Vietnam Losses of the Members of the USMC 38th OCC / BC 3-66

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Fickler, Edwin

Hackett, David

Hayes, Wayne

Holt, Robert

Howell, Gatlin

Romero, Robert

Rumley, Robert Jr.

Rank: Captain
Died of Wounds

PERSONAL

Full Name: Robert Patrick Rumley Jr.
Date of Birth: August 5, 1942
Single/Married: Single
Spouse: -
Children's Names: -
Home of Record: Boston, MA
College: Boston College

MILITARY

OCS Platoon: A-2
TBS Platoon: E-4
TBS Class Standing: 261
MOS: 0301
Serial Number: 093411
Component (Reserve or Regular): Reserve
Rank: Captain, at time of death
Start of Tour: -

CASUALTY

Casualty Date: DOW – May 18, 1968
casualty Type: Hostile, Died
Reason: Died of wounds incurred on September 2, 1966
Air or Ground: Air
Country: South Vietnam
Province: -
Postumous Promotion or Award: Distinguished Flying Cross & Purple Heart
Body Recovered: Recovered
Location on Wall: Panel 14E - Row 095

REMEMBERANCE

May 19, 2006

The following article appeared in the 19 May 2006 online edition of The Washington Post:
After a 38-Year Wait, An Etching on the Wall, 4 Names Join Vietnam Veterans Memorial
By Sue Anne Pressley Montes
Washington Post Staff Writer

Everyone else knew him as "Red," because of his flaming hair. But at home, he was always "Bobby," his family said. And he was a good, big brother.

Robert Patrick Rumley Jr. died at age 25 on May 18, 1968, from wounds he suffered as a Marine captain in Vietnam. But it took exactly 38 years -- and the determined efforts of his siblings -- to get his name etched on the black granite expanse of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

"Obviously, this means a great sense of closure -- it's like having a wound heal properly," said his brother, Mark Rumley, 53, of Boston as he stood next to the Wall yesterday. "But more than that, I think its best described as an affirmation of the truth about our brother's sacrifice. And he's finally taking his place with his comrades."

Four names, including Rumley's, were added this week to the monument in what has become nearly an annual ritual. Almost every year at this time, just before Memorial Day, a few more names are inscribed after approval by the Department of Defense, said Lisa Gough, spokeswoman for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. The names are usually etched in whatever empty spaces are available, she said, and placed as close as possible to others with the same casualty dates. In most instances, these names were not included when the Wall was erected in 1982 because of lost medical records, other missing documents or some other oversight.

Often, as in Rumley's case, it is the relatives who end up making the appeal. For years, his family was troubled that the name of their beloved son and brother was not on the Wall. They were never sure why not. Rumley died 20 months after the helicopter he was riding in was shot down by enemy fire, and he never recovered from his wounds. His parents, who have since died, were so devastated by his death that they did not have the heart to pursue the matter, Mark Rumley said.

But a few years ago, Bobby Rumley's siblings decided to take up the cause.

"It was certainly a cumbersome process," said Mark Rumley, a lawyer. "There's no real road map. We had to file three different petitions dealing with medical records and military records."

But all that was behind them yesterday as he and two brothers, Michael, 62, and Jon, 45, also of Boston, leaned forward to watch as stonecutter Jim Lee carefully etched "Robert P. Rumley Jr." into the granite.

Others included this week were Army Specialist Bobby Gene Barbre of Carmi, Illinois; Marine Lance Corporal George Bryant Givens Jr. of Robards, Kentucky.; and Marine Pfc. Hans Jorg Rudolph Lorenz of Midland, Ontario, Canada.

The additions, which will become official when they are read at a Memorial Day ceremony May 29, bring the number of names on the Wall to 58,253.

"Every name is special," said Lee, of Great Panes Glassworks Inc. in Denver, which has etched several hundred names on the Wall since 1986. "Every name added further completes the memorial."

The years seemed to fade away as the Rumley brothers remembered Bobby, the oldest son. "There was no back step in his personality. If he began something, he'd see it through," said Mark Rumley, who was 15 when his brother died. "It's a bittersweet thing. It seems like I'm 15 again today, and I'm not."

