This is his photo from 3/3 Marines while on ship to Chu Lai, Vietnam in early 1965.
United States Marine Corps First Lieutenant. He was killed from small arms fire in Vietnam.
Lt. Wauchope, who was taking part in Operation Starlite, was the first Marine officer killed during the Vietnam War.
DOUGLAS, AN OLDER BROTHER
Douglas was one of “our” cadets when my dad, a Marine officer and Annapolis graduate, taught at West Point from 1958-1961. Douglas came to our quarters most every weekend from his plebe year until we were transferred. He became and older brother to my brothers and sisters and I. I will never forget when my dad came home from work when we lived in D.C. and told us that Douglas had been killed. We will never forget him, he was loved by us all. His photo hangs on my wall. Semper Fi Douglas and my Dad, Col. Mac Richards, CO 9th Marines 66-67 and CO 2nd Marines 62-63.
BRONZE STAR MEDAL AWARD FOR VALOR
Lt. Douglas Wauchope was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, with Combat Distinguishing Device (V), for his exemplary gallantry in action. He served as an Infantry Officer and was assigned to L CO, 3RD BN, 3RD MARINES, 3RD MARDIV.
See https://marines.togetherweserved.com/
1STLT DOUGLAS J. WAUCHOPE – BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE (84TH)
The “Friends of Rocky Versace” remember one of Rocky’s fellow alumni from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point – a Plebe in Cadet Company D-2, USCC when Rocky was a Firstie in Co. K-2 – 1st Lt Douglas Joyce Wauchope, USMA Class of 1962, USMC, on what would’ve been his 84th birthday – 18 August 2020.
THANK YOU DOUG
POSTED ON 5.7.2020 BY: ALFRED D. WILHELM JR.
Thank you Doug. You were a great roommate, older brother and example to a very, young and inexperienced cadet. You continue to be missed and often remembered for your help and encouragement. Al Wilhelm
One Comment
Semper Fi. RIP.