOBER 14, 1966 - 1969

“Gone but not Forgotten” 52 years ago today, on Friday, October 14, 1966, 7th Marine Regiment lost 3 of their own heroes when Lance Corporal Joseph Nelson Stevens, Private First Class Roger Allen Petersen and Combat Corpsman Woodward Stevens Hatfield, Jr., were killed in action.
Lance Corporal Joseph Nelson Stevens was a Marine Rifleman, age 20, born December 30, 1945, from Camp Springs, MD. In Vietnam he was assigned to Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On October 14, 1966, while conducting a probe of the night perimeter defences 5 kilometers Northwest of Binh Son, LCpl Stevens was killed in action dying outright from multiple fragmentary wound from a hostile explosive device. LCpl Stevens is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 11E, Line 075. 5 kilometers
On October 14, 1966, having returned from a patrol to their Command Post in Binh Son District of Quang Ngai Province on the perimeter of the Chu Lai Military Complex the men were resting in their quarters before being assigned to perimeter watch when an accident occurred. In one of the third platoon’s tents a grenade under a cot exploded killing 2 members of Echo Company.
Private First Class Roger Alan Petersen was the son of Roy A. Petersen and Gladys M. Petersen of Sioux Falls, SD. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on April 9, 1964, in Omaha, NE. He was a Marine Rifleman, age 19, born February 8, 1947. In Vietnam he was assigned to Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On October 14, 1966, PFC Petersen was one of the casualties of the accidental explosion of a friendly grenade. He died from multiple fragmentation wounds. PFC Petersen is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 11E, Line 074.
Combat Corpsman Woodward Stevens Hatfield, Jr. was the son of Woodward S. Hatfield, Sr. and Effie Lee Hatfield of Muleshoe, TX, and the husband of Louise S. Hatfield of Albuquerque, NM. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on January 5, 1965, in Albuquerque, NM. HN Hatfield was a Navy Combat Corpsman, age 21, born March 12, 1945. He arrived in Vietnam on May 9, 1966 and was assigned as a Medical Corpsman to Headquarters and Service Company, attached to Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On October 14, 1966, HN Hatfield was one of the casualties of the accidental explosion of a friendly grenade. He died from multiple fragmentation wounds. HN Hatfield had been in Vietnam 159 days. HN Hatfield is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 11E, Line 074.
“Gone but not Forgotten” 49 years ago today on Tuesday, October 14, 1969, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment lost one of their heroes when Private First Class George Patrick McClintic died of malaria. PFC McClintic was the son of Hunter McClintic and Helen McClintic of Pittsburg, PA. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on March 11, 1969, in Pittsburg, PA. Pfc McClintic was a Marine Rifleman, age 19, born June 10, 1950. He arrived in Vietnam on September 3, 1969, and was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. PFC McClintic fell ill and was evacuated to the Naval Support Activity Station Hospital in Da Nang where he died as a result of renal failure due to malaria. PFC McClintic had been in Vietnam 42 days. PFC McClintic’s name is inscribed on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 17E Line 078. 
Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe all of you will live on and your sacrifices for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

OCTOBER 13, 1969

“Gone but not Forgotten” 49 years ago, on Monday, October 13, 1969, 7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when Second Lieutenant John Price Pickett was killed in action. Second Lieutenant John Price Pickett was a Marine Infantry Platoon Leader, age 22, born November 13, 1946, from Morgantown, WV. He arrived in Vietnam on July 5, 1969, and was assigned to Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPAC. On October 13, 1969, while on patrol 8 kilometers West Northwest of Que Son, 2ndLt Pickett was killed in action dying outright from hostile small arms fire. 2ndLt Pickett had been in Vietnam 101 days. 2ndLt Pickett is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 17W, Line 075. Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe you will live on and your sacrifice for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

