09 Apr 2008 Michael Pumillo was an original Gunfighter. He was a rifleman in the 3rd Squad, 1st Platoon, A Company, 1st Bn, 6th Inf, 198th LIB when the unit was formed in the Spring of 1967 at Fort Hood, Texas. Our radio callsign was "Gunfighter". I am not sure which Mike was more proud of, earning his promotion to Specialist 4 or growing his big dark mustache in Vietnam. Being so young many of us did not have much to shave. Mike's ever-present smile and naturally fun nature made him everyone's buddy. Losing Mike at the Battle for Lo Giang (Tet) 8-9 Feb 1968 was especially hard on the members of 1st platoon. The Company lost too many good men that day, however, Mike was the first member lost from the original 1st platoon. We will always remember Mike's sacrifice for his unit and country. From the 1st Platoon leader 1967-1968, William L. Wendover 1628 Dick George Road, Cave Junction, Oregon 97523 stonefield@frontiernet.net

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall On 08 Feb 1968 nineteen men from Alpha Company, 1/6th Infantry, died in heavy fighting near Lo Giang hamlet just south of Danang: PFC Amos H. Boutwell, Marianna, FL 2LT Joseph B. Bowman, Roanoke, VA (Dist Svc Cross) SP4 Alberto Carrasquillo-Denton, Santurce, PR PFC Franklin Clovis, Cedartown, GA SP4 Ralph A. Dahm, Iron Ridge, WI SP4 George R. Denslow, Boonville, NY SP4 Brian F. Durr, Whitesboro, NY PFC Robert L. Dykes, Tifton, GA SSG Ramon H. Gonzalez, Newburgh, NY (Silver Star) SP4 Lanny E. Hale, Plano, TX (Bronze Star "V") PFC Charles E. Hodge, Chicago, IL SP4 John L. Jervis, Pitman, NJ SP4 James L. Lopp, Scales Mound, IL (Silver Star) SGT David L. McKinney, Richmond, VA SP4 James E. Parker, Oak City, NC PSGT John R. Poso, San Jose, CA (Silver Star) SP4 Michael Pumillo, New York, NY (Bronze Star "V") (DoW 09 Feb 1968) SP4 Rodney P. Troyer, Blackwell, OK SP4 John A. Wilcox, Moultrie, GA The Virtual Wall's Battle of Lo Giang page gives a description of the action and a full listing of the 54 US Marines, sailors, and soldiers who died at Lo Giang on 08-09 Feb 1968.

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