While We Wait - History of War

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Today we honor Charles Eakins of Clay, Kentucky, who fell in 1967. He is remembered by Robert, who grew up with Clay and joined the Marines with him on the "Buddy Plan":

"Charlie and i grew up in Clay, Ky, attended School together and Joined the Marines on the Buddy Plan. Charlie went to the 3rd Marine Div 2/26 Kilo Company. he was in 60 Motors. i was 0311. Grunt charlie was KIA during fighting in the DMZ west of Con then, Operation old Hickery. a M60 Man had ran out of Ammo, Mark Brantly was his Name. he said he called back for Ammo. charlie drew short straw. he ran out through heavy fire with 4 belts of our 400 rounds [to] help mark load the M60. mark said he started to fire his weapon and charlie assisted the belt of ammo. mark said he look back at charlie and he was laying face down. a Sniper had shot him threw[sic] the neck. Mark has always felt that round was for him, not charlie. he sends flowers every year for me to put on his grave."

Join us in thanking veterans like Charles, here:http://wefb.it/_kZyxg

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Today we honor Marine Pfc. Jason H. Estopinal. Estopinal was 21 and from Dallas, Georgia. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, out of Camp Lejeune, N.C. The 21 year-old Marine made the ultimate sacrifice while supporting combat operations in Afghanistan in Feb. of 2010, during Operation Enduring Freedom. 

Just as The Wall has helped the process of healing, so will the Education Center at The Wall. The Center will show the photos of those who gave their lives in Vietnam. Among the photos in the Center will be Jason Estopinal, and other Americans who gave their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. Until they get their own Memorial, they will be honored at this special place. VVMF: Healing Wounds, Honoring Warriors:http://bit.ly/LkukCS

[vietnam1969]

Peter Spencer Connor    

Peter S. Connor, Medal of Honor recipient

Born September 4, 1932

Orange, New Jersey Died March 8, 1966 (aged 33)

DOW in Vietnam Place of burial Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery,San Diego, California Allegiance United States of America Service/branch United States Marine Corps Years of service 1952-1966 Rank Staff Sergeant Unit 2nd Battalion 3rd Marines Battles/wars Korean War

Vietnam War Awards Medal of Honor (1966)

Purple Heart      

William David Morgan      

William D. Morgan,Medal of Honor recipient

Born September 17, 1947

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Died February 25, 1969 (aged 21)

KIA, Quang Tri Province, Vietnam Allegiance United States of America Service/branch United States Marine Corps Years of service 1966-1969 Rank Corporal Unit 2nd Battalion 9th Marines Battles/wars Vietnam War Awards Medal of Honor

Purple Heart       

[vietnam1969]

Douglas Thomas Jacobson    Born November 25, 1925

Rochester, New York Died August 20, 2000 (aged 74)

Port Charlotte, Florida Place of burial Arlington National Cemetery Allegiance United States of America Service/branch United States Marine Corps Years of service 1943-1945, 1946-1949, 1953-1967 Rank Major Unit 3rd Battalion 23rd Marines Battles/wars World War II

*Battle of Iwo Jima Awards Medal of Honor

Purple Heart    

Wilson Douglas Watson Nickname Doug Born February 16, 1922

Tuscumbia, Alabama Died December 19, 1994 (aged 72)

Russellville, Arkansas Buried at Russell Cemetery (35.64670°N 93.42000°WCoordinates: 35.64670°N 93.42000°W) Allegiance  United States of America Service/branch United States Marine Corps

United States Army Years of service USMC (1942-1946)

USAAF (1946 - ?)

