Gary Neal Olsowski
Lance Corporal
CAP 3-2-5, CACO 3-2, 3RD CAG, COMBINED ACTION, III MAF
United States Marine Corps
Dallas, Texas
May 23, 1948 to January 17, 1969
GARY N OLSOWSKI is on the Wall at Panel W34, Line 28

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Combat Action Ribbon
 

 
15 Jan 2007

I was in Boot Camp Platoon 335 Feb 1968 with this Marine. I pass this way with respect and honor his loss this day.

Stewart Resmer
pitbullstew@hotmail.com


 
12 Jun 2007

I was the Corpsman who was in Gary's unit on Jan. 17, 1969. I did not know Gary very well. The night we were hit the combined 2 CAG units were across the street from each other. We had people missing in the rear or on R&R. It was the year after the big TET offensive and we were standing a lot of watches at night and patrols during the day. This was to be a night to get some rest.

The CAP units provided support for projects in the villages like fixing small bridges, houses as well as protecting the people and food supplies, and we ran a small hospital. At night we would fade away into the village surroundings to set up ambushes to protect the village and its food supplies. Our main job I always felt outside of watching out for each other was to build relationships with the Vietnamese people. I don't think the Marines in the CAP units ever received the credit they deserved. Most people don't really know we existed. Gary was one of the good guys who tried to make a difference. I am sure to some of the people in that village he did and I know to the Marines he served he was the best. I will never forget that day Jan. 17, 1969.

Doc Lee

Steven Lee
ellenlee123@netzero.net


 

A Note from The Virtual Wall

The 3rd Combined Action Group Chronology for January 1969 contains the following entry:
"On 170157H Jan69 [1:57 am, 17 Jan 1969] at coord ZD145009 CAP 3-2-5 had their patrol base attacked with B-40s and Chi Com grenades immediately after the security observed 4 VC. Results: 2 USMC/KIA, 4 USMC/WIA (Evac), 2 USMC/WIA (minor)"

The two Marines killed in the attack were LCpl Richard T. Culp, Akron, Ohio, and LCpl Gary N. Olsowski, Dallas, Texas.


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