19 Apr 2001 On June 6th,1968, PFC Bill Hayes was a 3.5 rocket man attached to 2nd platoon, E/2/26, at Con Thien near the DMZ. Our platoon was ambushed by a larger enemy force. Bill was one of 14 KIA in the platoon during the day-long battle. My squad leader ordered an attack which pressed the enemy very hard, but was very costly (to both sides). Bill died attacking a bunker complex armed only with two hand grenades. His final actions and death directly saved my life in very close quarter combat. His body fell into the enemy position and was subsequently thrown back out by the NVA defenders. In 1997, Bill's relatives received a long overdue Silver Star Medal. Bill is the hero who I owe my life to and will never forget! Semper Fidelis, Former Marine Jim Kaylor #2349911 E/2/26, 1967-1968 jnkaylor@lasd.org A note from The Virtual Wall Jim Kaylor's account of the 06 June 1968 battle near Con Thien was published in the Khe Sanh Veterans Association Inc. newsletter, Issue 50, Summer 2001, after this memorial was first published. It is available on-line at http://www.geocities.com/ksvredclay/issue-50-memoirs.htm . The Virtual Wall has been able to identify the following men of Echo 2/26 Marines who died in or as a result of the battle. Those marked with an asterisk (*) are mentioned in Jim Kaylor's account. PFC William A Hayes, Chicago, IL * SSG Allen J Baker, Houston, TX * PFC William R Campbell, Butler, PA * PFC William E Hale, Columbus, IN PFC Dennis L Lobbezoo, Grand Rapids, MI * LCPL Daniel L Prock, Gridley, CA * CPL Kenneth W Schauble, Closter, NJ * PFC Walter L Seawright, Philadelphia, PA * PFC Peter M Shepherd, Portland, OR CPL Lonnie Sheppard, Newark, NJ LCPL Mikal J Sullivan, West De Pere, WI

 

28 Aug 2002 Billy ... Hey Buddy, It's been many years since we got into trouble in grammar school or high school. Remember we double dated to the drive-in before you left. I never have forgotten your friendship. Glad you saved the guys you were with, but that's the person you are! I ran into your Brother in the 70's when I was working at Speed Service and he had an AMC if I remember right. That's how I found out what you did to save those guys. Many years later like twenty five, I am at home and I see your friendly face on my TV screen, your brother and sister are recieving your medal. How cool is that! I miss you Billy, but you knew that. Keep an eye on me so I take good care of myself, I'll see you soon enough. Always buds, Mike From a friend, Michael Caruso chimcmc@aol.com

 

27 Oct 2002 FROM YOUR BUDDIES IN PLATOON 3009, WE MISS YOU. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. Ron Deverick A Boot Camp buddy rdever8708@aol.com

Contact Us

© Copyright 1997-2019 www.VirtualWall.org, Ltd ®(TM)

Last update 08/15/2019.