US Army (?-1966) Rank Private (Marine Corps)

Staff Sergeant (Army) Unit 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines Battles/wars

• World War II
• Battle of Bougainville
• Battle of Guam
• Battle of Iwo Jima

Awards

• Medal of Honor
• Purple Heart    

[vietnam1969]

Jon Edward Swanson

Captain Jon Swanson

Born May 1, 1942

San Antonio, Texas Died February 26, 1971 (aged 28)

Killed in action in Cambodia Place of burial Arlington National Cemetery Allegiance United States of America Service/branch United States Army Years of service 1965 - 1971 Rank Captain United States Army Unit 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment Battles/wars Vietnam War Awards Medal of Honor

2 Distinguished Flying Crosses

2 Purple Hearts     

Maximo Yabes

First Sergeant Maximo Yabes

Nickname "Max" Born January 29, 1932

Lodi, California Died February 26, 1967 (aged 35)

near Phu Hoa Dong, Republic of Vietnam Place of burial Fort Logan National Cemetery,

Denver, Colorado Allegiance United States of America Service/branch United States Army Years of service 1950-1967 Rank First Sergeant Unit Company A, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division Battles/wars Vietnam War Awards Medal of Honor

Purple Heart     

Einar Harold Ingman, Jr.  

Medal of Honor recipient Einar Ingman

Born October 6, 1929 (age 84)

Milwaukee, Wisconsin Allegiance United States of America Service/branch United States Army Rank Sergeant Unit 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division Battles/wars Korean War Awards Medal of Honor

Purple Heart     

[Bumper64]

 

Many items left by veterans are memories of their in-country experience in Vietnam. A helmet, left at The Wall, has words scribbled on its side. 

It reads, "Keep an eye out for the enemy, bamboo vipers, dangerous insects, women on the make, Hanoi Gold, stupid Sgt.'s, Bright LT's, B.F Goodyear sandal marks, attacking...anything else you consider important."

Besides a memory, what else do you think this object symbolizes or represents?

This is one of many items you will see at the Education Center: http://bit.ly/LkukCS

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Today we honor David Janish of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, who fell in 1970. He is remembered by his wife, Carole:

"Always loved and deeply missed Dave. Never to be forgotten. It's been 44 years but doesn't seem that long in some ways. You'll always be my little brother taken away too soon...."

[vietnam1969]

William Gary Walsh    

William G. Walsh, Medal of Honor recipient

Born April 7, 1922

Roxbury, Massachusetts Died February 27, 1945 (aged 22)

KIA on Iwo Jima Place of burial Arlington National Cemetery Allegiance United States of America Service/branch United States Marine Corps Years of service 1942 - 1945 Rank  Gunnery Sergeant Unit 2nd Raider Battalion

27th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division Battles/wars World War II

*Battle of Guadalcanal

*Battle of Bougainville

*Battle of Tarawa

*Battle of Iwo Jima Awards Medal of Honor

Purple Heart     

[vietnam1969]

Herman C. Wallace Born 1924

Marlow, Oklahoma Died February 27, 1945 (aged 20–21)

near Prümzurlay, Germany Place of burial City of Lubbock Cemetery

Lubbock, Texas Allegiance United States of America Service/branch United States Army Years of service 1943 - 1945 Rank Private First Class Unit 301st Engineer Combat Battalion,76th Infantry Division Battles/wars World War II Awards Medal of Honor

Purple Heart     

Wilson Douglas Watson Nickname Doug Born February 16, 1922

Tuscumbia, Alabama Died December 19, 1994 (aged 72)

Russellville, Arkansas Buried at Russell Cemetery (35.64670°N 93.42000°WCoordinates: 35.64670°N 93.42000°W) Allegiance  United States of America Service/branch United States Marine Corps

United States Army Years of service USMC (1942-1946)

USAAF (1946 - ?)

US Army (?-1966) Rank Private (Marine Corps)

Staff Sergeant (Army) Unit 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines Battles/wars

• World War II
• Battle of Bougainville
• Battle of Guam
• Battle of Iwo Jima

Awards

• Medal of Honor
• Purple Heart       

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In the Mekong Delta region of South Vietnam, 9th Infantry Division soldiers disembark from an armored troop carrier in September 1967.

