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LCpl. James Derek Reynolds served with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, Mike Company. He was Killed In Action during Operation UNION. His name stands proudly on the M/3/5 Wall of Honor. Semper fi, Brother Marine. We will never forget.

Operation UNION

James D. Reynolds

James was in my squad in 1966 and 1967, 3/5 Marines, 2nd platoon Mike Company around Chu Lai, Vietnam. I was his squad leader for a short time, but I got to know James very well. He went on many missions with the squad and the plaoon. Everyone in the squad really liked him and trusted him, that meant a lot in the bush. We had a lot of fun as a team, and also some heart stopping times. He was a Marine first, and a friend. We went on many operations together.

One operation I can remember is Operation MUSTANG. We set up one night on a hill next to a farmhouse, he and other Marines had the fighting hole next to the cow pen. Sometime during the night a VC pitched three or four chi com grenades at his fighting hole and one went off, wounded him in the hand and the other Marine in the leg. He done what he could for his buddy, and took his other hand to fire his rifle with if they charged. He was a Marine's Marine that night. He held his ground and stayed at his post. He made me very proud of him that night.

Another time I can remember is a different operation when Pfc. March was hit by a booby trap and James helped the corpsman hold press to March where the blood was running from his body. I was setting up a safe Zone for a chopper, as I was on the radio I looked at the three. The two were trying to keep March alive, and March was going fast. This is the kind of a person you would like to be around.

Yes, I knew a fine Marine, James D. Reynolds.The Marine Corps liked him, and I and many others liked and cared about him. You see James was there for you whenever you needed him. James did his job, and a good one at that.

It was time for me to move on, I left James and the squad, 2nd Plt. Mike Co. 3/5, a few months before Operation UNION where James gave his all for the Marine Corps, his squad, and Mike Co. Also for his Battalion, 3/5, 1st Marine Division, and for his Country. He is with a lot of Hero's of 3/5, 1966-1967.

James, I know you done what it takes, I'm very proud of you. I will always remember you, and the Marine Corps. Your name will go down in history.You're now in Marine Corps Heaven with all the great Marines...Chester Puller, Dan Daley, March (your close friend), and with a lot of Mike 3/5 Marines. Duty called, and you made the greatest Sacrifice. You gave your life for the Marine Corps and Country and God. Until we meet in heaven, I will always think of your funny ways and good and happy ways, even the hardest things we did in the bush of Vietnam.....

SEMPER FI, GRUNT...REST IN PEACE
Sgt. Vernon J. Ford