Thomas McEnteePrivate First ClassC CO, 1ST BN, 7TH MARINES, 3RD MARDIV United States Marine Corps 30 March 1946 - 28 March 1966 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Panel 06E Line 057 |
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The database page for Thomas McEntee
Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 1/7 was supposed to land on 13 August 1965 but our mail address was "Marine 13" and the Colonel would not land a "Marine 13" on Friday the 13th so we went ashore on 14 August. Our designation was changed from BLT 1/7 to 1st Bn, 7th Marines, 4th Brigade, but we were then assigned to the 3rd Marine Division. SEMPER FIDELISMcEntee was one of eleven Charlie 1/7 Marines killed in action duringOperation INDIANA .
A memorial from a fellow 1/7 Marine, |
The photo and following article is taken from The Philadelphia Daily News, special supplement entitled 'SIX HUNDRED AND THIRTY,' October 26, 1987. The special supplement was issued in conjunction with the dedication of the Philadelphia Viet Nam Memorial.
SEMPER FIDELIS, MARINE!
From a native Philadelphian and Marine, |
To Tom McEntee, Marine: I wasn't a Marine, but at least three of my family members were in the Corps, serving in WWII and Korea. Nonetheless, Tom, we have a lot in common. Like you, I served in Viet Nam, but as a member of the Special Forces. I made it back (in '64), you didn't. Like you I was from a large Catholic family in the Northeastern part of the country (9 kids in the Bronx) and I was close to the end of the litter. Like you, I once had dreams of opening a restaurant some day. Like you, I was proud to serve our country in war time. But you paid a higher price to do so.
So, Marine, I salute you. |
A Note from The Virtual WallA few days afterwards, the 7th Marines were assigned to the newly arrived 1st Marine Division, and remained a part of the 1st MarDiv until the Regiment was withdrawn in the fall of 1970. |
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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Last updated 08/10/2009