James Michael Timmons

The database page for James Michael Timmons

02 Jun 2006 Mike, You'd ride up to our house on your Harley, wearing your pith helmet, and all we wanted to do was toss around some football. 10 years younger than you, my brothers and I looked up to you like a big brother. But in 1968 fate had other plans for you. You went to Parris Island that summer, and in the fall you went "Down South". In mid November of that year we bid you a sorrowful goodbye. Though the years have slowed the sorrow and the tears, The sun does not rise nor does it set, that I don't think of you, nor will I ever forget. You will always be held close in our prayers and our thoughts. You gave your all when you received your country's call. A son, a brother, a leatherneck, a Hero, and a friend like no other. Rest in peace, my friend, knowing that your deeds are remembered today and always. From a friend, David P Sims 08 Aug 2006 "They shall not grow old, as we that are left behind grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them..." - from "For the Fallen" by Laurence Binyon - From a friend, David P. Sims buckidave5_2000@yahoo.com The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to PRIVATE JAMES M. TIMMONS UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Messenger with Company M, Second Platoon, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 6 November, 1968 Company M was conducting a reconnaissance in force near Hill 55 in Quang Nam Province when the Marines came under intense small arms, automatic weapons, and rocket-propelled grenade fire from a North Vietnamese Army regiment occupying fortified positions. Sighting several Marines lying wounded in an area exposed to a heavy volume of fire, Private Timmons boldly traversed the fire-swept terrain and assisted a wounded comrade to a position of relative safety. Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting near him, he fearlessly returned to the hazardous area on two more occasions and assisted injured companions to the designated landing zone. As the evacuation helicopter attempted to land, the aircraft was forced from the zone by intense hostile machine-gun fire. On the second attempt, the aircraft again drew a heavy volume of small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire which impacted near the casualties. Reacting instantly, Private Timmons courageously placed his body across that of a wounded Marine, shielding him from the North Vietnamese fire. While engaged in this selfless task, Private Timmons was mortally wounded. His daring initiative and sincere concern for the welfare of his comrade saved the life of a fellow Marine and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his units mission. By his courage, resolute determination, and unwavering devotion to duty, Private Timmons upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. For the President, Secretary of the Navy

15 Oct 2006 Mike, I didn't know you that well. Back in 1967 you were a friend of my friend Mike Booker. I saw you a few times and I remember when you left for the Marines. When you came home ... a hero ... I went to pay my respects and to tell you good-bye. You have always been with me in my heart. This weekend, the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall visited our city of Tallahassee. Not only did I get to see your name and touch it, it was my privilege to participate with the continuous reading of the names. I brought you beautiful yellow roses, I hope you liked them. Mike, thank you for paying the ultimate price for your fellow man and country. There are many who could care less, but I do care. Not only for you, but also the 58,000 others who paid the same price. I am very proud to have known you and you will continue to be in my heart and your family in my prayers. Becky Dunlap Eccard Tallahassee, Florida bjebutterfly@hotmail.com

A Note from The Virtual Wall On 04 November 1968 a squad patrol from Mike Company 3/7 Marines got in trouble near Hill 55 in eastern Quang Nam Province. The squad was reinforced but little headway could be be made before munitions shortages forced the Marines to withdraw at about 2300. Two Mike 3/7 Marines were killed in the encounter: Pfc Elton G. Anderson of Lovell, Wyoming, and Pfc David B. Henderson of Italy, Texas. On the 5th 3/7 brought in Kilo Company and prepared for a sweep on 06 November. Mike 3/7 set out at 0500 and by 0730 was heavily engaged. The Kilo 3/7 reaction force was sent out and by 1400 Alpha 1/7 was put into the fight, the first of three rifle companies from the 1/7 Marines. The Marines formed a "U"-shaped cordon around the north, west, and south sides of the NVA fortifications, and an ARVN battalion was to close off the eastern side - but was unable to link up with the Marines before darkness brought the fighting to a halt. Although the cordon was closed and the area swept on the 7th, the NVA were gone - they had escaped through the gaps between the Marines and the ARVN battalion. The NVA had taken most of their dead and wounded with them, but they had been forced to abandon considerable quantities of equipment and supplies. Eight Marines and one Navy Corpsman were killed in the fighting on 06 Nov: H&S Co, 1st Bn, 7th Marines HN George A. Marks, Brockport, NY M Co, 3rd Bn, 7th Marines 2ndLt Duncan B. Sleigh, Marblehead, MA (Navy Cross) SSgt Raymond G. Skaggs, New Boston, OH Cpl Gerald C. Mullin, Mount Clemens, MI Cpl Gerald R. Peterson, Quincy, MA LCpl William G. Camp, Fresno, CA LCpl Rafael Soler, New York, NY Pfc Edward D. Henry, North Clarendon, VT Pfc James M. Timmons, Groveport, OH (Navy Cross) 2ndLt Duncan B. Sleigh received a posthumous Navy Cross for doing exactly what Pfc Timmons did: protect a wounded Marine with his own body.

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 02 Jun 2006
Last updated 08/10/2009