US Marine Second Lieutenant John Luther Fuller Jr was a casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Marine Corps Reserve, 2LT Fuller served our country until March 23rd, 1967 in Quang Nam, South Vietnam. He was 22 years old and was not married. It was reported that John died from small arms fire. His body was recovered. John was born on June 10th, 1944 in Atlanta, Georgia. 2LT Fuller is on panel 17E, line 028 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. He served our country for 4 years.
John and I were classmates at The Citadel and were commissioned in the Marine Corps together. He was a good friend, a brave Marine and all who knew him have missed him but have never forgotten. Semper Fi Johnny! Skip Flint.
2nd LIEUTENANT JOHN LUTHER FULLER JR, was serving as the PLATOON LEADER of the THIRD PLATOON COMPANY ‘ E ‘ SECOND BATTALION FIFTH MARINES and was a posthumous recipient of THE NAVY CROSS and THE PURPLE HEART -~ SEMPER FIDELIS ~~~ YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN NOR SHALL YOU EVER BE. CITATION FOR AWARD OF THE NAVY CROSS TO 2nd LIEUTENANT JOHN LUTHER FULLER JR….
For extraordinary heroism in action against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces while serving as Platoon Leader, Third Platoon, Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines on 23 March 1967. During Operation NEW CASTLE, Second Lieutenant Fuller’s platoon was manoeuvering toward the fortified village of Dai Khuong 1, Quang Nam Province, when they were undertaken by intense small arms, mortar and recoilless rifle fire from a well-entrenched enemy force. Moving with the lead squad, Second Lieutenant Fuller was wounded by the initial burst of fire. Unmindful of his wound, he stationed himself to direct fire on the advancing enemy and while positioning and encouraging his men, he was struck again by enemy fire. Although suffering from a severe loss of blood he courageously began maneuvering toward the radio position of the platoon, with the intention of directing artillery fire on the enemy, knowing it would save the lives of the other Marines.
In his advance toward the radio, he received his fatal wound; however, his profound sense of duty and determination enabled him to reach the radio, but he lost consciousness and subsequently died of his wounds while attempting to call in the artillery fire. Inspired by his apparent calm, valiant fighting spirit and dynamic leadership, his Marines went on to defeat the Viet Cong in this fierce battle. Second Lieutenant Fuller’s daring initiative and his undying devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. Clay Marston, Biographer.
He served with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, 3rd MAF.
He was awarded The Navy Cross Medal for Heroism, The Combat Action Ribbon(CAR), The Purple Heart Medal for his combat related wounds, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal and The Good Conduct Medal.
Three of these four men from Echo Company, 2nd Bn, 5th Marines died together that day, one other a month earlier:
LCpl James T Reddington, 23 Mar 1967,
LCpl John Terrence King, 23 Mar 67,
2LT John Luther Fuller, 23 Mar 67,
LCpl Sammy Franklin Monroe 27 Feb 67, who was evacuated to Charleston SC where he succumbed to his wounds
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