Michael James MonahanPrivate First ClassH&S CO, 2ND BN, 9TH MARINES, 3RD MARDIV United States Marine Corps 01 November 1947 - 26 October 1966 Dracut, Massachusetts Panel 11E Line 113 |
Photo courtesy of Harold Lupton |
The database page for Michael James Monahan
"When we were preteens Michael came to a Holloween party at my home dressed like a woman, with a string mop for his hair . . . This may not seem funny but that was a time when all the boys were starting to be young men and there was Michael in a dress. He had a routine that started the 'Housewives of America Unite'!!!" | ||||
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So many years have passed since I last saw Michael. I remember many days of happiness in his presence. We were the best of buddies from the days we could leave our yards to play. The day we started first grade Michael cried when we were separated at recess, in those days the boys played in the back of the school and the girls in the front. The teacher actually had to bring him around front because he was so upset. Michael was a very kind and sensitive individual. He was very funny. I can remember him telling his funny story of playing football with the girls, the girls will wear armor, the boys will bring can openers. He graduated from Keith Academy and won a scholarship to Boston College. In his second year at BC he enrolled in the Marine Corps. He was very proud of his country and felt he needed to help in Vietnam. I can remember the day I learned he died. My next door neighbor Johnny found out first. He was in the drug store when two Marines came in and asked for directions to Malwood Avenue. Johnny knew right away. The year after Michael was killed the Dracut Center playground (former Dracut High School football field) was renamed the Michael James Monahan Park.
My dear childhood friend, you will never be forgotten. MEMORIAL DAY, 2001Dear Michael,I think of you on this Memorial Day weekend. It is rainy and cool just like the day you lit your garage on fire trying to start the BBQ grill. You sure had a sense of humor. May you rest in peace. Your best friend, |
Michael was a childhood friend. I learned of his death the same day I found out Kenny and I were to have our second child. Michael James Monahan Porter was born June 13, 1967. Our family has been blessed with the memory of Mike's spirit. Kenneth and Pamela Cote Porter |
Mike, it has now been 35 years since that sad day. In your honor, I'll be visiting you in person in a few weeks. It may have been a "Fox Hole" promise, but with Rick's help, one I'll finally keep. With all that has gone on this last 8 weeks, I'm saddened when I hear young men talking of rushing off to war. We know it is a terrible place, but only made bearable by the friends you make.
Semper Fi. |
NOVEMBER 1, 2001 -- HAPPY 54th BIRTHDAY
From a childhood friend, |
I have just found The Virtual Wall on my computer and found the name of my nephew PFC Michael J. Monahan. I can't begin to say what I am feeling now. All the wonderful things that were said about Mike made me cry. He was the first baby born in our family. I was 11 years old at the time and spent a lot of time at my sister's house just to be near him. He was a very special person, and anyone who knew him knows what a great person he was. We are all very proud of Mike and his memory will live on in our family forever.
From his aunt, October 26, 2005 On this date thirty nine years ago we lost our Michael to the war in Viet Nam. I want to submit this message as a remembrance to Michael. We have not forgotten nor will we ever forget. He remains in our thoughts always.
From his aunt, |
This memorial stirs so many childhood memories
From his brother, |
I just found this The Virtual Wall while surfing the web and discovered this memorial to Michael Monahan. Michael and I were friends all through middle school and junior high. He used to sit behind me in class and get us both into trouble with the teachers. He was a wonderful young man, and I have many fond memories of him. I still miss him. Michael, wherever you are, you are still in our hearts.
Carole Mason Leonard |
I share with Michael the privilege of being a Keith Academy graduate, and although our paths never crossed I treasure the memory of his sacrifice for our country. I was an Air Force veteran (1951-1959), had two brothers and a son in the United States Marine Corps, and this brings Keith graduates closer still. Rest with God, Michael, you earned the right.
Keith Academy, Class of 1949, |
Mike, we were just neighbors but I saw you every day at school or outside. You always said Hi. Our brothers hung around together. I felt so bad when I heard you'd died and couldn't begin to imagine what your family was going thru - now I know. My Son, My Baby is up there with you. Take care of him for me please. He's kinda big at 6 ft but he's a jokester and loves to fool around. Malwood Ave has now known its share of grief. You were the first from Dracut as was Mat. His Name is Spc Mathew G Boule' and he too died for Freedom and his Family. Take care of him til I get there, okay? Thanks. Suellen (Farnham) Boule
From a neighbor, A Note from The Virtual Wall On 03 Apr 2003 six men from the 2nd Bn, 3rd Avn Rgt, died in the crash of their UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter in Iraq:
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My daughter is a softball player and played many games at Monahan Field in Dracut (now across from the fire station). One day between games I wandered over to the monument and flag pole to read the inscription. I became very moved as I discovered Corporal Monahan was in the same unit that I belong to -the 2/9 Marines. I was wounded on 18 May 1967 on Operation Hickory with Hotel Company. I was medically retired. I spent many times between games saying a few prayers for a Marine hero. God Bless.
From
A Note from The Virtual Wall
Hotel 2/9 took several WIA casualties from mines during the early part of 18 May 1967, but most of the company's losses came at about 4 PM when they received heavy mortar and machinegun fires from a fortified enemy position - Hotel had one killed (Pfc James C. Offley) and 30 wounded, Fox 5 wounded. The Fox and Hotel 2/9 Marines encountered stiff resistance when they renewed their sweep on the 19th, losing 12 men (5 Fox, 7 Hotel). When Echo 2/9 took up the load on 20 May they encountered no resistance - the enemy had withdrawn during the night of 19/20 May.
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I had to do a report on Vietnam Veterans, and the woman I babysit for told me of a man named Myles Herring. I did the interview with him and he mentioned something that touched me very deeply. One of my questions was, "What is the most vivid memory that sticks out in your mind, while you were in Vietnam, and he answered, "It was the death of Private Mike Monahan, he was a friend of mine, for a long time I was his leader." Then I asked him if he was older than Mike. He replied, "Yes, I was 21, and he was 19, and so I felt responsible for him, and it just took me a long time to get over that". This interview has really opened my eyes, and I am so glad Mr. Herring shared the story of Mike with me.
Amber Hoven |
A Note from The Virtual WallThe 2/9 Marines' Operations Journal for 26 October 1966 shows that while Fox and Golf Companies were conducting a sweep in Quang Tri Province Golf Company encountered a North Vietnamese Army platoon of some 40 men. Golf 2/9 engaged the NVA troops while Fox Company moved to flank their position. When the NVA scattered under pressure from Golf 2/9, they ran into Fox 2/9. Thirteen NVA bodies were found after the firefight, while the Marines lost four men:
Another 2/9 Marine, LCpl Howard D. Strauss of Monaca, Pennsylvania, was killed in action in a separate incident involving Echo Company. |
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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 23 Sep 1999
Last updated 08/10/2009