After graduating from Boston College in 1965 with a business degree, Bobby Rumley joined the Marines and went to Vietnam in the spring of 1966. He was platoon commander on Sept. 2, 1966, when the Viet Cong began firing mortar rounds at the Chinook helicopter he was in. In a tribute recently written for the family, one of the men in his platoon, Ernest "Doc" Ellis, described Rumley as "an intense fighter" who "never surrendered to his injuries," even as guerrilla fighters got within 10 meters of him.

"He remained calm, cool, collected, and always in command," Ellis wrote. " . . . He answered his country's call to arms and forged his answer with honor, courage, and patriotism."

As tourists milled about them yesterday, the Rumley brothers watched Lee do his work, a painstaking technique that takes only about 10 minutes but requires careful attention to stroke and depth to match the other names.

They will be back soon, the brothers say, for the Memorial Day program, along with about 30 relatives. But before they left yesterday, they stepped forward to do what so many visitors to the memorial do.

With tears in their eyes, they each took pencil and paper and made a rubbing of their brother's name.

Posted by: Kelly Malloy
e-Mail: kellyamalloy@comcast.net
Relationship: Niece
September 11, 2006

Lt. Robert “Red” Rumley USMC
A Tribute By Ernest “Doc” Ellis (U. S. Navy, Corpsman, who served with Foxtrot Company, 2/1)

Contributors: Maj. General Gene Deegan, USMC;
The Family of Captain Robert P. “Red” Rumley, USMC

It was the first week of August, 1966. The 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Division had just completed its participation in the bloody operation called “Hastings”. I joined them that same month. My assignment: Senior Corpsman, Fox Company. Fox Company had been depleted. Many had been killed, including its Commanding Officer and Senior Corpsman, before North Vietnamese General Gap decided to withdraw his decimated North Vietnamese troops to a point north the Demilitarized Zone.

Then Captain Gene Deegan had assumed command of Fox Company during late August 1966. Under his command things changed quickly for the beleaguered Company. Morale improved and the casualty rate declined. He kept us in the field on many frequent excursions. Each evening just short of full dusk, Fox's platoons would set a defensive perimeter. After dark, we would move to another location. Using this method, Vietnamese guerillas the Viet Cong were less able to pin point our position. Morning casualties from sniper fire nearly stopped as Marines no longer gave in to that Herding Syndrome or behaving overly relaxed.

Marine 2nd Lt. Robert P. “Red” Rumley Jr. joined the company just prior to Captain Deegan’s arrival. Having just completed embarkation school in Okinawa, Red was excited to be a platoon commander and anxious to test himself in battle. A graduate of Boston College and Marine Officer Training School at Quantico Virginia, Red had earned a reputation as an intense fighter. Captain Deegan has described him as “exactly the kind of enthusiastic professional that you looked for in a platoon commander”.

September 2, 1966 was a warm, humid, rainless day, different from other days in only one respect. Foxtrot had been selected by Division to be ready for any “Sparrow Hawk” mission assigned during a twenty-four period. This meant we had to have a platoon sized reaction force ready to deploy on very short notice to respond to a contingency in the DaNang Area of Operations. Then the call came in. We were to provide security to Marine Engineers while they detonated two unexploded bombs. They had been dropped earlier in the day and each weighed two hundred fifty pounds. I was assigned to Lt. Red's platoon.

Late in the afternoon we were activated. Lt. Red’s platoon reported to the landing zone to load helicopters and deploy to the contingency area.

His platoon saddled-up quickly. Each Marine double checked his weapon. Backpacks were filled with provisions enough for the duration of the anticipated operation.

At 1800H two Chinook helicopters lifted off with Lt. Red and his marines. I boarded one with the Lt., Cpl McDonald and other marines. The second chopper was piloted by Major Reap.

In flight engine noise made conversations impossible. Some Marines setting next to each other shouted into each other's ears. But, for the most part we were all silent. I remember the Lt. taking a map from a pocket of his trousers. He spent a good deal of time during that flight studying the map; making sure he could identify landmarks, tree lines, etc. once we were on the ground.

It was 30 minutes, give or take, from lift off until we made the first landing attempt.

As both choppers began their decent into a Landing Zone, muzzle flashes from Viet Cong guerilla fighters shot up at the choppers. They did not indicate a large enemy force. As the Chinooks began their fast, ass-end down, landing they came under intense automatic rifle fire while mortar rounds exploded nearby. Both chopper pilots aborted their landing, climbed to a safe altitude and began circling the Landing Zone. They continued circling the Landing Zone for thirty minutes. By 1900H dusk began setting in. Muzzle flashes became more prominent. At 1915H Red's choppers began their descent.