Photo / National Archives, Department of the Army

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While The Wall shows the names of those soldiers who died in the war, veterans who suffered as a result of their service in Vietnam – exposure to defoliant spray and psychological wounds – are absent from The Wall. VVMF believes that all those who serve should be honored in a similar way. Therefore, the In Memory program began in an effort to acknowledge the hardships and strengths these veterans and their families possessed after the war ended, while honoring the sacrifices they made. If you have lost a loved one as a result of their service in Vietnam, apply to have then honored through our In Memory program in 2014. Please submit your application by April 11th:http://bit.ly/19I7xpx

[vietnam1969]

John Harlan Willis   

Pharmacist's Mate First Class John Willis

Born June 10, 1921

Columbia, Tennessee Died February 28, 1945 (aged 23)

Iwo Jima Place of burial Rose Hill Cemetery,

Columbia, Tennessee Allegiance  United States of America Service/branch  United States Navy Years of service 1940-1945 Rank Pharmacist's Mate First Class Unit 3rd Battalion, 27th Marine Regiment Battles/wars World War II

 • Battle of Iwo Jima Awards Medal of Honor     

James Anderson, Jr.    

James Anderson, Jr., Medal of Honor recipient

Born January 22, 1947

Los Angeles, California Died February 28, 1967 (aged 20)

Killed in action in Quang Tri Province,Vietnam Allegiance  United States of America Service/branch  United States Marine Corps Years of service 1966–1967 Rank Private First Class Unit 2nd Battalion 3rd Marines Battles/wars Vietnam War Awards Medal of Honor

Purple Heart     

Matthew Leonard

Matthew Leonard, Medal of Honor recipient

Born November 26, 1929

Eutaw, Alabama Died February 28, 1967 (aged 37)

Vietnam Place of burial Fort Mitchell National Cemetery Fort Mitchell, Alabama Allegiance United States of America Service/branch United States Army Years of service 1949 - 1967 Rank Sergeant First Class Unit 16th Infantry Regiment Battles/wars Korean War

Vietnam Awards Medal of Honor

Purple Heart     

George Mahoney Born January 15, 1865

Worcester, Massachusetts Allegiance United States of America Service/branch United States Navy Rank Fireman First Class Unit U.S.S. Vixen Battles/wars Spanish–American War Awards Medal of Honor    

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Today we honor Donald Cook (pictured left) of Kinde, Michigan, who fell in 1968. Today would have been his birthday. He is remembered by his sister, Renee, "Donnie was a funny, sweet, caring young man and is missed by everyone who knew him. He was a good soldier and friend but most of all he was a loving brother. I miss him terribly but know he is in good hands. Happy Birthday Donnie, I love and miss you."

We also honor Dennis Clancy (pictured right) of Royal Oak, Michigan, who fell on this day in 1968. He is remembered by his good friend, Mark, "Dennis was my brother Tom's best friend and he always treated me good. I was younger but it did not matter. I still remember the last time I saw him. He worked N & S Automotive up on Woodward Ave, biggest drag strip in the country. He got me the carb and manifold for my 442. Helped me out a lot. Just a real nice guy who did not have an enemy in the world. Unfortunately that was not the case when he got to Nam. Only in country less then a month. Got caught in an ambush. The rest is to painful to recall. Tom is up there with you now Dennis. God keep you both."

Thank you both for serving! 

[vietnam1969]

                                            TO BOTH OF YOU 

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Today we honor John Schiffhauer of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, who fell on this day in 1969. He is remembered by his Army friend, Bob: 

"John ('Shifty') was our pal in 1st Flight of the 119th Assault Helicopter Company, crew chief of UH-1 Huey slick Gator 390. On March 1, 1969, the 4th Infantry Division kicked off Operation Wayne Grey against the North Vietnamese Army in the Plei Trap Valley west of Kontum, on the Cambodia/Laos border. Shifty was killed on the initial assault into LZ Swinger, and his pals in the 119th AHC have never forgotten him."

Thank you for serving, John: http://bit.ly/ONRsLQ

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Today we honor Jack Jordan Jr. of Columbia, Mississippi, who fell on this day in 1968. He is remembered by his sister, Janet: 

"Our brother, Jack Joseph Jordan, Jr., fell this day March 2, 1968, Gia Dinh, South Vietnam. Jackie is missed as much (or more) today as 46 years ago."

