Michael Ernest Singer

The database page for Michael Ernest Singer

20 Dec 2004 I went through Forward Observer school with Mike in October and November 1967 at Schools Battalion, Camp Pendleton. There were 18 in the class. He had 17 friends. I nicknamed him Moose for his great size. In September 68, I learned that Alpha 1-11 had moved down to the 27th Marine Command Post when the 27th left Vietnam. I went over to see him. I was stunned to learn he had been killed. The guys of Alpha 1-11 told me that he had been killed on July 6th but that it wasn't reported until July 7th. They may have been trying to make me feel better but they told me he had won the Silver Star while trying to drag other wounded Marines to safety, that he had saved several before he was first wounded and then killed. They also told me that their new base was going to be named Camp Michael Singer. I don't know how true any of it was but it sounded like Moose. Moose was working as a Forward Observer 0846 with Delta Company 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment outside Khe Sanh, on Hill 689. He is mentioned on the Alpha Battery 1-11 web page. Go to the 1-1 Bn Web site. Click on H&S Company and Attached Units, then Alpha Btry 1-11, look for Alpha 1-11 F.O.s at the bottom of the web page. From a friend, Snuffy (Joe) Jackson

A Note from The Virtual Wall A patrol from Delta 1/1 got into trouble on 05 July 1968, leading to the deaths of 12 Marines: 2ndLt Henry A. Ledford, Alexandria, VA Sgt David F. Langley, Washington, DC (Silver Star) LCpl Raymond L. Bunch, Ojai, CA LCpl Jerry D. Dewberry, Ardmore, OK (Body not recovered) LCpl Arthur W. Dilworth, Iuka, MS LCpl Timothy W. Gilkey, Irwin, PA LCpl William Reyes, Warren, MI LCpl Gerard J. Sanders, Gettysburg, PA LCpl Louis K. Thompson, Fremont, CA LCpl Robert E. Williams, Memphis, TN Pfc Joseph R. Jones, Sanford, FL Pfc Jon R. Woodard, Waukegan, IL Four more Marines from Delta 1/1 are reported to have died on 07 July 1968, three killed in action and one from wounds received (date unknown): LCpl Marlin J. Callies, Howard, SD (DoW) Pfc Ronald D. Coleman, Tarpon Springs, FL Pfc Michael E. Singer, Canton, OH A/1/11 Marines (Silver Star) Pfc Joseph E. Thomas, Boston, MA There exists a report from his family that "He was killed going to aid other wounded Marines under fire." and another from a comrade-in-arms, dated July 7, 2003, that reads "it has been 35 years ago this night that you gave yourself so that others could be saved.". Those two reports make it clear that Pfc Singer died helping his fellow Marines and seem to confirm that he died on 07 July rather than during the 05 July fight. Regardless of the date and circumstances, two facts are beyond dispute: Pfc Michael Singer gave of himself beyond what could be expected, and his Silver Star is proof positive that his commanders recognized his service to his fellow Marines.

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Last updated 08/10/2009