At 1928 hours on September 2, 1966 the Chinook carrying Lt. Red, myself and the others crashed. A Viet Cong's lucky mortar shot had blown apart the chopper's rear transmission as its pilot attempted to abort his second landing. Lt. Red and his men were in a hot landing zone.

The flash of a bright orange-red fireball filled the chopper's aft section just milliseconds before it slammed ass-end first into a dry rice paddy field. Lt. Red was seated just inside the chopper's ramp, just aft of the last porthole near the ramp and almost directly under the rotor blade driveshaft. The mortar shot had hit the chopper directly above him. The fireball engulfed the section where Red, the radio operator, Cpl McDonald and I sat. I don't know if the others felt heat -- I did not. We were all tossed with a relentless and unforgiving force in all directions as the thirty-two ton chopper's ramp hit ground and began its belly flop to a stop.

I must have been knocked-out for a few moments because my next memory is of lying on my back, unable to sit up due to something being caught on the back of my flack jacket. I don’t know how but I broke free. The chopper's interior was still flame bright. I couldn’t detect anyone inside. Just as I broke my way through an opening, I saw Lt. Red. He was quite near to me. Flames began consuming the chopper's remains as he started a slow and steady crawl toward a section that had been ripped away from the side of the Chinook. The agonizing pain of what we would later know to be a fractured pelvis, scapula and shoulder, showed in his face as he silently pulled himself along with one arm. It was the feat of an iron-man.

As Lt. Red was able to lift his head through the opening in the torn section, ragged sheet metal blocked his escape. Two marines then grabbed his shirt at its shoulders. With a not so gentle tug they pulled their leader through the jagged opening and onto the ground. They then quickly dragged him, face down, a few meters away from the burning chopper. Lt. Red never cried out or whimpered. He simply asked his rescuers to roll him onto his back.

Every marine aboard that chopper sustained injuries; pilot and co-pilot had severe back injuries, the chopper's gunner had a crushed chest, a rifleman had a severe head injury, and a fire team leader had a severed leg artery.

After the chopper crashed, those Marines who were able had hastily set up a 360 defensive perimeter and directed the evacuation of the chopper's pilots and crew.

Viet Cong guerilla fighters got within ten meters of Lt. Red before Marines cut them down. Red never surrendered to his injuries. He remained calm, cool, collected and always in command.

The second chopper, piloted by Major Reap was still airborne. He had aborted his second landing attempt due to intense enemy fire. Not knowing if any of us had survived the crash, he landed within a few meters of our burning chopper. Lt. Red’s Marines climbed up and over the chopper's ramp and immediately began loading the wounded, including Lt. Red, aboard. Maj. Reap then lifted off and flew us to 3rd Medical Battalion located near DaNang. He then returned twice to the Landing Zone to pick up the remaining Marines.

Thirty-five years later I learned that Lt. Red never recovered from his injuries. In the months after the chopper crash he found it difficult to walk because of pain he experienced in his left hip. The early symptoms of limping continued to worsen and gradually, as the months went by, he weakened progressively as paralysis took away his ability to move- one limb at a time.

He was treated at the Chelsea Naval Hospital in Massachusetts until early 1968. His life by then comprised of a series of seizures and continued paralysis. Again he fought valiantly. In the last months of his life he lay comatose- not responding to any stimulus. An airway inserted to assist his breathing as his condition progressively declined. He died as a result of a brain tumor at the Faulkner Hospital in Boston on May 18, 1968… a brain tumor that had its genesis in the injuries he suffered during the helicopter crash in Vietnam 20 months earlier.

This spring, Lt. Red’s name will be added to the Vietnam Wall in Washington. It is recognition long merited and long overdue.

Red Rumley was a Marine. He should be remembered for how he lived and for how he died- with character. His is a story that is repeated often- as often as a young man or woman enlists to serve our country. His is the story of a young man from a working class American family who answered his country’s call to arms and forged his answer with honor, courage, and patriotism. A good man, a fine Marine, a heroic figure, an American- who died of wounds sustained at 1928H, 2 September 1966.

