02 June 2005 LCpl Roy Wayne Rich and I were good friends in Vietnam. We were Marines in Weapons Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division. In June 1968, I met Roy when I joined up with Fox Company in Subic Bay, Philippines. We completed several weeks of Jungle Warfare training and then we boarded the USS OGDEN and headed for SE Asia via the South China Sea. We had no idea that we were sailing straight into hell. LCpl Rich was born in Wartrace, Tennessee, on December 23, 1947, and was only 20 years and 9 months old when he was killed in action. Roy was also married and had a wife in Tennessee. Roy had been in Vietnam for 10 months and had already participated in five major combat operations. LCpl Rich, who was an infantry Assaultman, showed extraordinary heroism on September 19, 1968, during Operation Mameluke Thrust, also known as Operation Dodge City. Fox Company was conducting a reconnaissance in force in Quang Nam Province when we encountered the "308th NVA Division" employing heavy automatic weapons and accurate sniper fire which pinned down elements of Fox Company and caused numerous casualties and many more Marines were wounded in action. He was decorated for his actions; the citation reads in part "Disregarding his own safety, he fearlessly exposed himself to the intense hostile fire where he succumbed to his bullet wounds. His bold initiative and heroic efforts inspired all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of Fox Company's mission. By his courage, sincere concern for the welfare of his fellow Marines and unwavering devotion to duty, LCpl Rich upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps. He gallantly gave his life for his country." The following 15 Marines died that day with LCpl Rich: Sgt Raymond T. Conway, Miami, FL (H&S Company with Fox 2/7) Cpl Edgar A. Smith, Mount Vernon, NY Cpl Thomas J. Cavanaugh, Waterbury, CT (Navy Cross) LCpl Mark A. Knollmeyer, Seattle, WA LCpl John L. Krol, New York, NY LCpl Roy W. Rich, Wartrace, TN LCpl Pedro S. Rodriquez, Waco, TX LCpl Philip J. Wajda, Chicago, IL (Silver Star) Pfc Michael A. Figueroa, East Springfield, PA Pfc James D. Kelley, Greeneville, TN Pfc Peter D. Matarazzo, Rochester, NY Pfc Terrence Moran, New York, NY Pfc Gary E. Noles, East Wahneta, FL Pvt Francis S. Rhoades, Elmer, NJ Pfc Mark L. Triplett, St Charles, IL Roy, you will never be forgotten. You gave the supreme sacrifice for your country. You served the Corps honorably and died gallantly in battle. God Bless and Semper Fi

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