We thank you for serving.
Learn about those who paid the ultimate sacrifice here:http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/

[vietnam1969]

James K. L. Duncan Born July 6, 1845
Frankfort Mineral Springs, Pennsylvania Died March 27, 1913 (aged 67) Buried at Wood National Cemetery Allegiance  United States of America Service/branch  United States Navy Rank Ordinary Seaman Unit Awards  Medal of Honor     

 

 

Medal of Honor citation[edit]

Served on board the U.S.S. Fort Hindman during the engagement near Harrisonburg, Louisiana, 2 March 1864. Following a shellburst at one of the guns which started a fire at the cartridge tie, Ordinary Seaman Duncan immediately seized the burning cartridge, took it from the gun and threw it overboard, despite the immediate danger to himself. Carrying out his duties through the entire engagement, Duncan served courageously during this action in which the Fort Hindman was raked severely with shot and shell from the enemy guns.

[1]

[2]

Harry Harvey Born February 16, 1873
New York, New York Died April 5, 1929 (aged 56) Place of burial Los Angeles National Cemetery
Los Angeles, California Allegiance  United States of America Service/branch  United States Marine Corps Years of service 1898 - 1903 Rank Sergeant Battles/wars Philippine–American War Awards Medal of Honor   

I can not find anymore information on this Medal of Honor recipient.

 

 

 

William P. Johnston Navy Landsman Aboard theUSS Fort Hindman, near Harrisonburg,Louisiana Mar 2, 1864 Continued to work the ship's guns despite being badly wounded.    

James Madison Nickname A.K.A. James Congdon Born 1842
Niagara, New York Died August 7, 1926 (aged 83–84) Allegiance United States of America Service/branch United States Army Years of service 1861 - 1865 Rank Sergeant Unit Company E, 8th New York Cavalry Battles/wars American Civil War Awards Medal of Honor        Citation reads:  Recapture of Gen. Crook's headquarters flag.^[2]

John Miller Born 1839
Kurhessen, Germany Died March 8, 1882 Allegiance United States of America
Union Service/branch Union Army Years of service 1863 - 1865 Rank Private Unit 8th New York Cavalry Battles/wars American Civil War
 • Battle of Waynesboro, Virginia Awards Medal of Honor       His citation reads, "capture of flag."

Hugh Molloy

Ordinary Seaman Hugh Molloy

Born September 25, 1841^[1]
Comerford, Ireland^[1] Died March 8, 1922 Place of burial Calvary Cemetery, Evanston, Illinois Allegiance United States of America
Union Service/branch United States Navy Rank Ordinary Seaman Unit USS Fort Hindman (1862) Battles/wars American Civil War Awards Medal of Honor           

Medal of Honor citation[edit]

Rank and Organization:

Ordinary Seaman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1832, Illinois. Accredited to: Illinois. G.O. No.: 32, April 16, 1864.

Citation:

Served on board the U.S.S. Fort Hindman during the engagement near Harrisonburg, La., 2 March 1864. Following a shellburst which mortally wounded the first sponger, who dropped the sponge out of the forecastle port, Molloy jumped out of the port to the forecastle, recovered the sponge and sponged and loaded the gun for the remainder of the action from his exposed position, despite the extreme danger to his person from the raking fire of enemy musketry.^[2]

 

See also[edit] Edited March 3, 2014 by vietnam1969

[Bumper64]

 

Today we honor Charlie Alandt of Royal Oak, Michigan, who fell on this day in 1967. He is remembered by his good friend, Mark: 

"Charlie was just special. I remember a really cool and nice guy who took the time to stop and talk to me. He was a senior about to graduate and I was just some kid, a Sophomore in high school. I still remember him saying "kid, by time you get out of school this war willbe over don't worry about it." Little did I know that would be the first and last time I would see him. I remember the day my brother told me how Charlie came out of a hole (he was a tunnel rat) and a sniper got him. What a waste...only knew him for a brief moment but his kindness always stayed with me. God keep you Charlie, you are missed."