Semper Fi

Posted by: Mark E. Rumley
e-Mail: mrumley@medford.org
Relationship: He is my brother

Sauer, Philip

Rank: 1^st Lieutenant
Killed In Action

PERSONAL

Full Name: Philip Howard Sauer
Date of Birth: July 6, 1942
Single/Married: Single
Spouse: -
Children's Names: -
Home of Record: Coronado, CA
College: -

MILITARY

OCS Platoon: -
TBS Platoon: E-5
TBS Class Standing: 101
MOS: 1801
Serial Number: 093419
Component (Reserve or Regular): Reserve
Rank: 1^st Lieutenant
Start of Tour: -

CASUALTY

Casualty Date: KIA – April 24, 1967
casualty Type: Hostile, Died
Reason: Other Explosive Device
Air or Ground: Ground
Country: South Vietnam
Province: Quang Tri
Postumous Promotion or Award: No Change
Body Recovered: Recovered
Location on Wall: Panel 18E - Row 081

REMEMBERANCE

September 1, 2004

Philip is buried at Ft Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, CA .

Posted by: Robert Sage
e-Mail: rsage@austin.rr.com
November 19, 2004

Early on the morning of the April 24, 1967, 2Lt Thomas G. King had led 30 men from B-2 plus an 81mm mortar section (two tubes) with approximately 120 rounds of mortar ammo and Ist Lt Phillip H. Sauer, commander of the ONTOS section at Khe Sanh, to Hill 700, about a click south of 861, to provide security for the sweeping B-I and B-3.

Upon reaching XD 805435, Lt King set up his 81 and at about 0930H, began to fire into the cave area on the northwest slope of Hill 861. About an hour later, he dispatched a 5-man OP to proceed up the trail to the top of Hill 861 for a better advantage so they could call fire missions and possibly air support for the two platoons. The OP advanced until it reached a bamboo thicket about 300 meters from the top of the hill, at 1100H, and was ambushed by dug-in 20-30 NVA. The point man went down yelling, "I'm hit!" and just lay on the trail. Lt Sauer and PFC William Marks made it to a foxhole; the radioman and security took cover about 15 feet behind them. The NVA soldiers began plastering them with fire. Lt Sauer was armed with only a pistol.

Posted by: Lionel Raymond

Sevell, Robert

Rank: Captain
Killed In Action

PERSONAL

Full Name: Robert Lee Sevell
Date of Birth: April 23, 1943
Single/Married: Married
Spouse: -
Children's Names: -
Home of Record: Clark, NJ
College: -

MILITARY

OCS Platoon: D-4
TBS Platoon: Pensacola CH46
TBS Class Standing: -
MOS: 7562
Serial Number: 093427
Component (Reserve or Regular): Reserve
Rank: Captain
Start of Tour: January 1, 1968

CASUALTY

Casualty Date: KIA - February 28, 1968
casualty Type: Hostile, Died
Reason: Air Loss, Crash – Land
Air or Ground: Helicopter – Crew
Country: South Vietnam
Province: Quang Tri
Postumous Promotion or Award: No Change
Body Recovered: Recovered
Location on Wall: Panel 41E - Row 072

REMEMBERANCE

October 16, 2010

Information from popasmoke.org

Incident Date 680228 HMM-262 CH-46D 153360+ Hostile Fire, Crash The aircraft piloted by Major Meixner and co-piloted by Captain Sevell took ground fire as it approached Khe Sanh Combat Base on February 28, 1968. The NVA rounds started a fire in the aft portion of the cabin. The aircraft became uncontrollable and crashed. The entire crew and passengers were KIA, except Corporal Danny Gard of Ballinger, TX who was badly burned and later died of wounds on May 28, 1968.

[CREW]
Benigni, Alfredo Cpl Crew Chief HMM-262 MAG-36 680228 (vvm 41E:059)
Gard, Danny D Cpl Crew HMM-262 MAG-36 680228 (vvm 41E:065)
McCabe, Marc Wayne Sgt Crew HMM-262 MAG-36 680228 (vvm 41E:070)
Meixner, Edwin George Maj Pilot HMM-262 MAG-36 680228 (vvm 41E:069)
Sevell, Robert Lee Capt Co-Pilot HMM-262 MAG-36 680228 (vvm 41E:072)
Thotland, John Alfred LCpl Crew HMM-262 MAG-36 680228 (vvm 42E:001)
Toth, John Paul Sgt Crew HMM-262 MAG-36 680228 (vvm 42E:002)

