07 Nov 2005 Merlin was a year behind me in school. We both joined the Marine Corps and were serving in Vietnam at the same time but in different units. I was told of his death while I was still there. From a friend, Dick Stanley dickiedoo198@yahoo.com

 

On 18 August 1965, elements of the 3rd and 4th Marines made simultaneous amphibious and airborne assaults in an area about 10 miles south of Chu Lai. The purpose of OPERATION STARLITE was to cut off and destroy the 1st VC Regiment (60th Bn, 80th Bn, 52nd VC Co, and a Weapons Company). The landings met only light resistance but heavy fighting broke out as the Marines deployed from the LZs. When night fell the VC withdrew, leaving a rear guard and over 100 dead behind. Fifty Marines and sailors died in the fighting on 18 and 19 August, including 14 men from India 3/3 Marines: Capt Bruce D. Webb, Wheaton, IL (Navy Cross) Sgt Robert F. Batson, Houston, TX Cpl David J. Thomas, Dallas, TX LCpl Francis J. Delmark, Salt Lake City, UT LCpl Merlin E. Marquardt, Fort Wayne, IN LCpl Morris O. Musick, Denver, CO (DoW 08/20/1965) LCpl Jon D. Vannatta, Richmond, IN LCpl James L. White, Chicago, IL (08/19/1965) HA Thomas R. Brand, Allen Park, MI Pfc Ollie R. Cotten, Sand Lake, MI Pfc John L. Jemison, Pittsburgh, PA Pfc Edward Kopec, Chicago, IL Pfc Gilbert R. Nickerson, Racine, WI Pfc Walter L. Smith, Memphis, TN (08/19/1965)

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