OCTOBER 10, 1967

“Gone but not Forgotten” 51 years ago, on Tuesday, October 10, 1967, 7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when Lance Corporal Edward Martin Selkregg III died from friendly fire while engaging the enemy. Lance Corporal Edward Martin Selkregg was the son of Edward Martin Selkregg Jr. and Naomi J. Selkregg of North East, PA. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on October 24, 1966, in Cleveland, OH. He was a Marine Machine Gunner, age 21, born January 2, 1946. He arrived in Vietnam and was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On October 10, 1967, at a Platoon Patrol Base near the Tuy Loan River in Hieu Duc District the Marines were conducting Familiarizing with weapons firing and the registration of their 60 mm mortars. One defensive position on line with the mortar fire was struck by a short round resulting in LCpl Selkregg being killed by multiple fragmentation wounds from friendly mortar fire. LCpl Selkregg is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 27E, Line 085.
“Gone but not Forgotten” 50 years ago today, on Thursday, October 10, 1968, 7th Marine Regiment lost 2 of their own heroes when Private First Class William Worthington Meisel, Jr., succumbed to wounds he received in combat on September 19, 1968, and Staff Sergeant Dean Delano Grover was killed in action. 
PFC Meisel was the son of William W. Meisel, Sr. and Audrey R. Meisel (Deceased) of Riverside. CT. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on January 31, 1968, in New Haven, CT. He was a Marine Rifleman, age 18, born, August 22, 1950. He arrived in Vietnam on August 29, 1968, and was assigned to Fox Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/7, 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade. DODGE CITY was an area of Dien Ban District known by the Marines as infested by the Viet Cong (VC) and North Vietnam Army (NVA) soldiers. On September 19, 1968, at first light Fox Company sent small units forward across the railway berm where they had had been inserted the pervious afternoon to establish Observation Posts (OP’s) past a tree line 250 meters in front of the Battalion Landing Team's (BLT) defensive lines near the Nan Son village complex. When the Marines reached within 15 meters of the tree line they came under heavy automatic weapons fire by an enemy force. Mounting the frontal attack towards the NVA protected in bunkers, holes and trenches was difficult and costly, as the enemy cut down the advancing Marines with automatic weapons, Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPG’s) and mortars. Enemy fire was also directed from the flanks. Fox Company casualties mounted and forward movement stalled. With the men of Fox Company being decimated, LtCol Watson deployed Golf and Hotel Companies on the flanks and the reserve Echo Company advanced forward to replace the decimated Fox Company to press the attack on the enemy force and allow the casualties to be evacuated. By late afternoon the assaulting Marine units were withdrawn to the railroad berm and supporting arms engaged the enemy troops in their fortifications. The day proved to be a costly one for the Marines with sixteen men dead and another thirty eight wounded. PFC Meisel was one of the wounded casualties. Wounded and evacuated to DaNang, PFC Meisel was eventually transferred to the 106th General Hospital in Yokohama, Japan where on October 10, 1968, he died as a result of the wounds he had sustained form hostile rifle fire. PFC Meisel had been in Vietnam 42 days (Including hospitalization). PFC Meisel is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 41W, Line 041.
Staff Sergeant Gene Delano Grover was the son of Edward S. Grover and Annie N. Stengel of Orange Springs, FL and the husband of Ann M. Grover of South Boston, MA. He was a veteran of more than ten years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a Marine Infantry Unit Leader, age 28, born November 9, 1939. He arrived in Vietnam on January 19, 1968, and was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On October 10, 1968, Delta Company had security of the Golden Gate Bridge that crossed the La Tho River to Hill 55 in Dien Ban District. Always vigilant a Marine noticed a large object floating down the river towards the bridge pilings and efforts were made to detonate it without success. As soon as it came to rest against the pilings it exploded, throwing SSgt Grover who had been on the structure into the river. An immediate search was made and his body was recovered. SSgt Grover died from multiple fragmentation wounds from the hostile explosive device. SSgt Grover had been in Vietnam 266 days. SSgt Grover is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 41W, Line 039.
Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe you will live on and your sacrifice for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

​

OCTOBER 10, 1965

Lance Corporal James Richard Dischert was the son of Mr. Richard Dischert and Mrs. Bernice A. (Case) Dischert of Peoria, IL and one brother, John Robert Dischert, and one sister, Elizabeth A. Dischert, both of Peoria, IL. After graduating from Peoria High School in 1961, he attended Sterling College at Sterling, KS for three years, and then entered the U.S. Marine Corps on May 28, 1964. He was a Marine Administration Man, age 21, born December 26, 1943. Prior to arriving in Vietnam he attended the Marine Corps School in Okinawa, Japan to study Vietnamese terminology. In Vietnam he was assigned to Headquarters and Service Company, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division. On October 10, 1965, LCpl Dischert was killed from injuries sustained in a non-hostile motor vehicle accident that occurred when the jeep in which he was a passenger struck a cable strung across the road at a causeway in the vicinity of near Chu Lai (19651011), South Vietnam, while acting as a courier for the 7th Marines. LCpl Dischert is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 02E, Line 118.
Private Victor Ralph Parker was a Marine Motor Vehicle Operator, age 18, born December 25, 1946, from Perris, CA. In Vietnam he was assigned to Headquarters and Service Company, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division. On October 10, 1965, Pvt Parker was killed from injuries sustained in a non-hostile motor vehicle accident that occurred when the jeep he was driving struck a cable strung across the road at a causeway in the vicinity of near Chu Lai (19651011), South Vietnam. Pvt Parker is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 02E, Line 119.
Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe both of you will live on and your sacrifices for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

