Ryland Whitney Drawdy

The database page for Ryland Whitney Drawdy

29 Nov 2001 We will miss you forever. A memorial from his Mother, Irene D. Tschan goldstar70@juno.com

07 Jun 2007 Thank you for being our Daddy's friend over there, he said he never knew if you were kin. That was something you two were going to find out when you both got home. I guess now you both know if you are. May you both rest in peace. We love you. Tammy Drawdy Johnson daughter of MSgt William Andrew Drawdy USAF tammusc@yahoo.com

A Note from The Virtual Wall The 2nd Bn, 4th Marines (2/4) arrived in Chu Lai in May 1965, but initial contacts with the enemy were minimal. OPERATION STARLITE, the first regimental-sized battle for American forces since the Korean War and the first major engagement for 2/4, was an assault against the 1st Viet Cong Regiment's positions on the Van Tuong Peninsula, 15 miles south of the Chu Lai airstrip. Three Marine battalions (2nd Bn 4th Marines, 3rd Bn 3rd Marines, and 3rd Bn 7th Marines) and supporting units were involved. On 18 August 1965 Mike 3/3 approached the area on foot, while the remaining forces were landed by amphibious and heliborne assault. Hotel 2/4 was landed in the middle of the Vietcong 60th Battalion's position and immediately surrounded. Two miles north India 3/3 was heavily engaged by another VC battalion. 18 August cost the lives of 49 Americans, but set the stage for decisively defeating the 1st VC Regiment, killing 614 Viet Cong. E Company, 2/4 Marines, lost two men in the fighting: Pfc Ryland W. Drawdy and Cpl Charles E. Iannuzzi of Elizabeth, NJ.

The point-of-contact for this memorial is his Mother, Irene D. Tschan goldstar70@juno.com

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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 Nov 2001
Last updated 01/20/2008