Wesley Gene BaughmanCorporalG CO, 2ND BN, 27TH MARINES, 1ST MARDIV United States Marine Corps 08 November 1946 - 05 May 1968 Dallas, Oregon Panel 55E Line 001 |
The database page for Wesley Gene Baughman
Corporal Baughman was my squad leader that long hot day, May 5 1968. I was also wounded in the same firefight as Corporal Baughman. He was a great leader on his second tour of duty. I learned much from him in the short three months that I knew him. He carried the M-79 grenade launcher. I took the grenade launcher from him after he was killed, and became the squad's grenadier. I have a picture of him smiling and waving, that's how I remember him. We lost many good Marines in Quang Nam, in a VC village called Duck-ey. After many booby traps and ambushes with the VC, we had our first fight with the NVA that day of his death. Fighter planes dropped bombs all around us saving our platoon from having many more casualties. A company of Marines and tanks coming to our rescue were pinned down. After dark we dragged our wounded to the tank position, and came back at daybreak to claim our dead and weapons. I was again wounded that morning by incoming as our Platoon came back to collect the KIA's and weapons. I will never forget Corporal Baughman, and all those brave Marines who gave their lives, limbs, and minds for their country! I hope to see Corporal Baughman in heaven, because we served our time in Hell!
Sgt. Terry C. Webber
09 Nov 2006 With the Marine Corps Birthday and Veterans' Day coming up in a few days, I have decided to honor my Squad Leader, Corporal Wesley Baughman, by sharing his posthumously awarded Bronze Star award. His daughter Lea Baughman sent it to me today. Thank you Lea, it means a lot to me. As I reflect back to that day of his death I feel great sorrow and pride for this Marine. I am proud to have served under his capable leadership. He Is a Hero! He saved many young Marine lives with his knowledge and courage in the three short months that I knew him. I was wounded that day of his death. I looked up to him and admired his commitment to his squad and the Marine Corps. We should never forget the sacrifices made by our veterans every day, as we enjoy the freedom that we have in the best country in the world. God Bless America, and the Veterans of all wars!
Sgt. Terry C. Webber
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A Note from The Virtual WallAccording to the 2/27 Command Chronology for May 1968 elements of Golf 2/27 were involved in two actions on 05 May 1968. At 0130 the Golf 2/27 command post was attacked, with two Marines killed in action.At about noon on 05 May a squad from Golf 2/27 engaged and killed a lone VC. About 15 minutes later the squad was taken under fire by 20-30 VC. Another element from Golf 2/27 joined and the Marines were able to drive off the VC - only to then be engaged by an estimated VC company firing on them from all sides. A platoon from Hotel 2/27, supported by three tanks, was send to relieve the Golf 2/27 element, but it too was attacked and pinned in place. 3rd Platoon, Golf 2/27, with two more tanks, moved out and joined the Hotel platoon, but heavy casualties prevented them from joining with the beleaguered element from Golf 2/27. Finally, Fox Company was sent to assist. As the Fox Marines approached the area the VC broke contact and withdrew, leaving 12 bodies behind. Two Marines from Golf 2/27 were killed in the 6-hour engagement, while another 21 were wounded severely enough to require evacuation. The Virtual Wall can identify the four Golf 2/27 Marines who were killed in action on 05 May but apart from Corporal Webber we cannot determine in which engagement they died. The four dead were
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The point-of-contact for this memorial is a comrade, Sgt. Terry C. Webber Sandy, Utah vetpostal@comcast.net |
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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 08 Mar 2006
Last updated 11/26/2006