OCTOBER 9, 1969

“Gone but not Forgotten” 47 years ago today, on Sunday, October 9, 1969, 7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when Lance Corporal Eldin George Berger, Jr., succumbed to friendly fire wounds he received while engaging enemy forces on the evening of October 5 and 6, 1969. Lance Corporal Eldin George Berger, Jr. was the son of Eldin G. Berger and Elizabeth R. Berger of West Chester, PA. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on July 1, 1968, in Philadelphia, PA. He was a Marine Machine Gunner, age 20, born August 20, 1949. He arrived in Vietnam on February 9, 1969, and was assigned to India Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPAC. On the late evening of October 5 and 6, three Marines became separated from their night patrol north of the hamlet of Son Tra (4) in the Que Son District of Quang Nam Province. The patrol leader unaware that he was missing three of his own men saw some movement of dark figures to his right flank and opened fire. It was immediately discovered the two of the men that became separated from the main body had been wounded. Evacuated for medical treatment LCpl Berger died on October 9, 1969, at the 95th Evacuation Hospital in Da Nang as a result of cardiac arrest due to the gunshot wound he sustained from friendly fire. LCpl Berger had been in Vietnam 246 days. LCpl Berger is honored on the Vietnam Memorial with his name inscribed on Panel 17W Line 054. Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe you will live on and your sacrifice for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

OCTOBER 7, 1968

“Gone but not Forgotten” - 50 years ago on Sunday, October 7, 1968, Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment lost one of their heroes when Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Stephen Duane Wood died of a stroke. HM1 Wood, a Navy Corpsman, age 30, date of birth March 23, 1938, was from Kennett, MO. He served in the Navy for 10 years. On October 7, 1968, HM1 Wood collapsed and was medically evacuated to the Naval Support Activity Station Hospital in DaNang where he died from a stroke. HM1 Wood is honored on the Vietnam Memorial with his name inscribed on Panel 41W Line 028.  
Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe you will live on and your sacrifice for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old Marine and a grateful nation.

OCTOBER 6, 1968

“Gone but not Forgotten” 50 years ago today, on Sunday, October 6, 1968, 7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when Private First Class James Thomas Hendricks was killed in a non-hostile vehicle crash. Private First Class James Thomas Hendricks was a Marine Antitank Assaultman, age 19, born June 6, 1949, from Norwalk, CT. PFC Hendricks arrived in Vietnam on July 28, 1968, and was assigned to Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On October 6, 1968, PFC Hendricks was killed in a non-hostile vehicle accident in Quang Nam Province, Republic of South Vietnam. He had been in Vietnam 71 days. PFC Hendricks is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 41W, Line 017. Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe you will live on and your sacrifice for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

OCTOBER 5, 1969

“Gone but not Forgotten” 49 years ago today, on Sunday, October 5, 1969, 7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when Private First Class Wilford Lynn Donoho was killed in action. Private First Class Wilford Lynn Donoho was the son of James W. Donoho and Virginia J. (Hayes) Donoho of Salem, IL, the grandson of Mrs. Venice Donoho, dear brother of sisters Karen and Kay, and two brothers; Paul Wayne and Dale Donoho. Upon graduating from Salem Community High School he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on February 12, 1969, in St Louis, MO. He was a Marine Rifleman, age 21, born July 30, 1948. He arrived in Vietnam on August 30, 1969, and was assigned to Hotel Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. During the month of October the Battalion moved its Command Post from Fire Support Base Ross to Landing Zone Baldy with its Alpha Command operating from Antenna Valley. On October 5, 1969, a Marine unit was conducting a search and clear operation south of the summit of Hill 953 in the Que Son District of Quang Nam Province. As they were moving through the mountainous area dense with heavy vegetation the Marines were fired at from the entrance of a small cave. PFC Donoho was struck and killed by hostile rifle fire. PFC Donoho had been in Vietnam 37 days. PFC Donoho is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 17W, Line 040.
Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe both of you will live on and your sacrifices for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, ““Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

