William Jennings Corbin

The database page for William Jennings Corbin

30 Jul 2005 Bill, as our class prepares for our reunion, you are the first to come to mind. I know without a doubt that if you were still here you would have attended them all. You were always the funny guy, the make everybody happy guy.I was there at your memorial and I touched our flag that covered your coffin, what an honor. You are missed my friend, and we are proud of you, we will honor your sacrifice at the reunion and every reunion to follow. Semper Fi, The Classes of '65 & '66 of Perry Hall High School dkk1996@comcast.net

18 Jun 2005 It is scary to think that it's been 37 years since you have not been with us, Bill. We are getting ready to have a high school reunion, and oh, how we wish you could be there, the funny guy. There is going to be a reunion book there and we have a page just for you. We have never forgotten you, sweetie pie, you know we all loved you and we all miss you. Love, Perry Hall Senior High School Classes of 1965 and 1966 From a friend. E-Mail will be forwarded by the Webmaster@VirtualWall.org

06 Jan 2006 Corbin was a member of Third Squad, Third Platoon. On 5/19/67, during OPERATION HICKORY he was walking point for Third Squad when the NVA sprang an ambush. Corbin was mortally wounded in the initial attack. Corporal Richard K. Gillingham, the squad leader, was shot numerous times trying to retrieve Corbin. Gillingham accomplished his mission but he also died of his wounds. I was also wounded during this ambush. From a friend and former squad member, Pete Rivera privera67@aol.com

A Note from The Virtual Wall On 18 May 1967 the Marines began Operation HICKORY with the intention of removing enemy forces and installations from the southern half of the DMZ. This was the first time the Marines had ventured into the DMZ in force. The attack was supported by a massive Navy-Marine-Air Force effort, the landing of SLF Alpha, and a parallel sweep by the 1st ARVN Division. HICKORY lasted through 29 May and resulted in both the loss of 129 Americans and the utter destruction of many North Vietnamese Army installations within the eastern part of the Demilitarized Zone. Extremely heavy casualties were inflicted on the NVA 326B Division, which held the ground and defended the area with vigor. No effort was made to hold the areas of the DMZ which had been cleared of NVA - political pressures precluded an American presence in the DMZ (apparently an NVA presence was acceptable) - and the rebuilt 362B Division eventually returned to the area. On 19 May, Hotel Company 2/9 Marines, lost 8 men: Cpl Richard K. Gillingham, Valatie, NY (Navy Cross) Cpl Wayne C. Harmon, Downey, CA LCpl Harold D. Shelton, Baltimore, MD Pfc Robert J. Brady, Elizabeth, NJ Pfc William J. Corbin, Joppa, MD Pfc Joseph M. Grantham, Goldsboro, NC Pfc Gregory P. Moser, Edmonds, WA Pfc Alan T. Read, Bloomington, IN (Bronze Star "V")

The point-of-contact for this memorial is a friend. dkk1996@comcast.net  30 Jul 2005

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Last updated 01/10/2006