Damitio, Martin Leo, SP 4

Casualty Occurrence:  This Soldier was killed by multiple fragmentation wounds during a mortar/rocket attack in Quang Tin Province, in the vicinity of NUI YON REGIONAL FORCES CAMP, 6 KM WEST-SOUTHWEST OF THE TAM KY AIRFIELD.

Before Marty volunteered for induction into the US Army, Martin "Marty" was a musician and played bass guitar for the band "Western Union" in Olympia, Washington. I served with Marty in the 3/21, 196th Light Infantry Brigade.  I was in the same squad and was wounded in the same action that took Marty's life.  I can tell you that Marty died as a true hero.  We were pinned down in intense fire and despite the orders to pull back to our platoon perimeter, Marty and Larry Aiken (Aiken, Larry Delarnard, SP 4 ) refused to do so.  Jack Folger (Folger, John Vincent, PFC) had been shot in the foot or ankle and could not get up to run.  Marty and Larry would not leave Jack, and Marty was killed along with Jack Folger.  Larry was captured by the enemy and several weeks later , some time in July, I think, died as American forces tried to rescue him.  I was shot in the leg but managed to get back to the rest of the company and was MEDEVAC'd to Chu Lai and later sent  to Japan to recuperate. 
           
In just the few months I knew Marty, we hit it off quite well.  We shared a lot of stories about our previous lives back in the world.  We were both reluctant soldiers and often talked about the insanity of war.  He told me about seeing the Young Bloods at the Lighter Than Air Fair but I never knew he was in a band. I live in Columbia, Missouri.  He was a good guy and I think about him often.  Especially at this time of year. Chuck Matthews, May 2011.

POSTED BY: CURT CARTER. REMEMBERING AN AMERICAN HERO. Dear Sir, As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned. May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you. With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir. Curt Carter, May 19, 2012.
 

Garnet Jenkins, Just passing by. Grand Junction, Co.. "GREATER LOVE, HATH NO MAN THAN THIS, THAT HE LAYED, DOWN HIS LIFE, FOR HIS FRIENDS" - John 15:13.... Remembering this young hero, on the anniversary of the day, he gave his Life, for our country, with a multitude of Thanks, for his courage, service and dedication. Rest well and know, that you will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. From the sister of yet another Fallen, a Young Hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice, in Vietnam. KIA., 1967.... They shall not grow old, as we that are left, grow old. age shall, not weary them, nor do the years condemn them. At the going down, of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them. "For the Fallen" September 1914 ~ R.L. Binyon ~ Jan 28, 2007.

Kimberly Kimmel-Ober. Admirer. Encinitas, California, United States, of America. For this soldier and all those who knew him and loved him, I just want to say, thank you, for your dedication and sacrifice! Please know that you have not been forgotten and always will hold a special place in my heart! It would have been nice to have known you, as a person and I greatly appreciate your service! I just wish you did not have to pay so high a price! You will always be a hero, in my eyes! Monday, January 28, 2012.