October 5, 1967 

“Gone but not Forgotten” 51 years ago today, on Thursday, October 5, 1967, 7th Marine Regiment lost 4 of their own heroes when Captain Lyle Albert Johnson, Lance Corporal Harold Conway Doss, Lance Corporal William Edward Rees and Private First Class David Reay Malins were killed in action.
On October 5, 1967, a security team on a road sweep north along Highway 1 towards the Hai Van Pass in Hoa Van District, were ambushed by the enemy. The attack was initiated by the detonation of a 260 lb. bomb that caused instant casualties to the team. Enemy rifle fire, automatic weapons, and B-40 rocket propelled grenades (RPG's) poured out of the thick vegetation at the men on the road. As a quick reaction force came to the aid of the ambushed Marines, contact was broken quickly and the enemy fled into the thick undergrowth of the mountain. Four Marines were killed in the fire fight and seven men were wounded and evacuated.
Captain Lyle Albert Johnson was the son of Charles A. Johnson and Marie K. Johnson (both deceased) formally of Bozeman, MT, the brother of Anna Johnson also of Bozeman, MT and the husband of Deane Cowan Johnson Bishir of Livingston, MT. He received a commission as a Reserve Officer in the U.S. Marine Corps on December 17, 1965, in Quantico VA. He was a Marine Infantry Officer, age 25, born August 16, 1942. He arrived in Vietnam on June 30, 1967, and was assigned to Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On October 5, 1967, 1stLt Johnson was one of the casualties; he died as a result of massive fragmentation wounds. 1stLt Johnson received a posthumous promotion to the rank of Captain. Capt Johnson had been in Vietnam 98 days. Capt Johnson is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 27E, Line 054.
Lance Corporal Harold Conway Doss was the son of Harold C. Doss, Sr. and Margie K. Doss of Gretna, LA. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on March 21, 1966, in New Orleans, LA. He was a Marine Rifleman, age 21, born July 21, 1946. He arrived in Vietnam and was assigned to Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On October 5, 1967, LCpl Doss was one of the casualties; he died as a result of massive fragmentation wounds. LCpl Doss is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 27E, Line 052.
Lance Corporal William Edward Rees was the son of Warren J. and Alma A. Rees of Anamosa, IA. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on July 28, 1966, in Omaha, NE. He was a Marine Rifleman, age 20, born June 27, 1947. He arrived in Vietnam and was assigned to Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On October 5, 1967, LCpl Rees was one of the casualties; he died as a result of massive fragmentation wounds. LCpl Rees is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 27E, Line 055.
Private First Class David Reay Malins was the son of James A. Malins, Sr. and Margaret R. Malins of Las Cruces, NM. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on February 1, 1967, in El Paso, TX. He was a Marine Rifleman, age 20, born May 17, 1947. He arrived in Vietnam and was assigned to Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPAC. On October 5, 1967, PFC Malins was one of the casualties; he died as a result of massive fragmentation wounds. PFC Malins is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 27E, Line 054.

October 4, 1967

“Gone but not Forgotten” 51 years ago today, on Wednesday, October 4, 1967, 7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when 2nd Lieutenant John Alexander Norris III was killed in action. 2ndLt John Alexander Norris III was the son of Elenor A. Menefee of Los Banos, CA and John A. Norris Jr. (Deceased) and husband of Constance D. Norris of Palos Verdes, CA. He was commissioned in the U.S. Marine Corps in Quantico, VA on December 16, 1966. 2ndLt Norris was a Marine Infantry Officer, age 25, born June 20, 1942. 2dLt Norris arrived in Vietnam and was assigned to Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MarDiv (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On October 4, 1967, a Viet Cong sniper fired at a Marine patrol west of the hamlet of Cam Van in Dien Ban District. 2ndLt Norris was hit and killed in action as a result of the hostile rifle fire. 2ndLt Norris is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 27E, Line 050. 
“Gone but not Forgotten” 50 years ago today, on Friday, October 4, 1968, 7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when Private First Class Charles Leslie Toyias was killed in action. PFC Charles Leslie Toyias was the son of Michael N. Toyias and Ethel M. Toyias of Long Beach, CA. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on February 14, 1968, in Los Angeles, CA. He was a Marine Rifleman, age 20, born March 29, 1948. He arrived in Vietnam on August 1, 1968, and was assigned to India Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MarDiv (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On October 4, 1968, a squad ambush during a "Rice Denial" operation providing security to the Vietnamese harvesters positioned themselves between Loc Phuoc (1) and (2) hamlets in Dai Loc District. The Viet Cong silently approached unseen and threw several hand grenades into the Marines positions. The explosions resulted in the death of PFC Toyias from multiple fragmentation wounds. PFC Toyias had been in Vietnam 65 days. PFC Toyias is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 48W, Line 008.
“Gone but not Forgotten” 49 years ago today, on Saturday, October 4, 1969, 7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when Lance Corporal Steve Dwayne Carter was killed in action. Lance Corporal Steve Dwayne Carter was the son of Francis Nelson Carter and Eva Annie Smithers Carter of Fort Worth, TX. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on July 3, 1968, in Dallas, TX. He was a Marine Rifleman, age 19, born November 30, 1949. He arrived in Vietnam on December 29, 1968, and was assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MarDiv (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On October 4, 1969, a Marine patrol observed three armed NVA soldiers enter a bunker near the hamlet of Hoa My in Que Son. The Marines rapidly deployed and engaged the enemy in a firefight as they assaulted the enemy position. During the engagement LCpl Carter was killed by the enemy rifle fire. LCpl Carter had been in Vietnam 280 days. LCpl Carter is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 17W, Line 036.
Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe all of you will live on and your sacrifices for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

