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Cpl. David Jones served with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, Mike Company. He was Killed In Action during Operation ESSEX. His name stands proudly on the Mike 3/5 Wall of Honor. Semper fi, Brother Marine. We will never forget.

If memory serves me, they were all killed in a short time span. Kretsinger was killed the next day when he stepped on a booby-trapped bomb, I am not sure about Jones, I believe he was shot. After we were bushwacked and the wounded were loaded on the chopper to BAS, a second lieutenant, don't remember his name, was also KIA at that time, and they forgot to put his body on the chopper and had to carry it with them. The next day, the company was ambushed again, and they took a lot of casualties.

Semper fi,
Roger "Nick" Nicholson

My Hero

My name is Amber Jones and I am the daughter of David's youngest brother Rick. I never had the honor of meeting my Uncle David but somehow I feel like he is a part of me. I never knew a lot about how my uncle was killed until about a month ago. My father got out some of the letters that my Uncle David had sent him when he was away at war. I know that it was very hard for my dad to show me those letters but I am so happy that he did.

As I read the letters I felt so much closer to my uncle and so much pain for my dad. Even though my uncle was away at war and away from his family in the worst conditions imaginable he never showed it through his letters. He always showed hope and concern for how everyone was doing back home.

My dad was very young when my uncle lost his life at war and just by reading those letters I knew how much they loved each other. I know that there is not a day that goes by that my grandparents don't think about him. It is very difficult for my grandparents to talk about what happened because the pain is still so strong even though it has been over 30 years.

My Uncle David is one of the bravest men that ever lived along with the all of the other boys and men who went off to war and gave their lives for our country. I pray to God every night that my Uncle David is in a place now where there is no war and no fighting. Even though I never knew my Uncle David, I feel so very proud of him and he truly is my hero.

Thank you...God Bless...Amber Jones

 I would like to tell you a little about David. The day I first met him our unit was at a place called Tam Ky. That day it was extremely hot and there was no shade anywhere. I remember that day so very well. I was laying under a poncho shelter I had put up to block off the sun.

As I was laying there, I saw three young Marines walking towards where I was. They were laughing and cutting up as they approached me. When they saw me laying there, they did not know that I was the Platoon Sergeant because I did not have on my shirt.

David had his cap pushed way back on his head and was laughing. His shirt was unbuttoned and his rifle was hung over his shoulder. I did not say anything to them at first, I just watched them.

Then David said, "Hey Man, where is that Crazy Platoon Sergeant for the First Platoon?" (My nick name was Crazy, someone must have told them that on the way over to our platoon). They just laughed, I got out from under the poncho and stood there looking at them for a few seconds before I said anything to them. Then I said, "I'm the Crazy Platoon Sergeant, who are you?"

 I will never forget the look on their faces. They quit laughing and jumped to attention and said they were reporting to me for duty.

Over the years I have remembered that day so clearly, I guess I always will and when I do, I just smile to myself every time I think about it. That day was one of the highlights of my tour in Vietnam. Meeting David, William "Butch" Little and Donald Kretsinger.

Amber, David was a good Marine, a good person and he was someone that I could always count on. David was a hard charger and he always got the job done. When he was promoted to Corporal his men respected him and thought very highly of him. David always put his men first and took care of them.

I felt I needed to tell you a little about him and let you know that your Uncle David was an inspiration not only to me, but to all who knew him. I for one will always miss him. I hope that I have given you a little something that you can hold on to about your Uncle David.  

 Semper Fi,
 Craig Sullivan
MSgt. USMC Retired

Hi, Amber:

My name is Jack Swan. I was with your uncle David Jones on Operation ESSEX, Nov. 8, 1967, Viet Nam. Msgt. Craig Sullivan, who was our 1st platoon seargent at the time, has told you about the great young man your Uncle David was. He had a way of making you laugh even in the hardest of times. He loved life and knew what to expect from it. Please tell your father Rick that his brother fought hard to the end. Always remember, Amber, that your uncle David is in a peaceful place. He will always be with you.

From all the men of Mike 3/5, we wish you the best in life. Swanie

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You are not forgotten

David was the best looking kid at Lincoln High School, whether he was working at Myers Bros. or at Frank's Food Fair. All in all, David was one of a kind. A real gentleman. A real ladies' man. The girls loved him. He was a good dude. He was our brother.

David, you are not forgotten, nor will you ever be forgotten. The night that I found out that you were gone, I could not go home. I drove around for hours thinking about you. You were so close to coming home. Why did you have to leave us. I will be coming to Lincoln to visit your gravesite soon. You are sorely missed. I talked to your mother the other night. She is such a sweet lady. Take care David. We will all be up there to see you soon. Do not despair. Although we were not real close friends, I feel that we are now. Seymour and Gloria were blessed to have you as a son.