THE WALL OF FACES

The casualty database contains 1,342 records coded for "Misadventure" as the cause of death. These men were killed by "friendly fire" - misplaced mortar or artillery fire, bombs off target, men shot by their comrades-in-arms, breech explosions, and similar incidents. Pfc O'Laughlin died in an accident of war; according to his niece, his records reflect cause of death as "Gun shot wound to the head by Marine when mistaken for hostile forces while in ambush position in combat." The August 1967 Command Chronology for 2nd Bn, 5th Marines reports the incident as follows:

"At 230330H, a patrol from F/2/26 was reforming after completing an ambush at YD893116. Two men operating as flank security were mistaken for VC and were fired on. One USMC KIA."

You were one of the brave that answered the call. You honored us by your service and sacrifice. We now honor you each time we stand and sing the words “THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE”. Rest in peace and honor Dan.

Danny:
Oh how I wish you were not taken out of our staging Battalion and held back from being shipped out to Viet Nam in March of 1967. We went all through training together from induction in Minneapolis, to Boot Camp to ITR to Staging for deployment. Then you had to stay back to testify at a Courts Martial and we lost contact. I went on to “C” company first Battalion, Ninth Marines, was in the thick of it and wounded twice around the time you arrived in country and were lost in August of 1967. I think about you frequently and have a few photos of you while we were in training at Camp Pendleton. I only hope these pictures give some comfort to your family.

Dan Vork, USMC 1966 - 1969

Semper Fi, Marine.

Dear PFC Daniel Thomas O'Laughlin, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter