James Thomas Gaynor
Sergeant Major
H&S CO, 1ST BN, 26TH MARINES, 3RD MARDIV, III MAF United States Marine Corps Fallbrook, California February 23, 1920 to February 15, 1968 JAMES T GAYNOR is on the Wall at Panel 39E, Line 47 |
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I remember you. A few weeks before Christmas 1967, Ventura, California, you were a hero in your uniform. I was 10. James Thomas Gaynor, 47: U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Major. Vietnam tour began Jan 1, 1968. Died of injuries he suffered from artillery, rocket or mortar fire in Quang Tri on Feb 15, 1968. WWII, Korea, Viet Nam Panel 39E, Line 47. I won't forget you.
From a friend. |
I met your wife, Betty, at Camp Pendleton. We were both expecting our first child while our husbands were in Korea. We became good friends and when you and my husband Frank returned we enjoyed a friendship. Your son, Eddie, was born a month before our eldest. You were a fine man and a good friend to all who knew you.
From his friends, |
My father served two tours in Korea from 1950 to 1952 and from 1954 to 1956. He was awarded a commendation medal during his first tour. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in Viet Nam. He has, since his death, been awarded a second Bronze Star for his time as a POW.
From his son, |
A Note from The Virtual WallThe 1/26 Operations Log for 15 Feb 1968 notes that the Charlie 1/26 command post at Khe Sanh received a direct hit by enemy rocket fire at 1515H [3:15 pm]. The Log also contains six "wounded in action" reports from the incident; of the six men, two died of their wounds:
Gaynor's service in Korea is addressed above by both the Hornbeeks and his son. As noted above, he arrived in Vietnam on 01 January 1968 and was assigned as the Battalion Sergeant Major for 1st Bn, 26th Marines, then serving at the Khe Sanh Combat Base in western Quang Tri Province. Sergeant Major James T. Gaynor, a veteran of 30 years' service to his country, is buried in Site C-15, Section Annex, Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. |
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