Remembering Wheeler
On this date, January 27, 1968, Ralph D. Wheeler III, Trafford High Class of 1966, “gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.” From his Bronze Star with Valor citation, awarded posthumously, we learned that Wheeler was serving as a Corpsman with the Third Battalion, Fourth Marines when his unit came under intense hostile fire from the North Vietnamese Army. During the engagement, several Marines fell wounded in areas dangerously exposed to the hostile fire. Disregarding his own safety, Wheeler “unhesitatingly moved about the fire-swept terrain, skillfully rendering aid to the injured men. Alertly observing a Marine lying next to an enemy emplacement, he ignored the heavy volume of fire impacting around him and ran toward his wounded comrade to render aid. Reaching the side of the casualty, he was attempting to treat the wounded Marine when he was mortally wounded.”
Navy Corpsmen who serve as combat medics are sometimes referred to as “Devil Docs,” who learn the fundamentals of the Marine Corps mission. They are held in the highest respect by the Marines with which they serve. Today, we remember Wheeler and the 18 Marines who lost their lives on this day in 1968. Lest We Forget.
David D Flanagan, Lincoln NE
Donald L. Hunter, Salem NJ
Paul Christmas, Newark NJ
Thomas K. Coleman, Big Chimney WV
Emmit Galloway, New York NY
Lorenzo J. Ioanni, Memphis NY
Christian A. Langenfeld, Oshkosh WI
Micheal A. Mikitis, Lakewood OH
Lester M. Ness, York PA
John L. Prichard, Oklahoma City OK
Ralph D. Wheeler, Trafford PA
Keith R. Bacorn, Warren OH
James M. Buck, Chandler OK
William D. Hart, Philidelphia PA
William E. Donohuey, Buffalo NY
Daniel Escobedo, Fremont CA
Thomas Jack Pennington, Scott City MO
Christopher J. Toppi, South Portland ME
Kurt Zimmerman, Durand IL
