Marion Lee Dirickson

The database page for Marion Lee Dirickson

29 July 1999 I would love to be in contact with anyone who knew Lee in Vietnam and knows any details of his death. A memorial initiated by a friend, Brant Casford bcasford@comcast.net

07 Oct 2002 REMEMBERED by a friend Karen Ellerwood E-Mail will be forwarded by the Webmaster@VirtualWall.org Photo courtesy of Ms. Ellerwood

07 Aug 2007 I lived about 15 miles east of Tonkawa, and spent a lot of time there visiting my grandma. We were the same age and I remember Lee playing high school football. When he came home in June 67, I was scared that I would have to go to Vietnam, and my feeling was right after I was kicked out of Northern Oklahoma College and the draft board was notified. I was on my way. After signing the paper in Oklahoma City the next thing I knew I was on two yellow foot prints, with a D.I. yelling at me for what I didn't know? After I got to Vietnam I understood what he was yelling about. After I got back home I hung aroung Tonkawa a lot and one day came across Arnie, Lee's dad. Man, that was hard to do, just to talk with him. I visit Lee when I can and remember the times we shared. He will always be remembered. He is my brother!! Ron Marler 205 North 1st, Tonkawa, Okla. 74653 rlmcam1992@sbcglobal.net

A Note from The Virtual Wall During Operation Union II elements of the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, were inserted into the Que Son Valley, where they came under operation control of the CO, 1/5 Marines. In the early afternoon of 02 June 1967 Fox 2/5's point platoon was ambushed by the 3rd NVA Regiment as it crossed a dry rice paddy bounded by a U-shaped treeline. With his 2nd Platoon pinned in place by unremitting enemy fire, Fox Company commander Captain James A. Graham gathered his forces and moved to relieve his trapped men. For their part, the North Vietnamese hammered the out-numbered Marines, while themselves enduring severe punishment from the 2/5 Marines, artillery, and air strikes. At nightfall neither the NVA or the Marines had gained the upper hand - but the NVA knew very well who would be reinforced come dawn. Although the fighting continued, the NVA withdrew during the night and the relieving force found a quiet battlefield and the grim task of locating and recovering the dead. 33 Marines and sailors from 2nd Bn, 5th Marines died in the battle - 13 from H&S 2/5, 18 from Fox 2/5, and 1 from Echo 2/5. Captain Graham received a posthumous Medal of Honor, while Hospital Corpsman Thomas S. Donovan and Pfc Keith M. Moser were awarded posthumous Silver Stars.

The point-of-contact for this memorial is a friend, Karen Ellenwood E-Mail may be forwarded via the Webmaster@VirtualWall.org

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 29 Jul 1999
Last updated 03/16/2008