Bernard Joseph Rafferty

Lance Corporal
K CO, 3RD BN, 1ST MARINES, 1ST MARDIV
United States Marine Corps
23 February 1952 - 30 September 1970
Old Forge, Pennsylvania
Panel 07W Line 102

1ST MARDIV

1ST MARINES
National Defense, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign

The database page for Bernard Joseph Rafferty

08 June 2005

Dear Barnie,

I will always remember the times we had growing up in our little town. Rocky Glenn, Naug Park, the Coal Dumps, slate piles, and the abondoned Moffit Coal Breaker and mine shaft. I still have the picture of us sitting on the trunk lid of your old car.

I'm sorry you never had a chance to have a family and live life under the blanket of freedom that you gave your life to defend.

Semper Fi, my friend, and may you rest in peace.

Your best friend always,
Pete



07 Jun 2007

Barnie - I was at "The Wall" this Memorial Day as I have done for the past 3 years with Rolling Thunder. I find your name at each visit and pray for you and your family. It's hard to believe it's been 37 years since you went to war and gave your life for our freedom. I hope you have found peace and a place of honor with our Lord. God Bless you and may you rest in peace my Brother.

Your best friend always,
Peter P. Zaleski
LCDR, USN (Retired)
zaleskipj@aol.com

22 Jan 2006

Bernie --

I live in the same town that you grew up in - Old Forge, Pennsylvania.

I remember attending your funeral as a young child. I also share the same last name as you - Rafferty.

Your service to our county is unmatched and I respect your service and sacrifice to our country.

From a friend,
John Rafferty
jrafferty61@gmail.com

01 Sep 2006

I didn't know Barney but sure knew his brother Bobby who was nuts about him. I know they were very close and that would be why Bobby had so darn many problems in his life. Thanks, Barney, for everything you did for our country. You were your brother's idol. God Bless You Both!

From a friend.
E-Mail will be forwarded by the
Webmaster@VirtualWall.org

11 Nov 2007

Barney

Just remembering back when we were kids in Old Forge. The fun times we had skipping school, going up the mountains to Coal Creek and hanging out in the fields behind goose alley with Yarzy. I'm sure you would have had a great life if you were not taken so soon.

I still think of you from time to time, and your name still comes up in conversation almost 40 years after you've been gone. Thanks for the memories, old friend.

Lou
ljt2112@aol.com

A Note from The Virtual Wall

Lance Corporal Bernard Rafferty completed infantry training and was assigned to G Company, 2nd Bn, 6th Marines on 30 Oct 1969. On 11 Jun 1970 he was transferred for duty in Vietnam, joining "A" Company, 1st Recon Bn on 27 July. That didn't last long; when "A" Company was closed down in August Rafferty was transferred to Kilo Company, 3rd Bn, 1st Marines, joining on 28 Aug 1970.

On 30 September, while his platoon was located about 9 kilometers west of Danang, he was killed by an accidental rifle discharge.



The point-of-contact for this memorial is
a friend,
Peter P. Zaleski
LCDR USN (Retired)
8 Koenig Lane, Freehold, N J 07728
zaleskipj@aol.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 17 Jul 2005
Last updated 02/25/2008