Daniel Thomas O'Laughlin

The database page for Daniel Thomas O'Laughlin

21 Nov 2002 I never met my uncle, but from what I do know about him he deserves to be on this The Virtual Wall for those family members and friends who are not able to go to the actual Wall for whatever reasons. From his niece, Kathleen Schollmeier kbarney135@hotmail.com Photo courtesy of Frank E. O'Laughlin Senior Airman, U. S. Air Force

6 Dec 2002 I've thought of you every day while I was growing up, missing you big brother.You were my inspiration and point man during my 21 years of service to our great nation, yet you paid the ultimate price for our freedom and I thank you. You will never be forgotten as long as my sons and I are on patrol. Shaun W. O'Laughlin First Sergeant, U. S. Army (Ret) bigoman54@adelphia.net 25 Dec 2006 This note was dictated to me (Shaun) while Mom was in the hospital in October 2006. God Bless you, Mom. Dear Dan, I can still hear the steps as you clump up the front way. It's music to my ears. I think of the many things you might take part in when you get downstairs, like playing the piano. I don't know how to shut all these treasures in my mind down. You are so missed around here. What more can I say, I love you so son. Love, Mom Margaret A. O'Laughlin

26 Oct 2006 Hi Danny, This letter has been a long time coming. Your brother Shaun has been after me to put something on this Memorial. Even though years have passed, the pain is as sharp as ever. I know that you know I think of you every day. For those of you reading this who don't know the O'Laughlin family, Danny was one of 12 children. He has 9 sisters and 2 brothers, and losing him was devastating to all of us and to the entire community as Eveleth is a small town and everyone knows everyone else. He played football, was a star hockey player, and enjoyed playing the piano. True to his name, he acquired quite an Irish Wit, which was contagious for all those around him. Well dear brother, I think this will give people a little insight on the type of person you were and why we love and miss you so much. Please look after us, as I know you are walking streets of gold. Your loving sister, Margy Mary M. O'Laughlin E-mail address is not available.

A Note from The Virtual Wall The casualty database contains 1,342 records coded for "Misadventure" as the cause of death. These men were killed by "friendly fire" - misplaced mortar or artillery fire, bombs off target, men shot by their comrades-in-arms, breech explosions, and similar incidents. Pfc O'Laughlin died in an accident of war; according to his niece, his records reflect cause of death as "Gun shot wound to the head by Marine when mistaken for hostile forces while in ambush position in combat." The August 1967 Command Chronology for 2nd Bn, 5th Marines reports the incident as follows: "At 230330H, a patrol from F/2/26 was reforming after completing an ambush at YD893116. Two men operating as flank security were mistaken for VC and were fired on. One USMC KIA."

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 21 Nov 2002
Last updated 08/10/2009