08 May 2005 Coleman Marine Is Killed In Vietnam - Coleman County has lost another young man in the fighting in Vietnam. He is Lance Corporal Douglas Holtz Griffin, 20, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Griffin of 1203 South Llano Street, who was killed while on a night patrol February 6 near Quang Nam, South Vietnam. Services are pending at Stevens Funeral Home. A Marine officer in Abilene has indicated that it will probably be 10 or 12 days before the body arrives in the United States. Griffin was a 1966 graduate of Coleman High School. He played football there his junior and senior years, and in his senior year was named the outstanding lineman. He enlisted in the Marines July 7, 1966, at Abilene, received his basic training at San Diego, attended a supply school in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, then was transferred to Albany, Georgia where he volunteered for service in Vietnam. He arrived in Vietnam last November. Griffin was born December 30, 1947 at Brawley, California and had lived in Coleman County most of his life. He was a member of the Coleman Church of Christ. The funeral service will be held at the Coleman Church of Christ, with Paul Wallace, pastor of the Austin Avenue Church of Christ in Brownwood, and Bill Wiley, pastor of the Coleman Church of Christ, officiating. Burial will take place in the Coleman City Cemetery. Survivors include the parents; four sisters, Mrs. Shirley Brigandi of Coleman, Mrs. Annette Busby of Abilene, Mrs. Carol Sanders of Carrizo Springs, and Miss Debbie Griffin of Coleman; one brother, Dwight Griffin of Coleman; and his grandmothers, Mrs. W. F. Griffin and Mrs. C. E. Scott of Coleman. From the Coleman Newspaper Feb 1968 I knew Doug when I used to go to see my relatives in Coleman when I was growing up. We used to play catch together. I was born in Coleman County, but grew up in Odessa and my family would visit often with relatives. I did not realize that he he had died in Vietnam. I will always remember him. Billy Brown 10 Nov 2005 I have been in touch with Ralph Terry of Coleman, Texas. Ralph is the county historian and has many websites devoted to Coleman County, Texas. We have collaborated in researching several Coleman County residents who perished in Vietnam. Ralph has developed a marvelous tribute to and for Doug. From a PBVVM Representative, Billy M. Brown 4015 Melody Lane, Odessa, Texas 79762 bmbrown@grandecom.net

 

17 Apr 2006 Douglas Holtz Griffin was my first cousin. His mother and mine are sisters. He was like the big brother I never had, as I'm the oldest in my family. He was handsome and a really cool guy. My memories of him are only happy ones, though I would have preferred to have him around all these many years. My world has always been better for having had Doug in my life. His childish pranks, his physical fitness. His smile, I still miss him. I love you, Doug. Thanks for being the coolest of cousins. Linda Burroughs Groff lindagroff@yahoo.com

 

28 May 2007 Douglas and I went to school together in Coleman, Texas. His picture is in my high school annual, class of 1966. I will always remember Doug, and thank him for his service to our country and giving his life for our freedom. It is hard to believe that one of the young men I went to school with died so young. I pray often for all our service men and women who serve and give their all to make sure we live free. I will always remember Doug and the loss of not getting to know him well when I had the chance in high school. God be with his family on this "Memorial Day" and always as we remember all who died for our Freedom and our Country. "God Bless them All" From a friend and classmate from 1966, Velva Crowder Crawford vcrawford@tx.rr.com

 

10 Nov 2007 Douglas was a very dear friend of mine. He was a quiet but very caring person. I came to know Douglas in English class my freshman year . Moving to Coleman from a very small school, I was scared to death and very shy. Douglas was the first one to help me find my locker and also introduced me to others. I will never forget him or the kindness he showed me. Later his sister Carol became one of my best friends and she is still very dear to my heart today. Douglas, the twinkle in your eyes and your sweet smile will not be forgotten. Your friend, Barbara Blackwell Dockery Paint Rock, Texas www.whitepointranch@centex.com

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall By 06 Feb 1968 the Tet Offensive was in full swing, with heavy fighting throughout South Vietnam. In Quang Nam Province, the 1/7 Marines were deployed against NVA/VC forces attacking the Danang/Marble Mountain complex. The Communist forces began the second phase of their Da Nang offensive on the night of 05/06 Feb . 1/7's involvement began at 2000 05 Feb, when Charlie 1/7 engaged an NVA force south of the Tuy Loan River. Fighting continued throughout the 1/7 area of responsibility, and 24 hours later had resulted in the deaths of 16 men from 1/7 Marines: A Company: Pvt William H. Blake, Hanover, MA LCpl Edward J. Brewer, Elmira, NY Sgt Robert E. Ewoldt, Whittemore, IA LCpl Douglas H. Griffin, Coleman, TX Pfc Randall J. Schwendy, Copenhagen, NY Pfc William L. Young, York, PA B Company: SSgt Alvin P. Mason, Washington, DC D Company: Pfc Joe W. Greene, Canton, OH Sgt Glen T. Lunsford, Danville, VA (Navy Cross) LCpl Ronald E. Morris, Sandston, VA LCpl Phillip L. Salinas, Leoti, KS LCpl Gary L. Tallentire, Cincinnati, OH Pfc Robert H. Taylor, Birmingham, AL 2ndLt Henry A. Wright, Oakland, CA H&S Company: HM3 Larry W. Stull, Fostoria, OH (Corpsman, D/1/7) Cpl Jonathan E. Sykes, Trenton, NJ

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