THE WALL OF FACES

1LT Joseph Campbell is buried at Saint Patrick's Cemetery in Stoneham, Massachusetts.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Navy Cross citation attests to your courage and devotion to your fellow marines. May you rest in eternal peace.

Joseph Timothy Campbell

Navy Cross
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: First Lieutenant
Battalion: 3d Battalion
Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
GENERAL ORDERS:
Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Joseph Timothy Campbell (MCSN: 0-101784), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Executive Officer of Company I, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with operations in the Republic of Vietnam. On 15 June 1968 during Operation MARMELUKE THRUST in Quang Nam Province, Company I became heavily engaged with a large enemy force and sustained several casualties. As the company prepared to evacuate its wounded, an artillery round impacted nearby, killing the company commander, a platoon commander, and the company gunnery sergeant. Although seriously wounded by fragments, Lieutenant Campbell realized that he was his unit's only remaining officer and refused medical aid in order to assume command of the company. Despite his weakened condition due to the loss of blood, he ensured that a landing zone was secured and selflessly directed the evacuation of the other casualties. When the medical evacuation helicopter arrived and immediately came under intense enemy ground fire, Lieutenant Campbell fearlessly moved among his men to direct suppressive fire on the hostile positions, enabling the helicopter to extract the casualties. Ignoring his weakened condition, he directed a second helicopter into the zone to complete the emergency medical evacuation. He subsequently succumbed to his wounds before he could be evacuated. By his courage, inspiring leadership, and selfless devotion to duty despite the severity of his wounds, Lieutenant Campbell undoubtedly saved the lives of numerous Marines and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

On June 15, 1968 during Operation Marmeluke Thrust in Quang Nam Province, RVN, Company I, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), became heavily engaged with a large enemy force and sustained several casualties. As the company prepared to evacuate its wounded, a friendly artillery round impacted nearby, killing the company commander CPT Henry Kolakowski Jr., platoon commander 2LT William G. Ross, company gunnery sergeant GSGT William F. Gunset, and machine gunner PFC Gary C. Seymour. Although seriously wounded by fragments from the same errant round, 1LT Joseph T. Campbell realized that he was his unit's only remaining officer and refused medical aid in order to assume command of the company. Despite his weakened condition due to the loss of blood, he ensured that a landing zone was secured and selflessly directed the evacuation of the other casualties. When the medical evacuation helicopter arrived and immediately came under intense enemy ground fire, 1LT Campbell fearlessly moved among his men to direct suppressive fire on the hostile positions, enabling the helicopter to extract the casualties. Ignoring his weakened condition, he directed a second helicopter into the zone to complete the emergency medical evacuation. He subsequently succumbed to his wounds before he could be evacuated. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and 1LT Campbell’s Navy Cross citation]

Joe. Was watching Ken Burns "Vietnam War" episode about the Memorial Wall and i thought of you and our "big time" hockey games. Kinda silly but somehow it makes me just see you as still a kid playing goalie.
Thanks for your bravery.