Thank you for your service, Charlie:http://bit.ly/1hYDCyu

[vietnam1969]

ON THIS DATE IN 1945 THERE WERE FIVE BRAVE MEN WHO WON  THE RIGHT TO WEAR "THE MEDAL OF HONOR."     I WILL LIST THEM BY THEIR NAMES ONLY AND IF YOU WISH TO LOOK THEM UP AND READ THEIR CITATIONS, PLEASE DO. THEY ARE:

 

CHARLES J BERRY    USMC

WILLIAM R CADDY      USMC RESERVE

WILLIAM G HARRELL  USMC

GEORGE E WAHLEN    NAVY

JACK WILLIAMS            USNR

 

THESE MEN WERE FIGHTING AND TREATING THE WOUNDED ON IWO JIMA                 

[vietnam1969]

SORRY I MISSED THIS ONE YESTERDAY

Nicholas Joseph Cutinha

Medal of Honor

Born January 13, 1945
Fernandina Beach, Florida Died March 2, 1968 (aged 23)
near Gia Dinh, Republic of Vietnam Place of burial Fort Denaud Cemetery, Fort Denaud, Florida Allegiance United States of America Service/branch United States Army Years of service 1967 - 1968 Rank Specialist Four Unit 9th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division Battles/wars Vietnam War Awards Medal of Honor
Purple Heart       

Medal of Honor citation[edit]

Specialist Cutinha's official Medal of Honor citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. While serving as a machine gunner with Company C, Sp4c. Cutinha accompanied his unit on a combat mission near Gia Dinh. Suddenly his company came under 

small arms

, 

automatic weapons

, 

mortar

 and 

rocket propelled grenade

 fire, from a

battalion

 size enemy unit. During the initial hostile attack, communication with the battalion was lost and the company commander and numerous members of the company became casualties. When Sp4c. Cutinha observed that his company was pinned down and disorganized, he moved to the front with complete disregard for his safety, firing his machine gun at the charging enemy. As he moved forward he drew fire on his own position and was seriously wounded in the leg. As the hostile fire intensified and half of the company was killed or wounded, Sp4c. Cutinha assumed command of all the survivors in his area and initiated a withdrawal while providing covering fire for the evacuation of the wounded. He killed several enemy soldiers but sustained another leg wound when his machine gun was destroyed by incoming rounds. Undaunted, he crawled through a hail of enemy fire to an operable machine gun in order to continue the defense of his injured comrades who were being administered medical treatment. Sp4c. Cutinha maintained this position, refused assistance, and provided defensive fire for his comrades until he fell mortally wounded. He was solely responsible for killing 15 enemy soldiers while saving the lives of at least 9 members of his own unit. Sp4c. Cutinha's gallantry and extraordinary heroism were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

[2]

Lester Ray Stone, Jr.

Army Medal of Honor

Born June 4, 1947
Binghamton, New York Died March 3, 1969 (aged 21)
Republic of Vietnam Place of burial Chenango Valley Cemetery, Binghamton, New York Allegiance  United States of America Service/branch  United States Army Years of service 1967 - 1969 Rank Sergeant Unit 20th Infantry Regiment, 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division Battles/wars Vietnam War Awards Medal of Honor
Purple Heart      

Medal of Honor citation[edit]

Sergeant Stone's official Medal of Honor citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Stone, distinguished himself while serving as squad leader of the 1st Platoon. The 1st Platoon was on a combat patrol mission just west of Landing Zone Liz when it came under intense automatic weapons and grenade fire from a well concealed company-size force of North Vietnamese regulars. Observing the platoon machinegunner fall critically wounded, Sgt. Stone remained in the exposed area to provide cover fire for the wounded soldier who was being pulled to safety by another member of the platoon. With enemy fire impacting all around him, Sgt. Stone had a malfunction in the machinegun, preventing him from firing the weapon automatically. Displaying extraordinary courage under the most adverse conditions, Sgt. Stone repaired the weapon and continued to place on the enemy positions effective suppressive fire which enabled the rescue to be completed. In a desperate attempt to overrun his position, an enemy force left its cover and charged Sgt. Stone. Disregarding the danger involved, Sgt. Stone rose to his knees and began placing intense fire on the enemy at pointblank range, killing 6 of the enemy before falling mortally wounded. His actions of unsurpassed valor were a source of inspiration to his entire unit, and he was responsible for saving the lives of a number of his fellow soldiers. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military profession and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

