THE WALL OF FACES

Dear PFC Joseph Meade, thank you for your gallant service to our country. You're a true and brave American Hero and will not be forgotten.

Dear PFC Joseph Meade, Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. The anniversary of the terror attacks just passed. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Joseph L. Meade

Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Private First Class
Battalion: 3d Battalion
GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Joseph L. Meade (MCSN: 2450534), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company M. Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 25 January 1969, Company M was participating in a combat operation south of Chu Lai in Quang Ngai Province when two Marines detonated enemy mines, resulting in several casualties. Completely disregarding his own safety, Private First Class Meade fearlessly rushed into the hazardous area to assist his injured squad leader. Arriving at the man's side, he commenced mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and continued this process aboard the evacuation helicopter until the casualty reached a medical facility. Returning to the operational area, Private First Class Meade unhesitatingly re-entered the minefield on several occasions to provide medical aid to his comrades and carry injured men to awaiting evacuation aircraft. While engaged in this selfless task, he was mortally wounded by the detonation of an enemy explosive device. By his courage, bold, initiative and unwavering devotion to duty, Private First Class Meade inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.

Marine Corps Recruit Depot
Parris Island, SC
3rd Battalion
Platoon 382

Commenced Training: 20 June 1968
Completed Training: 22 August 1968

SDI - SSGT W. White
ADI - SSGT G.L. McClearly
ADI - SGT J.I. Justice

4 other members of Platoon 382 were KIA in Viet Nam.
PFC Gilbert D. Arroyo-Brenes - Miami, FL
PFC Joseph W, Edwards - Mobile, AL
PFC James P. Hickey - Quincy, MA
LCPL Richard G. Sonneberger - Carrollton, OH

Semper Fidelis, Marine!

Joseph L. Meade
The body of Marine PFC.
Joseph Lynn Meade, who was
killed in Vietnam Jan. 24,
arrived in Kingsport Saturday
night for funeral and burial
Monday.
Meade, 19, son of Mr. and
Mrs. Guy Meade of 61D Hollis
St., suffered multiple shrapnel
wounds when a mine exploded
near him as he and 3,000
other Marines were making
a drive on B a t a n g a n
Peninsula, in Quang Ngai
Province.
He was a graduate o!
Bobyns-Bennett High School,
where he played football and
was a member of the Interact
Club. He entered the Marine
Corps last June, completed
basic training at Parris
Island, S. C., and completed
an advanced training course
at Camp Lejeune, N. C., and
Camp Pendleton, Calif. He
was sent to Vietnam last Dec.
5.
He was a member of the
Old Kingsport Presbyterian
Church.
Surviving are his parents;
brothers, William Thomas and
Guy Wood Meade Jr.;
maternal grandparents, Mr.
and Mrs. Victor Patfon; and
paternal grandparents, Mr.
and Mrs. C. C. Meade, all
of Kingsport. Another brother,
David Edward Meade, died
several years ago.
Hamlett - Dobson Funeral
Home is in charge of
arrangements.

Recover with help from Karen Cassell, Reference Librarian, Kingsport TN Public Library.

Semper Fidelis, Marine!