Memorial Day

     In the United States, today is Memorial Day, a federal holiday that was established for mourning the US military personnel who have died while serving in the United States armed forces. So, today I would like to remember three special friends who died in Vietnam. 

     Lance Corporal Lawrence Walton (10/21/46 – 1/7/68, 21 years old) , US Marine Corps, was killed in action in Thua Thien province on Sunday January 7, 1968. Larry was a Mortarman with the 1st Marine Division, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, H&S Company. Semper Fi, Larry. 

     Corporal Thomas Gopp (3/15/47 – 8/3/67, 20 years old), US Marine Corps, was serving as a Crew Chief on a Sea Knight Cargo Helicopter with the Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 164, Marine Air Group 16, 1st Marine Air Wing. On Thursday, August 3, 1967, while rescuing a Marine patrol from the A Shau Valley, South Vietnam, his aircraft was shot down. His remains were not recovered until June 8, 1994 and not identified until July 10, 2001. Semper Fi, Tom. 

     Hospitalman Joseph C. Wiltsie (11/5/44 – 5/31/69, 23 years old), US Navy, who was attached to 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade, BLT 1, 26th Marines. On Saturday. May 31, 1969, he was killed by small arms fire in Quang Nam Province. Among the medals Joe received was the Vietnam Gallantry Cross which was awarded to him for heroic conduct while coming to the aid of a fallen Marine. Semper Fi, Doc.