Joseph James Peterlick (1948 - 1968)

Born 10 Aug 1948 in Antigo, Langlade County, Wisconsin, United States of America

Died 19 May 1968 at age 19 in Quảng Nam, Vietnam

Biography

Joseph Peterlick was awarded the Purple Heart.

Joseph Peterlick is a Military Veteran.
Served in the United States Marine Corps
LCpl Infantry, KIA in Vietnam

LCpl. Joseph Peterlick was killed in action during the Vietnam War.

LCpl Joseph Peterlick served in the United States Marine Corps in the Vietnam War
Service started:
Unit(s): =C Co.,1st Bn, 7th Marine Regiment; 1st Marine Division, III MAF
Service ended:

NOTE Surname misspelled on Military Documents and on the Vietnam Memorial Wall

Parents: Norbert J. Peterlick 1921–1987 M. Norma Cornelius Peterlick 1923–1990

Siblings: Patricia Jean "Pat" Peterlick Gray 1946–2017

Joseph was born in 1948. He passed away in 1968.

Military

Vietnam War US Marines LCpl, C CO, 1ST BN, 7TH MARINES, 1ST MARDIV, III MAF enlisted in the US Marine Corps on August 18, 1967 in Milwaukee WI. He arrived in Vietnam on January 29 1968 and was assigned for duty with Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein) FMF.

The lead Company, C, left the LOD (Line of Departure) on Operation MAMELUKE THRUST at at 06:00H and quickly attacked west and seized Hill 126 their first objective. Their next objective was a hill top north west of their location and while maneuvering towards it the Marines began to receive sporadic small arms fire from the high ground. Orders were given to assault, and destroy the enemy position, while maneuvering towards the enemy the Marines were hit with heavy volume of small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire from what proved to be a well dug in and equipped NVA force estimated as a reinforced Company. Company D attached to the south and were also hit with devastating enemy fire as they tried to manoeuvre towards the enemy position along a small ridge line just north of Route 4 with Vu Gia River behind it. Casualties were mounting in the difficult terrain, Fixed wing, artillery, and UH-1E gunships were used in support as well Company B supported the attack by fire. Company L under the OPCON (Operational Control) of the 1st Battalion for the operation was ordered forward supported by M48A1 Tanks to counter attack the enemy from the south and assist with the medical evacuation of the wounded. The confrontation with the enemy proved costly for the Marines, by days end, twelve Marines and two USN Corpsman were killed in action and forty one men were wounded.

One of the casualties was LCpl Peterlich, he was killed in action as a result of hostile rifle fire.

Sources

Semper Fi Brother! Sgt R.C. Floyd, (Floyd-1923)

• www.virtualwall.org
• 1st Battalion 7th Marines Association and the1/7 Marines Vietnam Memorial, Marine Corps Museum, Quantico, Virginia, USA
• National Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C, USA
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/94571448/joseph_james-peterlick: accessed April 10, 2024), memorial page for LCPL Joseph James Peterlick (10 Aug 1948–19 May 1968), Find a Grave Memorial ID 94571448, citing Queen of Peace Catholic Cemetery, Antigo, Langlade County, Wisconsin, USA; Maintained by Will Wiss (contributor 50474864).