Stephen Thomas HepnerSecond LieutenantK CO, 3RD BN, 9TH MARINES, 3RD MARDIV United States Marine Corps 13 February 1940 - 02 May 1967 Glendale, Arizona Panel 19E Line 014 |
 
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The database page for Stephen Thomas Hepner
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I first met 2nd Lt Steve Hepner in July 1961. I was transferred to Camp Pendelton and assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines. Steve was a Corporal (E4) and I was a PFC assigned to the 3rd Platoon under 2nd Lt James Cooligan. During our "lock on" period prior to our deployment to Okinawa as Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, I discovered how dedicated Steve was to the Corps and his uncanny ability to lead men. Steve was respected by all, enlisted and officers alike. Steve made Sergeant (E5) during our tour overseas and became Right Guide of the platoon. When our battalion returned to the states in October 1962, I went to Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, at Camp Margarita, and never saw or had contact with Steve after that. In June 1967, I was a patrolman with the St. Louis City Police Department where I received a telephone call from a friend and former Marine, Klaus Fischer who lived in Ft. Worth, Texas and a very close friend of Steve's. Klaus told me that Steve was killed in action on 2 May 1967. Steve's death was difficult to believe and accept, but what disturbs me the most is that those Marines in his platoon did not get a chance to know or experience his leadership to the fullest and the compassion he had for those in his presence. 2nd Lt Steve Hepner was a great person and a dedicated Marine who, had he returned from VN, would have excelled at everything he strived for in his military career. 2nd Lt Steve Hepner, like so many good men who lost their lives for this great country, is deeply missed by everyone who knew him during peacetime and war. GOD BLESS YOU, STEVE, AND SEMPER FI.
A memorial initiated by a former Marine who knew and respected 2ndLt Steve Hepner, |
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Though I never knew Steve, I am a second cousin to him. I was born in 1977, well after Steve had given his life for the country he loved. My mother is a cousin to Steve and she has had nothing but wonderful things to say about him. Steve grew up in Delaware, Ohio, where he was graduated from St. Mary's High School. He entered the Marines after graduation, and while he was in service his parents moved to Arizona. While searching for information about Steve, and information about the rest of my family members who served in the U.S. Military, I came across this web site. From what I gathered Stephen was killed in action while fighting on Hill 881 South near Khe Sanh. I also understand Steve was an outstanding Marine, who after his first tour in Vietnam returned home and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. Not wanting to leave his fellow Marines behind, Steve volunteered for a second tour, which ultimately cost him his life. One story I always heard was that Steve had made a great impression on a fellow Marine and they became good friends. I do not know this Marine's name; I do know that upon returning from his tour in Vietnam, he would place a can of beer at the gravesite of Steve. Anyone with more information or more stories about Steve, please feel free to contact me. I am trying to gather as much information I can about my family's history of military service, including Steve's Uncle John Hepner, grandfather, cousins, parents and myself. Steve, though I never had the chance to meet you, I am glad to be able to say you are family. Semper Fi!
From a cousin, |
A Note from The Virtual WallThe 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, had been in and out of Khe Sanh area several times during the spring of 1967, participating in the famous "Hill Fights" in the mountains surrounding Khe Sanh Combat Base. They were "in" during the latter part of April, and on 30 April lost 17 men in a bitter engagement with the North Vietnamese Army on the jungled slopes of Hill 881 South. 3rd Bn, 3rd Marines lost 27 more in the battle.Two days later 3/9 had another loss - 2ndLt Stephen Hepner was shot and killed while leading his platoon in the area of the 30 April fight. The 3/9 Marines were withdrawn from Khe Sanh shortly thereafter and became one of the forces used in Operation Hickory, the first US incursion into the Demilitarized Zone itself. |
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The point-of-contact for this memorial is a former Marine who knew and respected him, Dan Swan semper5@sbcglobal.net 8 Aug 2002 |
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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Last updated 01/23/2007