OCTOBER 3, 1969

“Gone but not Forgotten” 49 years ago today, on Friday, October 3, 1969, 7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when Lance Corporal Alex Leon McLean was killed in action. Lance Corporal Alex Leon McLean was the son of Mr. Jim Sonnie McLean and Mrs. Maggie Bell McNeill McLean of Lillington, NC. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in Baltimore, MD. He was a Marine Rifleman, age 21, born February 3, 1948. He arrived in Vietnam on December 7, 1968, and was assigned to India Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced), III Marine Amphibious Forces, Fleet Marine Force Pacific. On October 3, 1969, LCpl McLean was killed in action dying outright from hostile artillery fire. LCPL McLean had been in Vietnam for 301 days. LCPL McLean is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 17W, Line 035. Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe you will live on and your sacrifice for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

OCTOBER 2, 1968

“Gone but not Forgotten” 50 years ago, on Wednesday, October 2, 1968, 7th Marine Regiment lost 2 of their own heroes when Private First Class Larry Don Kittrell was killed in action and Lance Corporal Arthur Glenn Martin was killed in a non-hostile vehicle crash. 
Private First Class Larry Don Kittrell was the son of James D. Kittrell and Leatha M. Kittrell of Marietta, OK, the brother of Goldie O. Glidewell of Highlands, TX. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on November 2, 1967, in Houston, TX. He was a Marine Rifleman, age 20, born June 5, 1948. He arrived in Vietnam on May 16, 1968, and was assigned to Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. In mid-June, the 2nd Battalion was assigned to the Special Landing Force (SLF) and his unit was re-designated Echo Company, BLT 2/7, 9th MAB. On October 2, 1968, during Operation TALLADEGA CANYON a patrol moving southwest of Hill 310 was hit with a large volume of enemy small arms fire that wounded several Marines who were evacuated. PFC Kittrell died as a result of a gunshot wound several hours after arriving at the Naval Support Activity Station Hospital in Da Nang. PFC Kittrell had been in Vietnam 140 days. PFC Kittrell is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 42W, Line 062. 
Lance Corporal Arthur Glenn Martin was the son of Robert Newton Martin and Ann Vallier Martin of Decatur, IL. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on September 13, 1967, in St Louis, MO. He was a Marine Administrations Clerk, age 19, born August 10, 1949. He arrived in Vietnam on April 29, 1968, and was assigned to Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On October 2, 1968, a Personnel Carrier on route 540 in Hieu Duc District east of the Ap Phuoc Thoi village complex was hit with incoming enemy sniper fire. Maneuvering to evade the gunshots the vehicle hit a rut in the road, skidded and crashed into a bridge. LCpl Martin, one of the passengers in the vehicle, died of serious injuries he sustained in the crash. LCpl Martin had been in Vietnam 157 days. LCpl Martin is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 42W, Line 062. 
Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe both of you will live on and your sacrifices for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

