10 Aug 2001 3rd Plt, Delta 1/7 The site linked above has 122 pictures of the unit Jim Witt served - Delta 1/7 Marines. The 3rd Platoon picture of 40 Marines taken March 1969 will be retaken at the Wall in DC on May 31, 2002. I have located about half of those fine men. After 32 years it seems like yesterday. We Remember. "When you stand there, do not weep; I am not there, I am not asleep." "James was the Platoon Commander of Third Platoon for 37 days. He was killed on February 14, 1969 while at the front of 3rd Platoon (his Platoon) as it engaged a heavily fortified enemy headquarters in the area known as "Dodge City". He was an exceptional officer and person. June of 2000 some of us who were honored to serve with James were able to meet with his family and former fiancee who had not spoken with anyone from his unit since his death, some thiry one years ago. It was a very emotional time for everyone and I hope that we who served and knew James were able to convey to his loved ones what a special officer and person that James was. We who fought in battle with him will never forget him. "He never asked anyone under his charge to do anything that he himself would not do". Neil Wilson neilwilson5@comcast.net This photo was taken at the graduation ceremony for brand new Marine Second Lieutenants in June of 1968; Jim was age 21 and Bob 13. Visit the 7th Marines

 

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the SILVER STAR posthumously to JAMES PATRICK WITT 2nd Lieutenant United States Marine Corps for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 14 February 1969, during a company-sized patrol in Quang Nam Province, the point element took the command post of a North Vietnamese Army company by surprise. One enemy soldier was killed, and the others hastily retreated to the security of fortified positions under cover of protective fire from a bunker emplacement 15 meters to the Marines' front. Realizing the advantage of immediate action, Second Lieutenant Witt deployed the lead squad on line and, while initiating an aggressive assault on the enemy bunker, received multiple wounds as he moved across the fire-swept terrain to direct the fire of his men. When another Marine started to his aid, he yelled for the man to get down as a hostile grenade detonated nearby, injuring him again. Although painfully wounded, Second Lieutenant Witt calmy briefed the Marine and delivered explicit directions regarding the course of action to be followed by his men. Subsequently, he was medically evacuated and succumbed to his wounds. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in his unit's killing three hostile soldiers while overrunning the North Vietnamese Army position. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Second Lieutenant Witt upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. For the President, J. L. Jones Commandant of the Marine Corps

 

4 May 2005 Jim Witt was my uncle, I'm John-Paul Witt, Bob's son. I wasn't blessed to know my uncle, but from what I've read and heard.. he sets an example for me to follow. Whatever I end up doing in my life (I'm currently a student at Notre Dame), I know that the path has been set for me. I know I need to have honor, and respect justice. I hope I can honor the warrior, honor the sacrifice my uncle made; he willingly sacrificed himself leading his men, so that my parents, and I, might be free. Thanks for this site. From his nephew, John-Paul Witt jack.witt@gmail.com

 

30 Sep 2006 I'm James P. Witt's youngest sister, Carol. My brother is forever etched in my mind as a young man who died much too young. May we all strive to fight for what we believe in and be the best that we can be! From his sister, Carol L. Wilms Deer Run, Brecksvile, Ohio 44141 c-wilms@sbcglobal.net

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall On 14 Deb 1969 the Marines of Delta 1/7 lost three men; a fourth died the following day of wounds received: 2ndLt James P. Witt, Fairview Park, OH (Silver Star) LCpl Lawrence C. Looby, Lincoln, NE Pfc Billy D. Roberts, Dallas, TX Pfc Michael J. Wyman, Buckner, IL (DoW 02/15/1969) (Silver Star)

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