[PASSENGERS]
Balades, David Zavala PFC Passenger H&SCo/3rdShorePtyBn 3rdMarDiv 680228 (vvm 41E:058)
Bradley, Kenneth Robert Cpl Passenger HMM-262 MAG-36 680228 (vvm 41E:059)
Caldwell, Robert Edward Cpl Passenger H&SCo/3/26 3rdMarDiv 680228 (vvm 41E:060)
Christman, Ronald S H LCpl Passenger HMM-262 MAG-36 680228 (vvm 41E:060)
Coles, Kyle J LCpl Passenger H&MS-36 MAG-36 680228 (vvm 41E:061)
Cooper, Donald Nathaniel Cpl Passenger HMM-262 MAG-36 680228 (vvm 41E:062)
Dempsey, Ronald Lee Cpl Passenger BttyB/1/13 3rdMarDiv 680228 (vvm 41E:063)
Dwyer Jr., Matthew Murice LCpl Passenger A/3rdEngBn 3rdMarDiv 680228 (vvm 41E:063)
Ellis, John Patrick Capt (PP) Passenger MABS-36 MAG-36 680228 (vvm 41E:064)
Labonte, Donald Arthur HN Passenger H&SCo/2/26 3rdMarDiv 680228 (vvm 41E:068)
Mikels Jr., James Herbert Sgt Passenger H&SCo/1/26 3rdMarDiv 680228 (vvm 41E:069)
Parsons, Charles Edward Sgt Passenger HQCo/5thCOMMBn ForceLogCom 680228 (vvm 41E:070)
Spillman, Charles Otto BU1 Passenger NMCB-301, 31st NCR 680228 (vvm 41E:074)
Stanton, Emmett Charles PFC Passenger A/3rdEngBn 3rdMarDiv 680228 (vvm 41E:074)
Stull, Jay Webster Capt Passenger HQCo/HQBn 3rdMarDiv 680228 (vvm 41E:069)
Turner, William Oliver Cpl Passenger H&SCo/3rdShorePtyBn 3rdMarDiv 680228 (vvm 42E:001)

HMM-262 Command Chronology:
Flight Schedule Wednesday, 28 February 1968:
OPS DUTY OFFICER: 1stLt Cole
SQUADRON DUTY OFFICER: Lt Klahn

EVENT#, A/C CMDR, CO-PILOT, MISSION

20-1, Maj Meixner, Sevell, 53 KS
20-2, Barba, Otto, 53 KS
20-3, Maj Therriault, Bratton, 53 KS
20-4, Richards, Morrison, 53 KS

Personal Narrative - from HMM-262 website:
"...The pilots of that ill fated aircraft were Major Ed Meixner and Capt Robert Sevell. There were other personnel on board who were not members of HMM-262. They were getting a ride to Khe Sanh. The mission that day was to bring a repair crew to Khe Sanh to recover a battle damaged CH-46 from HMM-262. It was our practice to take a direct route to Khe Sanh but the VC and NVA spotted this route and set up automatic weapons in strategic locations to direct large volumes of fire on our aircraft. To counteract the VC, we altered our flight path to approach Khe Sanh from another direction. The VC spotted this and again set up automatic weapons to shoot at our aircraft. Our aircraft took numerous hits and crashed in flames with one survivor who died later that evening at the Dong Ha medical facility. There was a magnificent effort to recover the crew with 3rd Division Marines helicoptered in to set up a perimeter defense around the crash site and VMO-6 providing air cover. If necessary, fixed wing aircraft were standing by. We were not going to leave any one behind. Dave Althoff flew the medevac aircraft picking up the entire crew. Our Flight Surgeon, Drew Morris was with the rescue force to provide immediate medical care...."

Posted by: Mel Steinberg, Commanding Officer

Personal Narrative - from HMM-262 website:
The narrative which follows was provided by Corporal Kellan "K-Bar" Kyllo, 1966-1968, crewchief of the lead aircraft of a mission involved two HMM-262 aircraft that launched from Quang Tri with the destination of Khe Sanh for the purpose of taking a recovery crew to repair an A/C at the Khe Sanh Combat Base.

