9 May 2004 My cousin Larry lived next door to us and was a happy, straight-laced kid for all his 18 years. He was everybody's favorite, and my hero. He went into the Corps as soon as he turned 18. His tour of duty was less than 30 days before he was killed in Quang Tri, but he always wanted to be a Marine. On the day Larry died, his dog was howling all morning, unexplainedly. No one could calm her down. It was if she was in mourning. It was a painful kind of sound, but she wasn't physically hurt or sick. We knew she missed Larry, but he'd been gone for 3 months, so no one could explain why she was so distressed. A couple of hours later, a Marine contingent showed up at Larry's home, and within seconds we knew what happened. A couple of years later I joined the Corps, but made it home. Every year I tell Larry thanks for being there and helping me come home. Semper Fi, brother. Sleep well. Sleep in peace. From a cousin, Vern 30 May 2007 On this Memorial Day 2007, our family will always remember you, Larry. Sleep well, we'll all meet again in God's sweet grace. From a cousin, Vern Email address is not available.

 

22 May 2006 I just want to say thanks to this brave American who was killed in Vietnam. I thought about him today. Ray Nothstine 23 May 2007 I am going to D.C. next week and will find Lawrence's name on the wall. His sacrifice and service is not forgotten by me. I have been doing more research and studies of the conflict in Vietnam and was able to listen to some veterans speak at the University of Southern Mississippi a few weeks ago. I thought of Lawrence again and he is in my mind. Ray Nothstine ray_nothstine@asburyseminary.edu

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall In the early morning of 07 Jan 1968, a Lima 3/4 platoon began an anti-sniper patrol, trying to root out several snipers who had been firing into the perimeter. An initial success very rapidly became more difficult when the patrol encountered a well dug-in NVA force and the fight developed into an all-day affair. The remainder of Lima 3/4 came to help, and Kilo 3/4 was sent as well. When the Marines broke contact toward sundown, they had killed no fewer than 26 North Vietnamese soldiers - but Lima 3/4 had lost six men, and one of their wounded died the following day: LCpl Richard G. Mangrum, Lynn Haven, FL (Silver Star) LCpl Louis G. Petrone, Morristown, NJ (Silver Star) Pfc William M. Anderson, Opa Locka, FL Pfc Lawrence C. Covington, Jersey City, NJ (DoW 01/08/1968) Pfc David L. Johnson, Columbus, GA Pfc Bobby R. McKinnon, Kosciusko, MS Pfc Donald E. Monkman, Bloomington, IL The photo and text below is taken from the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial web site: Lawrence Cornelius Covington was born August 18, 1949, in Jersey City, NJ. He graduated from Dickinson High School in June 1967. At Dickinson High School Lawrence was on the Varsity Football Team, he played the end position. Before Dickinson High School, Lawrence attended School 23 in Jersey City. Among Lawrence's hobbies were woodworking and old cars. He made tables and chests of drawers, which he gave to his mother. He also loved working on old cars. He used to fix them and make them look in mint condition, especially his favorite black Buick. Lawrence kept himself well groomed with gleaming shined shoes, and he often would remove the buttons to his suits and sew on fancy new replacements. Lawrence enlisted into the US Marine Corps on July 13, 1967. He joined the Marine Corps because he wanted to help his Country. Lawrence and seven of his good friends decided to join together, he was quoted as saying, "he didn't want to feel he wasn't doing his part". After receiving his basic training at Parris Island, SC, Lawrence was assigned to Camp Pendleton, CA. Seven of the eight young men were called to combat in Vietnam. He served in the US Marine Corps and attained the rank of Private First Class (PFC). On January 8, 1968, at the early age of 19, Lawrence died from wounds he suffered the previous day in combat in Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam. He had been in South Vietnam less than three weeks when he was killed. PFC Covington was awarded a Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal, a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and two Gold Stars. At the time of his death, Lawrence was survived by his parents, William and Mary Covington of Jersey City, five sisters, Ms. Beatrice Covington, Mrs. Dorothy Sapp, Mrs. Helen Jones, Mrs. Jean Bonner and Mrs. Shirley Hill and four brothers, Carroll, Kenneth, Raymond, and Walter. In addition, he left behind a multitude of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Lawrence is remembered as a kindhearted person who always got along with others. There was a way about him that made him special to all who knew him. He was a well-loved young man who was always anxious to please, he would say, "I'll help" or "I'll do that" to his family, friends and neighbors. He was indeed a remarkable young man and he is missed by all of his family and friends. Information provided by the Covington Family and NJVVMF.

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