THE WALL OF FACES

Operation Deckhouse IV (September 15-18, 1966) was conducted by the Special Landing Force (SLF) Battalion Landing Team (BLT) of 1st Battalion, 26th Marines in the eastern Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in Quang Tri Province, RVN. U.S. intelligence indicated that a North Vietnamese Army (NVA) unit was moving into the area between Con Thien and the DMZ. Reconnaissance in force of the area from September 7th–13th made intermittent contact with NVA units. Deckhouse IV planned to use a larger reconnaissance in force in the same area utilizing the SLF floating reserve. During the first three days of Deckhouse, the Marines were involved in several engagements while they pursued their objectives. On the last day of the operation, heavy fighting in the hamlet of Gia Binh claimed the lives of several Delta 1/26 Marines. A morning advance into the hamlet was conducted with 2nd Platoon on point. The plan was for one squad to advance towards the center of the village along the main trail flanked by the other two squads. The physical setting was challenging, with hedgerows limiting movement; a previous day's probe towards the center of the village revealed a series of trenches, tank traps, and fighting positions. Late in the morning, Delta made heavy contact and received automatic weapons fire from both sides of the road and the front. The NVA fought from prepared positions and 2nd Platoon took many casualties. Several Marines were killed in the initial exchange of fire, including the 2nd Platoon commander, 1stLt Gerald Geoghegan. There was much confusion on both sides, with the NVA calling out to each other while the Marines did the same. The company was pinned down and called for supporting arms. The eight-inch guns of the Navy cruiser USS Saint Paul (CA-73) covered its withdrawal. Seven Delta Marines were killed in fighting at Gia Binh. They included PFC David R. Beattie, 1stLt Gerald D. Geoghegan, PFC Herschel P. Helm Jr., PFC Thomas C. Jonozzo, Cpl Stephen P. Miller, PFC Danny R. Rundle, and PFC Florentino J. Santana. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

1st Lt Geoghegan #089947
MOS: 0302 Infantry Officer.

Gerald was serving in the US Marines Reserves before going into active duty.
He arrived in Vietnam and was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division. Gerald died during an engagement against hostile forces, 4 kilometers east of
Con Thien (Hill 158).
Survived by his father, James J Geoghegan of Sarasota, Florida, his mother, Louise A Geoghegan and his brother, James C Geoghegan both of Verona, New Jersey.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

You're remembered by Major James Capers Jr. in his book Faith Through the Storm.

First Lieutenant Gerald Daly Geoghegan, Served with Company D, 1st Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.