"... Fred Benigni was the crewchief (of the chase aircraft) but I don't remember which men were the two gunners, the extra crewmembers were members of the recovery team. I was in the lead plane. The HAC (helicopter commander of the lead aircraft) was Capt. Conroy. Major Meixner commanded the chase plane. My aircraft had just crossed over a ridge at tree top level that was thick blanket of fog. When the chase plane crossed the ridge at almost that same spot, the aircraft radioed that they had taken automatic weapons fire. There were no further communications. The aircraft then banked to the right and started to descend towards the valley at a high rate of speed. There was a yellow-white fire in the aft of the cabin that could be seen through the cabin portholes. The fire moved towards the front of cabin and consumed the entire cabin. The aircraft hit the valley floor at full speed. The crash extinguished the fire. We circled around the crash site and considered landing with the Marines we had aboard and looking for survivors. The pilot requested fixed wing support and was told that it wouldn't be available until that afternoon, so we returned to Quang Tri. When a team from another squadron returned to the crash site they said Danny Gard was still alive, we were told he died that next day."

Posted by Kellan Kyllo, crewchief of the lead aircraft

Personal Narrative:
At the time I was a L/CPL stationed at the Rockpile with 3rd Platoon Lima Co 3rd Battalion 9th Marines 3rd Marine Division. I remember there was some confusion when we boarded a CH-46 at the Rockpile LZ which resulted in only half the platoon being airlifted to the crash site, the other half boarded another helicopter and were flown somewhere else. Led by our Platoon Commander, LT. Hickman, a Navy Doctor, and our squad (The Green Ghosts) we went about our recovery effort without setting up a defensive perimeter because half the platoon went missing. All I can say was the site was surreal. It was some time before we came across the lone survior , a crewmember who could only say he was from Texas. (CPL Danny Gard). Out of respect for the families I will give details of what I still take to bed with me 46 years later. On a need to know basis, please call me : 212-989-3461 or 917-363-7039. Somebody had to hold the Line for THE UNITED STATES OFAMERICA in 1968, and it was US!

Posted by Christopher Buonanno, assisted in recovery of our fellow Marines

Personal Narrative:
I was the Crew Chief on the CH-46 that David Althoff piloted on the medevac to pick up Maj. Meixner and the rest of our guys that went down that day. By the time we got there,there was somewhat of a perimeter set up and our guys were ready to be brought out.

To this day this incident as well as many others are still extremely difficult for me to think about as they are for so many of us. If someone would like to talk about this in more detail I can be reached at 360-754-2160 or 360-701-6743.

Posted by David H Wills LCpl.USMC 65/69, Crew Chief for Major Dave Althoff

May 17, 2001

Uncle Bobby, was how I thought of you. You were in my husband's fraternity. We were opposites: you tall, me short, you senior, me a sophomore, you quiet, me outgoing... yet we became friends. I remember sitting on your lap as a little sister might do. You shared the wisdom of a big brother that I never had. I looked forward to reunions and seeing you again, but that was never to be. My world will always be brighter because of our friendship, but it will always be missing those opportunities to deepen our friendship. Thanks for giving your life; that I might have what I have today. Sharon Rogers WVWC 1966 (Richard W. Rogers).

Posted by: Sharon Rogers
Relationship: We were college classmates

Snyder, Stephen

Rank: 2^nd Lieutenant
Killed In Action

PERSONAL

Full Name: Stephen Francis Snyder
Date of Birth: March 3, 1943
Single/Married: Single
Spouse: -
Children's Names: -
Home of Record: Sunbury, PA
College: -

MILITARY

OCS Platoon: -
TBS Platoon: E-5
TBS Class Standing: 146
MOS: 0301
Serial Number: 093446
Component (Reserve or Regular): Reserve
Rank: 2^nd Lieutenant
Start of Tour: -

CASUALTY

Casualty Date: KIA - August 24, 1966
casualty Type: Hostile, Died
Reason: Gun, Small Arms Fire
Air or Ground: Ground
Country: South Vietnam
Province: Quang Tri
Postumous Promotion or Award: No Change
Body Recovered: Recovered
Location on Wall: Panel 10E - Row 034

Navy Cross Citation

SNYDER, STEPHEN FRANCIS
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
Company F, 2d Battalion, 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division (Reinforces) FMF
Date of Action: August 23 - 24, 1966

The Navy Cross is presented to Stephen Francis Snyder, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Platoon Commander, Third Platoon, Company F, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Thon Son Lam area, Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 23 and 24 August 1966.

