A Note From the Virtual Wall
On 25 May 1969 Bravo Company, 1/3 Marines, was holding a defensive position about 5 kilometers southwest of Cam Lo (in Quang Tri Province just south of the DMZ). The position had received enemy 82mm mortar fire during the morning hours, apparently without harm, but the company's luck changed in the afternoon. The Command Chronology reports that
'At 251745H, at Bravo Company position vicinity YD055684, the NVA firing 82mm mortars ... dropped one round into the increments pit of the 81mm mortars, setting them on fire, fire spread to the 81mm ammo in the ammo pits, this started the 81mm ammo going off, and the fire spread to a pallet of 81mm ammo near the position, causing it to explode. People trying to put out the fire before the explosion got too close, Bravo suffered 8 KIA, 29 WIA, and 2 MIA. Rounds continued to cook off, making it impossible that night to get every one of the KIA or WIA out. Company forced to move off hill by continuous explosions.'
On the morning of the 26th the Marines regrouped, reoccupied the position, and recovered additional bodies, increasing the casualty count to 12 dead. No identifiable remains were recovered for two Marines known to be present, and a week later one of the wounded died of his injuries. The fifteen men were
1stLt John W. Abbott, Hammond, IN, Bravo 1/3
2ndLt Timothy M. O'Neill, St Louis, MO, Bravo 1/3
Cpl Gary D. Carter, Tyler, TX, Bravo 1/3
Cpl Daniel L. Pucci, Berea, OH, Bravo 1/3 (DoW 06/02/1969)
Cpl Jan Rauschkolb, Denver, CO, H&S 1/3
Cpl William F. Skaggs, St Paul, MN, Bravo 1/3
LCpl Paul A. Graff, Sunnyvale, CA, H&S 1/3
LCpl Michael A. Powell, Atlanta, GA, H&S 1/3
LCpl John Winters, Clark, NJ, Bravo 1/3
Pfc Jimmy K. Church, Columbus, OH, Bravo 1/3
Pfc Keith A. Kahlstorf, Britt, IA, Bravo 1/3
Pfc Edward T. O'Donovan, Chicago, IL, Bravo 1/3
Pfc Jim J. Walters, Sioux City, IA, Bravo 1/3
Pfc Leroy C. Williams, Jacksonville, FL, Bravo 1/3 (Body not recovered)
Pvt Monek Weitz, Roxbury, MA, A Btry, 1/12 Marines (Body not recovered)
May 25, 2012 |
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Richard Mumm
rich@mummware.com
Plt 2208 MCRD San Diego 67/68
2433 Countrywood Parkway Cordova TN 38016 USA
Semper Fidelis and Thanks
Gary, We didn't know each other well in boot camp and we went our separate ways after we graduated. One day in 1969, I picked up a Life Magazine while in line at the market and saw your oicture among the weeks losses from Vietnam. I'll never forget the shock of seeing that picture. I've carried you in memory all these years and now I'm getting a chance to say how sorry I am that your life was cut so short. I read Mike Rodriguez's tribute to you, so I know the sort of Marine you became and I can say that it was an honor to have served with you, however briefly. Rest in peace, brother. Semper Fidelis and Thanks.
Rich Mumm
Mar 8, 2011 |
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Antonio G Gonzales
gonzales.antonio@att.net
USMC Veteran
1322 Colton Lane Lockhart TX 78644 USA
Today would have been your 60th birthday, but it was not meant to be so. Why? Someday we will know.
05/25/1969 marks the date of your death in service to your country. You should have been on your way home 40 years ago.
Happy Birthday...........you are gone, but not forgotten. I served with Echo Co 2/3.
Jul 6, 2009 |
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davy b
davybaker@suddenlink.net
Kilgore, Tx.
remembrance
Honoring the memory, of a patriot. Thank you, for your dedication, courage and service, to our nation. Rest in peace, Gary Don Carter, YOU, ARE NOT FORGOTTEN!!!
Jul 6, 2009 |
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j d
Forty years today
Cpl: Today, is Memorial Day, 2009 and forty, years, since you sacrificed all, for our country and our Corps. Someday, we will meet in Heaven, with its streets guarded, by United States Marines. With great respect from those, who came home to those, who did not. Semper Fi!!
May 25, 2009 |
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manny g
Fellow Veteran 69-70 An Khe
Union Gap, WA. 98903
“You are Remembered”
Peace and condolence, to the family and friends. “He which hath no stomach, to this fight, let him depart. But we in it, shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother.” Rest in peace brave soldier, you have not been forgotten. (W.Shakespeare) May God Bless you, for your Sacrifice!!!
May 25, 2007 |
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Edmund Ronan
E1277R@lvmpd.com
I was his squad leader in B 1/3
158 Laguna Landing Dr.
Las Vegas, Nv 89015 usa
Gary was an Excellant Marine and a good buddy. He always helped everyone and was a pleasure to be with. I think of him often and hope to see him again in the next life. I love You Bro!
Tuesday, January 19, 1999 |
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Desmond Reid
desbo@televar.com
Friend
3615, Bennett Dr., H-132, Bellingham, WA., 98225, USA
Memories, of a good American
I arrived, in country February 69, Gary was one, of the first people, I met and we seemed, to hit-it-off right away, I was assigned, to H&S, 1/3. When ever we got the chance, after settleing in at a new LZ., we would try and get the time, to chat. It seemed, as if he was the only friend, I had in country. Gary was definately, a solid leader and knew, what he had to do. I think of him, just about daily. His loss to this day, has left a void in my life. He will allways, be a part of my life, I only hope on judgement day he will tell the Father, I was one of the good guys, too. He is one of the very best, that was not suppose to die. He is well loved and missed.
Tuesday, July 20, 1999 |
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Mike Trevathan
mtrevat1@wt.net
High School Buddy, fellow Veteran
403, Enchanted River Dr., Spring, TX., 77388, USA
I went to high school, with Gary and we graduated, in June 1968. This was, a fine young man and I'am proud, to have known him. He was friendly, compassionate and solid, as a rock. He died in an unpopular war, serving his country, when many man of less stature, turned their backs on the call, to defend freedom.
Wednesday, April 21, 1999 |
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Ray Harton
mc2316774@aol.com
Fellow Marine
http://www.father-capodanno.org
Remembering today your Sacrifice and Service to our Country and our Corps. I did not know you, only wish I had. May God be gentle with your family and friends this day, who continue to bear the burden of your loss.We shall never forget. "Semper-Fi",,,, Ray Harton Cpl. USMC Ret. Vietnam, 1967 5th Marines
Friday, July 06, 2001 |
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