COMPANY H
2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines
1st Marine Division (Rein), FMF
FPO, San Francisco, California 96602
April 29, 1968
Mr. and Mrs. Lyle C. Kearsley
312 East Follet Street
Sandusky, Ohio 44870
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Kearsley:
It is difficult for me to express the regrets and sorrow felt by the Marines in this company over the recent death of your son, Private First Class Ronald C. Kearsley, U. S. Marine Corps, on April 21, 1968, at Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam.
Ronald was a mortarman with our Second Platoon. On April 21, 1968, Ronald's platoon was on a combat patrol when at approximately 6:00 a.m., contact was made with Communist Insurgent Forces. During the fierce fire fight which ensued, Ronald was mortally wounded by enemy rifle fire and his death was instantaneous. It may be of some comfort for you to know that the last rites of his faith were administered by Lieutenant Commander G. W. McElroy, Chaplain Corps, U. S. Navy.
Memorial Services will be conducted at the Battalion Chapel for Ronald so that his many friends may attend.
Ronald was one of the finest Marines I have ever known. His exemplary conduct, leadership and singular determination to do every job well were qualities that all of us respected. Ronald served his Corps and country loyally and we are indebted for his service and sacrifice. We will greatly miss him and hope you will find some solace in knowing this.
If there is anything I can do, please feel free to write to me.
Sincerely,
DAVID R. THOMPSON
First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
Commanding