[2]

Alfred Mac Wilson   

Alfred M. Wilson, posthumous Medal of Honor recipient

Nickname "Mac" Born January 13, 1948
Olney, Illinois Died March 3, 1969 (aged 21)
Killed in action in Quang Tri Province,Republic of Vietnam Place of burial Sunset Memorial Gardens CemeteryOdessa, Texas Allegiance United States of America Service/branch United States Marine Corps Years of service 1967-1969 Rank Private First Class Unit 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines Battles/wars Vietnam War Awards Medal of Honor
Purple Heart      

Medal of Honor citation[edit]

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS ALFRED M. WILSON
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following CITATION:^[4]

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 M, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, Third Marine Division in action against hostile forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On March 3, 1969, while returning from a reconnaissance in force mission in the vicinity of Fire support Base Cunningham in Quang Tri Province, the First Platoon of Company M came under intense automatic weapons fire and a grenade attack from a well-concealed North Vietnamese Army force pinning down the center of the column. Rapidly assessing the situation, Private First Class Wilson, acting as Squad Leader, skillfully maneuvered his squad to form a base of fire and act as a blocking force while the point squad moved to outflank the enemy. During the ensuing fire fight, both his machine gunner and assistant machine gunner were seriously wounded and unable to operate their weapon. Realizing the importance of recovering the M-60 machine gun and maintaining a heavy volume of fire against the hostile force, Private First Class Wilson, with complete disregard for his own safety, followed by another Marine, fearlessly dashed across the fire-swept terrain to recover the weapon. As they reached the machine gun, a North Vietnamese soldier threw a grenade at the Marine. Reacting instantly, Private First Class Wilson fired a burst from his M-16 rifle killing the enemy soldier. Observing the grenade fall between himself and the other Marine, Private First Class Wilson, fully realizing the inevitable result of his actions, shouted to his companion and unhesitatingly threw himself on the grenade, absorbing the full force of the explosion with his own body. His heroic actions inspired his platoon members to maximum effort as they aggressively attacked and defeated the enemy. Private First Class Wilson's indomitable courage, inspiring valor and selfless devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. Edited March 3, 2014 by vietnam1969

[tankdude]

Just a reminder that not all the wounds show.  This is a young soldier who was in the Infantry company I was with in Iraq. Today is the 7th anniversary of his passing.

You are not forgotten, trooper.  We will meet again at Fiddler's green.

 

 

"Chris Dana joined the Montana National Guard as a senior in high school in 2003. “He wanted to do something with his life,” Lisa Kuntz, his mother, said.

 

More than a year after graduating, in November 2004, Dana, a voracious reader and video gamer, went to Iraq as a gunner for Montana’s 1-163rd Infantry Battalion. He spent his deployment in Northern Iraq, often patrolling the notorious “Highway of Death” from behind the guns of a Humvee during the height of the insurgency.

 

Dana came back a year later a profoundly different man. He gradually isolated himself from friends and family, stopped showing up for work at Target, quit attending his mandatory National Guard drills and because of this was less than honorably discharged.

 

On March 4, 2007, at age 23, leaving no note, he shot and killed himself in his room. His father, Gary Dana, found the crumpled discharge notice from two days earlier together with a receipt for .22 caliber rifle shells.

 

Dana’s death was the impetus for a task force that took a hard look at the post-deployment effort, especially the mental health screening process of returning Montana National Guardsmen and women. That investigation found Dana’s case wasn’t isolated, and that other returning service members were rushed through the same inadequate system and left with nowhere to turn."

