Dennis Lee Gauthier

The database page for Dennis Lee Gauthier

Dennis, I am trying to locate your brother Robert. I know you are with God. I wore your bracelet and have read your military file. You are my hero. I look forward to meeting you someday. Love, D. Drum While participating in a combat patrol, PFC Gauthier's company was ambushed by an enemy force of unknown size. At the time of the ambush, they were operating in rugged jungle-covered mountains approximately 25 miles southwest of Kontum, 34 miles due south of Dak To, 20 miles northwest of the city of Pleiku and 25 miles east of the Vietnamese/Cambodian border, Pleiku Province, South Vietnam. As his company was attempting to break contact and withdraw from the intense action, PFC Gauthier's platoon was sent up a hill to provide covering fire for the rest of their company. There his platoon made contact with communist troops, and in the ensuing firefight, PFC Gauthier and another soldier were wounded, with Dennis Gauthier being shot in the leg. Because of the heavy volume of enemy fire, the wounded men could not be evacuated from the hill to a safer location. The two wereleft hidden behind a log with ample means to defend themselves should it be necessary to do so while the other platoon members moved forward to press the attack. Neither one was seen again as the action continued. Two days later, on 2 November 1969, a reconnaissance platoon was inserted into the ambush site to recover the two wounded men. They found only the body of the other soldier. A thorough search was conducted throughout the immediate area, but no trace was found of PFC Gauthier or any of his personal equipment. He was immediately listed Missing in Action. On 15 June 1967, PFC Gauthier's status was changed to "Died while Missing". As of 12 June 2001, his remains have not been repatriated.

A memorial from one who wears his MIA bracelet, D. Drum spirit76@bellsouth.net  12 Jun 2001

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)