17 May 2002 Dear Bill, It's been 34 years since you died but it seems like yesterday. I wish you could have met your niece and nephew, my kids, you would have loved them dearly. Dad passed many years ago, he never got over your death, and mom's still kicking. Not many days go by that I don't think of you and our years growing up. I miss you and always will. Your brother, Bob E-mail address is not available.

 

8 Oct 2004 Bill - we still think of you and miss you very much. It has been 36 years since you were taken away from us. Recently an old friend emailed Bobby and shared some stories of your favorite car, times at Ridley Lake - for a brief moment it brought you alive to us through her memories... Your nephews Mark, Chris, and Greg have your mannerisms, your facial expressions, and best of all your smile. Watch over us and keep us safe - it is nice to know we have an angel looking over us. Your sister Janice and family Janice McGuigon E-mail address is not available.

 

02 Dec 2005 You are the uncle I never had a chance to met. I wish so many things but the top one is to have you in my life. There are so many people in my life that love me, but you'll never be one of them. I wish my father would talk about you more, but it's just too painful for him. I see your face in pictures, but that will never do you justice. The only thing that I know is that you were a brave man who fought for the freedom so many Americans take for granted. I will not be one of them. Thank you and I hope one day we will meet. From his nephew, Mark Robert McGuigon mrm0301@mail.widener.edu

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall The 1st Battalion, 44th Artillery, was a "Duster" unit, equipped with the M-42 self-propelled anti-aircraft gun. The battalion was augmented by the attached Battery G, 65th Artillery (truck-mounted M-55 quad .50s), and Battery G, 29th Artillery (Searchlight), and supported the 3rd Marine Division in northern I Corps area. Based at first at Dong Ha and later at Da Nang, 1/44 operated from Phu Bai in the south to Con Thien in the north and Khe Sanh in the west. The M-42s and M-55s served primarily in convoy escort and perimeter defense, although the Duster's cross-country capabilities did allow involvement in assaults. A great many US Marines and soldiers owe their lives to the firepower of these two weapons and to the men who served in them.

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