09 Aug 2002 REMEMBERED by his comrades in arms from VVA Chapter 421 Placed by another Vietnam veteran, Lester Modelowitz lmodelowitz@si.rr.com A note from The Virtual Wall: Lance Corporal John L. Krol and PFC Terrence Moran, both from Staten Island, both assigned to Fox 2/7 Marines, died in the same battle in Vietnam.

 

17 May 2005 LCpl Krol and I were friends in Vietnam. We were Marines in Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV. In June 1968, I met LCpl Krol in Subic Bay, Philippines, when I joined Fox 2/7 and the Weapons Platoon. We completed several weeks of Jungle Warfare training, boarded the USS OGDEN and headed for SE Asia via the South China Sea. Fox 2/7 was now on the Battalion Float Phase, and little did we know that we were sailing straight into hell. John Krol was born in New York, New York, on March 16, 1948 and was only 20 years, 6 months old when he was killed in action. LCpl Krol had been in Vietnam for 8 months, 13 days and had participated in numerous major combat operations with Fox 2/7 before he was killed. LCpl Krol, who was a Machine Gunner, showed extraordinary heroism on September 19, 1968, during Operation Mameluke Thrust, also known as Operation Dodge City. Fox Company was conducting a reconnaissance in force in Quang Nam Province when we encountered a large enemy force employing heavy automatic weapons and accurate sniper fire which pinned down elements for Fox Company and caused numberous casualties and many more Marines were wounded in action. Disregarding his own safety, he fearlessly exposed himself to the intense hostile fire where he succumbed to his bullet wounds. LCpl Krol's bold initiative and heroic efforts inspired all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of Fox Company's mission. By his courage, sincere concern for the welfare of his fellow Marines and unwavering devotion to duty, LCpl Krol upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps. He gallantly gave his life for his country. The following 14 Marines died that morning in the same battle as LCpl Krol: Cpl Thomas J. Cavanaugh; Sgt Raymond T. Conway; PFC Michael A. Figueroa: PFC James D. Kelley; LCpl Mark A. Knollmeyer; PFC Peter D. Matarazzo; PFC Terrence Moran; PFC Gary E. Noles; Pvt Francis S. Rhoades; LCpl Roy W. Rich; LCpl Pedro S. Rodriques; Cpl Edgar A. Smith; PFC Mark L. Triplett; LCpl Phillip J. Wajda. LCpl Krol and PFC Terrence Moran were both from Staten Island, New York. John, you will never be forgotten. You gave the supreme sacrifice for your country. You served the Corps honorably and died gallantly in battle. God Bless and Semper Fi From a friend in Fox 2/7, M. A. Lau Fox Co, 2/7, 1st Mardiv E-mail address is not available.

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall On 19 Sep 1968 sixteen men from 2/7 Marines were killed in action north of the La Tho River in what was known as the "Dodge City" sector north of the Go Noi Island area: E Co, 2nd Bn, 7th Marines, 1st Mardiv, 3rd MAF Cpl Joseph P. Lopez, Denver, CO (Silver Star) F Co, 2nd Bn, 7th Marines, 1st Mardiv, 3rd MAF Cpl Thomas J. Cavanaugh, Waterbury, CT (Navy Cross) Pfc Michael A. Figueroa, East Springfield, PA Pfc James D. Kelley, Greeneville, TN LCpl Mark A. Knollmeyer, Seattle, WA LCpl John L. Krol, New York, NY Pfc Peter D. Matarazzo, Rochester, NY Pfc Terrence Moran, New York, NY Pfc Gary E. Noles, East Wahneta, FL Pvt Francis S. Rhoades, Elmer, NJ LCpl Roy W. Rich, Wartrace, TN LCpl Pedro S. Rodriquez, Waco, TX Cpl Edgar A. Smith, Mount Vernon, NY Pfc Mark L. Triplett, St Charles, IL LCpl Philip J. Wajda, Chicago, IL (Silver Star) H&S Co, 2nd Bn, 7th Marines, 1st Mardiv, 3rd MAF Sgt Raymond T. Conway, Miami, FL

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