Volunteering to attempt to relieve a trapped platoon, Second Lieutenant Snyder unhesitatingly led his platoon in a daring night march through unfamiliar, dense, enemy-infested jungle terrain. Upon arrival at the besieged platoon's position, he fearlessly took a small group into the trap to assist in evacuating wounded from the enemy-dominated location. Though met with a deadly hail of enemy grenades and small-arms fire, he managed to direct the evacuation of two wounded under the cover of darkness. For the next two hours, with complete disregard for his own safety, he selflessly exposed himself to intense fire while he directed suppressive fires which delayed the enemy assault. When the North Vietnamese finally attacked at dawn, Second Lieutenant Snyder heroically led his platoon in a determined counterattack in an effort to protect the trapped men.

Undeterred by the murderous enemy grenade barrages and automatic weapons and sniper fire, he courageously led his men forward until he was mortally wounded. Second Lieutenant Snyder's stirring example, exceptional leadership, and marked courage were the determining factor in breaking the enemy assault and saved the lives of the trapped Marines. His great personal valor reflected great credit upon himself and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
REMEMBERANCE

January 7, 2001

I knew Steve in OCS. We had the same name, so had to meet often to exchange mail, etc. He was good friend--even though we knew each other only briefly-- who I miss to this day. The ultimate irony was that when Steve was killed the Marine Corps Gazette printed my name instead of his. Stephen M. Snyder, 093447.

Posted by: Stephen M. Snyder
Relationship: We served together
February 17, 2005

Stephen is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.

Posted by: Robert Sage
Email: rsage@austin.rr.com

Temple, Thomas

Rank: 2^nd Lieutenant
Killed In Action

PERSONAL

Full Name: Thomas Richard Temple
Date of Birth: January 21, 1944
Single/Married: Single
Spouse: -
Children's Names: -
Home of Record: Devon, PA
College: Brown University

MILITARY

OCS Platoon: -
TBS Platoon: E-5
TBS Class Standing: 86
MOS: 0302
Serial Number: 093475
Component (Reserve or Regular): Reserve
Rank: 2^nd Lieutenant
Start of Tour: -

CASUALTY

Casualty Date: KIA - October 19, 1966
casualty Type: Hostile, Died
Reason: Other Explosive Device
Air or Ground: Ground
Country: South Vietnam
Province: Quang Nam
Postumous Promotion or Award: No Change
Body Recovered: Recovered
Location on Wall: Panel 11E - Row 091

REMEMBERANCE

July 22, 2001

Tom Temple was a graduate of Brown University, Class of 1965. At Brown, he was well-liked; Tom was chosen by his teammates to be co-captain of the swimming team. I cherished his friendship at college. It was an honor to have been his friend.

Posted by: Doug Schneider
Relationship: We were college classmates

Thuet, Stephen

Rank: Captain
Killed In Action

PERSONAL

Full Name: Stephen Paul Thuet
Date of Birth: June 1, 1942
Single/Married: Married
Spouse: -
Children's Names: -
Home of Record: St Paul, MN
College: -

MILITARY

OCS Platoon: D-2
TBS Platoon: D-5
TBS Class Standing: 329
MOS: 2502
Serial Number: 093482
Component (Reserve or Regular): Regular
Rank: Captain
Start of Tour: September 10, 1967

CASUALTY

Casualty Date: KIA - February 20, 1968
casualty Type: Hostile, Died
Reason: Other Explosive Device
Air or Ground: Ground
Country: South Vietnam
Province: Quang Nam
Postumous Promotion or Award: No Change
Body Recovered: Recovered
Location on Wall: Panel 40E - Row 048

REMEMBERANCE

September 23, 2000

I have thought of you and your family often for many years. Mary Rosier (The Fox Family, So. St. Paul, MN).

Posted by: Mary H. Rosier
Relationship: We were high school classmates

Uplinger, Barton

Woodall, John


The members of our Class, who died as a result of service in Vietnam are listed. Most died as a result of hostile action, while a few were the unfortunate victims of accidents. War is a dangerous undertaking and the Vietnam War claimed thirty-two (32) of our best and brightest.


Please contact us with any changes or incorrect information posted.


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