 

http://hiddensurge.nationalsecurityzone.org/how-one-mans-suicide-change-montant-and-the-national-guard/nggallery/image/image/

 SPC Dana's death changed the way the entire National Guard now treats their returning warriors. It's sad that it took something like this to make the needed changes, but, in my mind, I think he would be pleased that in the end he has helped so many.

[vietnam1969]

Troy A. McGill Born July 15, 1914
Knoxville, Tennessee Died March 4, 1944 (aged 29)
Los Negros Island Place of burial Knoxville National CemeteryKnoxville, Tennessee Allegiance United States of America Service/branch United States Army Years of service 1940 - 1944 Rank Sergeant Unit 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division Battles/wars

World War II

• Admiralty Islands campaign

Awards Medal of Honor       

Medal of Honor citation[edit]

Sergeant McGill's official Medal of Honor citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy at Los Negros Island, Admiralty Group, on 4 March 1944. In the early morning hours Sgt. McGill, with a squad of 8 men, occupied a 

revetment

which bore the brunt of a furious attack by approximately 200 drink-crazed enemy troops. Although covered by crossfire from machine-guns on the right and left flank he could receive no support from the remainder of our troops stationed at his rear. All members of the squad were killed or wounded except Sgt. McGill and another man, whom he ordered to return to the next revetment. Courageously resolved to hold his position at all cost, he fired his weapon until it ceased to function. Then, with the enemy only 5 yards away, he charged from his foxhole in the face of certain death and clubbed the enemy with his rifle in hand-to-hand combat until he was killed. At dawn 105 enemy dead were found around his position. Sgt. McGill's intrepid stand was an inspiration to his comrades and a decisive factor in the defeat of a fanatical enemy.

Edited March 4, 2014 by vietnam1969

[Bumper64]

 

Today we honor Arthur Hill of Wilmington, Delaware, who fell on this day in 1969 and served as the Platoon Right Guide for 3rd Platoon, "M" Company, 3rd Battalion/26th Marines. He is remembered by his son. 

Thank you for serving, Arthur!

If you would like for us to honor a fallen Vietnam veteran on our Facebook page, visit:http://bit.ly/1gEGvED
*Because of the high demand, we may honor multiple veterans together.

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Today we honor Sgt. Jamar Hicks of Little Rock, Arkansas, who fell on his birthday in August, 2013. He was 22. Jamar was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. He fell as a result of wounds caused by indirect fire along with two others. A decorated sergeant, Jamar received the Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge and the Air Assault Badge.

Our newest initiative, The Education Center at The Wall will be a celebration of service, honoring those who served and sacrificed. The Center will show the photos of all the men and women who gave their lives in Vietnam. And until they get their own memorial, the Center will hold the photos of those who gave their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan: http://bit.ly/LkukCS

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"I was drafted at 19 yrs old. I saw the hippies and those burning their draft cards on camera and shouting "Hell no, we won't go." but something inside me told me though I don't want to go, I must do what I think is right.

 

My country's calling was right and I knew it. How could I call myself a patriotic American if I didn't. I was put into the 1st CAV. 8th Engrs. as a mechanic on heavy equipment. We were fired on at times while working to repair dozers, graders etc. and had to take shelter from mortar rounds coming in on occasion.

 

My buddy Ed Gaines from Indiana was wounded and received purple heart. When we returned, we were sent to Sea-Tac Washington state because there were so many protesters in San Francisco. When we got off the plane in Seattle we were told if there are protesters, do not respond.

 

I remember thinking, "This is the thanks we get for not burning our draft cards" My buddy Ed and I wrote back and forth for a while and then in 2007, we were able to hold a reunion with other comrades, Bill Arasz, Bob Haff, Gary Rousseau. It was very emotional. We spent three days together. We have had two more reunions since then and plan another.

 

Yes, I am proud of my service but I will never forget the "Unwelcome home" of my fellow Americans. I am so glad the attitude toward our current troops is so positive, they deserve it! -God Bless America!" - Robert Comer, served June 1966 - June 1968 in the Army.