OCTOBER 1, 1967

“Gone but not Forgotten” 51 years ago, on Sunday, October1, 1967, 7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when Private First Class Raymond Patrick Finley was killed in action. PFC Finley was the son of Patrick J. Finley and Lucy D. Finley of St. Maries, ID. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on February 1, 1967, in Seattle, WA. He was a Marine Rifleman, age 20, born September 15, 1947. He arrived in Vietnam and was assigned to Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On October 1, 1967, in Dien Ban District, a Marine Fire Team was checking the positioning of claymore mines and the protective wire adjacent to the “Golden Gate Bridge” when a hostile grenade was thrown at the Marines and exploded. PFC Finley was closest to the blast and was killed by multiple shrapnel wounds from the hostile explosive device. PFC Finley is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 27E, Line 036. 
“Gone but not Forgotten” 48 years ago, on Thursday, October 1, 1970, 7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when Private First Class Jerry Waine Steward succumbed to the wounds he received in combat on September 11. 1970. PFC Steward was the son of Wendall and Wilma N. Steward of Springfield, VA. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on October 7, 1969, in Baltimore, MD. He was a Marine Machine Gunner, age 19, born April 19, 1951. He arrived in Vietnam on May 14, 1970, and was assigned to Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On September 11, 1970, during Operation Imperial Lake, Marines of the 2nd Battalion were sweeping the eastern slope of Hill 845 in Duy Xuyen District; suddenly the patrol was hit with several rounds of enemy sniper fire. PFC Steward was wounded by the enemy gunfire and evacuated on the first available helicopter. Because of the seriousness of his wounds he was transferred from the Naval Support Activity Station Hospital in Da Nang to the U.S. Naval Hospital in Guam where on October 1, 1970 he succumbed to the injuries he received in combat. PFC Steward had been in Vietnam 141 days including hospitalization. PFC Steward is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 07W, Line 107. 
NOTE: PFC Jerry Waine Steward was the last of the 1,594 casualties for 7th Marine Regiment during the ground action in the Vietnam War; all Regimental personnel were transferred to other units or left the country by the middle of October 1970.
Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe both of you will live on and your sacrifices for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

​

september 30 1967

“Gone but not Forgotten” 51 years ago, on Saturday, September 30, 1967, 7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when Lance Corporal Michael Eugene Conroy died of non-hostile injuries sustained in an accidental homicide.  
Lance Corporal Michael Eugene Conroy was the son of Ora A. Conroy of Keeseville, NY and William J. Conroy of Upper Jay, NY. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on April 13, 1966, in Albany, NY. He was a Marine Motor Vehicle Operator, age 18, born April 8, 1949. In Vietnam he was serving with Alpha Company,1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On September 30, 1967, At the Command Post on Hill 10, in the Hieu Duc District, of Quang Nam Province LCpl Conroy was asleep on his cot when he was accidentally shot and mortally wounded. A fellow Marine had been cleaning his M-16 rifle and caused an accidental discharge of his weapon resulting in the death of his friend. LCpl Conroy is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 27E, Line 033. Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe you will live on and your sacrifice for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

September 28, 1966

​“Gone but not Forgotten” 52 years ago, on Wednesday, September 28, 1966, 7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when Sergeant Lonnie David Sprouse succumbed to wounds he received in action on September 24, 1966. Sgt Sprouse was married to Betty Sprouse and had 3 children, Michael, David and Mark all from Mableton, GA. Sgt Sprouse was a career Marine with over 10 years of service, who served as a Drill Instructor in MCRD San Diego. He was a Marine Rifleman, age 27, born March 15, 1938 in Georgetown, SC but his home of record was Mableton, GA. Sgt Sprouse served with Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. On September 24, 1966 during an assault on a North Vietnamese Army bunker and trench complex on Razorback Ridge just south of the DMZ Sgt Sprouse was seriously wounded in combat by a gunshot wound to the head from hostile small arms fire. He was medically evacuated and treated aboard the USS Repose but succumbed to his wounds on September 28, 1966. Sgt Sprouse is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 11E, Line 027. Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe you will live on and your sacrifices for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

