Ernest Lemas Gutierrez

Lance Corporal
1ST 155MM GUN BTRY (SP), 4TH BN, 12TH MARINES, 3RD MARDIV
United States Marine Corps
15 April 1947 - 06 April 1967
San Jose, California
Panel 17E Line 109

3RD MARDIV

12TH MARINES
Purple Heart, National Defense, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign

The database page for Ernest Lemas Gutierrez

28 Sep 2006

LCpl Gutierrez, you died nine (9) days before your 20th birthday. You were the only Marine killed in action on April 6, 1967. Recently I received email from two of your nieces, Valerie Gutierrez and Laura M. Enright, asking about you. So my brother, you are not forgotten, your memory keeps you with us. Rest In Peace, my brother.

From a fellow Vietnam Veteran,
Arturo Garza
sgteseusmc@yahoo.com

A Note from The Virtual Wall

The 1st 155mm Gun Battery was assigned to the 4th Bn, 12th Marines. In early April 1967 its 8" Howitzer Platoon was based at PK-17, a joint USMC-ARVN camp a few miles north of Hue. The 1st 155th's Command Chronology for April 1967 contains the following entry:
"In the early hours of 6 April, 2 Companies of the 800th [NVA] Battalion along with the C112 Sapper Unit attacked the ARVN & USMC camp at PK 17 (YD647277) with a mortar and ground attack. After overrunning the ARVN portion of the camp, the Viet Cong turned on the 8" Howitzer Platoon. Using small arms, automatic weapons, grenades and the direct fire of the 8" howitzer the Marines held the perimeter for three hours before the VC withdrew. The platoon lost 1 USMC KIA, 1 USN KIA, 8 USMC WIA and one 8" Howitzer out of action due to a direct hit with a mortar round. The enemy losses were 20 KIA (confirmed) and 40 KIA (probable)."

Two men were killed outright in the attack and two of the wounded died over the next few days:

  • Sgt Jack C. Duff, Kansas City, MO (DoW 04/07/1967);
  • LCpl Steffan M. Fredsti, Simi, CA (DoW 04/14/1967);
  • LCpl Ernest L. Gutierrez, San Jose, CA; and
  • HN Michael D. Himmerick, Valley City, ND.


The point-of-contact for this memorial is
a fellow Vietnam Veteran,
Arturo Garza
sgteseusmc@yahoo.com



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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 28 Sep 2006
Last updated 10/03/2006