Page 138 - Images: We were...We are

18 May 2005

PFC Terrence Moran and I were friends in Vietnam. We were Marines in Fox
Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV.

In June 1968, I met PFC Moran in Subic Bay, Philippines, when I joined Fox
Company. We completed several weeks of Jungle Warfare training, boarded the
USS OGDEN and we headed for SE Asia via the South China Sea. Fox 2/7 was now
on the Battalion Float Phase, and little did we know that we were sailing straight
into hell.

Terrence Moran was born in New York, New York, on May 19, 1948 and was only 20
years and 4 months old when he was killed in action. PFC Moran had been in
Vietnam for 10 months, and had already participated in numerous major combat
operations with Fox 2/7 before he was killed.

PFC Moran showed extraordinary heroism on September 19, 1968, during
Operation Mameluke Thrust, also known as Operation Dodge City. Fox Company
was conducting a reconnaissance in force in Quang Nam Province when we
encountered a large enemy force employing heavy automatic weapons and accurate
sniper fire which pinned down elements for Fox Company and caused numberous
casualties and many more Marines were wounded in action. Disregarding his own
safety, he fearlessly exposed himself to the intense hostile fire where he
succumbed to his bullet wounds.

PFC Moran's bold initiative and heroic efforts inspired all who observed him and
contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of Fox Company's mission. By his
courage, sincere concern for the welfare of his fellow Marines and unwavering
devotion to duty, PFC Moran upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps. He
gallantly gave his life for his country.

The following Fox 2/7 Marines died with PFC Moran: Cpl Thomas J. Cavanaugh; Sgt
Raymond T. Conway; PFC Michael A. Figueroa; PFC James D. Kelley; LCpl John L.
Krol; LCpl Mark A. Knollmeyer; PFC Peter D. Matarazzo; PFC Gary E. Noles; Pvt
Francis S. Rhoades; LCpl Roy W. Rich; LCpl Pedro S. Rodriques; Cpl Edgar A.
Smith; PFC Mark L. Triplett; and LCpl Philip J. Wadja.

PFC Moran and LCpl John L. Krol were both from Staten Island, New York.

Terry, you will never be forgotten. You gave the supreme sacrifice for your country.
You served the Corps honorably and died gallantly in battle.

God Bless and Semper Fi

From a friend in Fox 2/7,
M. A. Lau

Section III 102