SEPTEMBER 23, 1968

 “Gone but not Forgotten” 50 years ago, on Monday, September 23, 1968, 7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when Corporal Robert Enoch Williams was killed in action. Corporal Robert Enoch Williams was the son of Shirley M. Adams and the stepson of William M. Adams of Newark, DE, and the son of Ralph T. Williams who had predeceased his son. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on January 17, 1966, in Cleveland, OH. Cpl Williams was a Marine Supply Administration Man, Manual Account, age 19, born December 23, 1948, in County, PA, from Chagrin Falls, OH. He arrived in Vietnam on November 12, 1967, and was assigned to Headquarters & Service Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), III MAF, FMFPac. Cpl Williams was known as “Bob” or “Willy” to his fellow Marines. On Monday, September 23, 1968, the 1st Battalion Command Post on Hill 10 in the Hieu Duc District of Quang Nam Province was hit with a three round volley of enemy 82 mm mortar fire. Cpl Williams was killed in action by multiple fragmentation shrapnel wounds, dying outright from the hostile explosive projectiles. Additionally, nine other men were wounded. Cpl Williams had been in the U.S. Marines for 33 months and in Vietnam for 317 days. Cpl Williams was described by his friends as a highly proficient, devoted and loyal Marine who upheld the highest traditions of this great nation and of our Corps. Cpl Williams is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington. Arlington County, VA, Plot Section 53 Site 47, Memorial ID 18298048. He is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 42W, Line 003. Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe you will live on and your sacrifice for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

June 6, 1966

“Gone but not Forgotten” 52 years ago today, on Monday, June 6, 1966, 7th Marine Regiment lost 1 of their own heroes when Corporal Rick Lee Knight was killed by “Friendly Fire” when his own grenade ignited. Cpl Knight was the son of Herman H. Knight and Martha J. Knight of Steubenville, OH. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on July 25, 1963, in Cincinnati, OH. Cpl Knight was a Marine Rifleman, age 21, born March 23, 1945. He arrived in Vietnam and was assigned to Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPAC. During a combat patrol the Marines were closing in on a hostile force south of Binh Yen Noi in Binh Son District, when a White Phosphorus Grenade in the possession of Cpl Knight suddenly exploded causing his death from white phosphorus burns and multiple fragmentation wounds which occurred in a hostile environment. Cpl Knight is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 08E Line 015. Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe you will live on and your sacrifice for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

June 4, 1968

“Gone but not Forgotten” 49 years ago today, on Tuesday, June 4, 1968, 7th Marine Regiment lost 6 of their own heroes when Hospitalman Second Class Richard Alfred Roesler, Corporal Amelio Nino, Hospitalman Michael Dennis Soderstrom, Lance Corporal Robert Vernon Holland, Private First Class Joseph John Grillo, Jr. and Private Richard Alan Polley were killed in action. In May and June of 1968, the 7th Marines were running Operation MAMELUKE THRUST in the area southwest of Danang. On the sixteenth day of Operation MAMELUKE THRUST, the Marines of the 1st Battalion found themselves in the mountains north of the Thuong Duc Valley OPCON to the 26th Marine Regiment, conducting combat and reconnaissance patrols in the vicinity of Hill 1062. By late afternoon Marine units linked up, a Landing Zone (LZ), a Combat Base and defensive positions then prepared for the night. At approximately 2035Hours (8:35 PM), the Bravo Company perimeter was attacked with fragmentation and concussion grenades followed by a heavy volume of small arms fire. The Marines returned fire at the enemy, holding their positions from a possible enemy attack in force. A sporadic fire fight developed between the opposing forces and continued for approximately 45 minutes. Four Marines and two USN Corpsman were killed in action, twenty-one men were wounded and evacuated and two were wounded and treated in the field during the night's action. The following morning a search of the area revealed 7 enemy soldiers in green utilities KIA. The enemy unit was identified as part of the North Vietnam Army T-3 Sapper Battalion.
HM2 Roesler was a U. S. Navy Hospital Corpsman, age 21, born September 3, 1946, from Rhinelander, WI. He arrived in Vietnam on October 30, 1967, and was assigned to Headquarters and Service Company, attached for duty with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPAC. HM2 Roesler was killed in action as a result of gunshot wounds from enemy rifle fire. He had been in Vietnam 219 days. HM2 Roesler is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 60W Line 012.
Cpl Nino was the son of Amelio V. Nino and Rufugia Cuca Nino, husband of Mary M. Nino and father of Renne Nino all of Dimmitt, TX. Cpl Nino enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on January 10, 1967, in Amarillo, TX. He was a Marine Anti-Tank Assaultman, age 21, born September 23, 1946. Cpl Nino arrived in Vietnam on June 28, 1967, and was assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPAC. Cpl Nino was killed in action as a result of enemy small arms fire. He had been in Vietnam 343 days. Cpl Nino is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 60W Line 009.
HN Soderstrom was the son of Ernest Raymond Soderstrom and Dolores Haysin Soderstrom of Honolulu, HI. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on August 4, 1966, in Omaha, NE. HN Soderstrom was a U. S. Navy Hospital Corpsman, age 19, born December 23, 1948. He arrived in Vietnam on April 27, 1968, and was assigned to Headquarters and Service Company, attached for duty with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPAC. HN Soderstrom was killed in action from hostile enemy automatic weapons fire. He had been in Vietnam 39 days. HN Soderstrom is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 60W Line 012.
LCpl Holland was the son of Drury J. Holland and Lizzie J. Holland of Martinsville, VA., husband of Linda J. Holland and father of Stephanie J. Holland. LCpl Holland enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on September 1, 1967, in Richmond, VA. He was a Marine Rifleman, age 21, born February 11, 1947. LCpl Holland arrived in country on February 8, 1968, and was assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPAC. LCpl Holland was killed in action dying outright as a result of multiple fragmentation wounds from hostile artillery, rocket or mortar fire. He had been in Vietnam 118 days. LCpl Holland is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 60W Line 010.
PFC Grillo was the son of Joseph J. Grillo and Lucille L. Sullivan of Norwich, CT. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on August 8, 1967, in New Haven, CT. PFC Grillo was a Marine Rifleman, age 19, born March 18, 1949. He arrived in country on January 16, 1968, and was assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPAC. PFC Grillo was killed in action by multiple fragmentation wounds to his body. PFC Grillo had been in Vietnam 141 days. PFC Grillo is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 60W Line 009.
Pvt Polley was the son of Francis E. Polley of Nelsonville, OH, and William E. Polley Sr. Pvt Polley enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on November 30, 1967, in Columbus, OH. Pvt Polley was a Marine Rifleman, age 19, born March 28, 1948. He arrived in Vietnam on May 28, 1968, and was assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPAC. Pvt Polley was killed in action by enemy small arms fire. Pvt Polley had been in Vietnam 8 days. Pvt Polley is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 60W Line 011.
Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe all of you will live on and your sacrifices for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.

June 3, 1967

“Gone but not Forgotten” 51 years ago today, on Saturday, June 3, 1967, 7th Marine Regiment lost 3 of their own heroes when Hospitalman First Class Robert Russell Rogers, Corporal George Harry Johnson, and Lance Corporal Avery Lee Cooper were killed in action. Under the Operational control (OPCON) of the 5th Marines during Operation Union II Delta Company set up a defensive perimeter for the night near the hamlet of Chau Lam. At approximately 24:00 Hours, the night erupted with a heavy enemy mortar barrage of between fifty to sixty 82 mm mortar rounds that fell on the Marines. Heavy automatic weapons and rifle fire also raked the friendly positions causing numerous casualties. When the hostilities ceased, two Marines and a USN Corpsman were dead, twenty-three wounded requiring medical evacuation and twenty-one men were treated on the battlefield.
HM1 Rogers was the son of Henry Grady Rogers, Sr. of Cairo, GA, and the brother of Henry G. Rogers, Jr. of Atlanta, GA. HM1 Rogers was a seven year veteran of the U.S. Navy, having enlisted on December 14, 1960, in Macon, GA with previous service in the U.S. Marine Corps from July 10, 1957, to June 21, 1960, and in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves until June 13, 1960. HM1 Rogers was a Hospital Corpsman, age 28, born November 22, 1938. He arrived in Vietnam on October 30, 1966, and was assigned to Headquarters and Service Company, attached for duty with Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPAC. HM1 Rogers was killed in action as a result of multiple fragmentation wounds from hostile mortar fire. He had been in Vietnam 217 days. HM1 Rogers is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 21E Line 052.
Cpl Johnson was the son of Herbert C. and Margaret F. Johnson of Bristol, PA. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on August 30, 1965, in Philadelphia, PA. Cpl Johnson was a Marine Rifleman, age 18, born August 28, 1948. When Cpl Johnson arrived in Vietnam he was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPAC. Cpl Johnson was killed in action as a result of gunshot wounds from enemy rifle fire. Cpl Johnson is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 21E Line 047.
LCpl Cooper was a Marine Rifleman, age 22, born June 20, 1944, was from East St. Louis, IL. When LCpl Cooper arrived in Vietnam he was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein), III MAF, FMFPAC. LCpl Cooper was killed in action as a result of gunshot wounds from enemy rifle fire. LCpl Cooper is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 21E Line 042.
Someone once said, “Death is not final until you are forgotten.” While I breathe all of you will live on and your sacrifices for our freedom will be remembered. Let me just say, “Thank you and Semper Fidelis” from an old comrade and a grateful nation.