US Marine LCPL Ronald Lee Davis, Vietnam Veteran, born in Kingsport, Tennessee, he wanted to be buried in Dallas NC.
US Marine Lance Corporal Ronald L Davis was a casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Marine Corps, LCPL Davis served our country until August 24th, 1965 in South Vietnam. He was 21 years old and was not married. It was reported that Ronald died when his plane crashed over Kai Tak Harbor in Hong Kong after an R&R Trip. His body was recovered. Ronald was born on November 16th, 1943 in Kingsport, Tennessee. LCPL Davis is on panel 02E, line 099 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.
You are thought of always. Ronald Lee Davis was one of the seven people from Dallas who fought in the Vietnam war. He was a great hero and many people are thankful for that. Robert Sage.
Horrors of War Comes to Homes: MARTINEZ, GA: A plane loaded with Marines on their way back to Viet Nam splashed into a watery grave in Hong Kong Harbor. The Defense Department said 58 men died, were injured or missing. Two days later an eight-line telegram was delivered to Mr and Mrs Joe L Davis in the little town of Martinez, just outside Augusta. Without warning, the horrors of war came to the green and white trailer to haunt a family whose only son had been aboard the plane. The telegram, signed by a General, said Lance Corporal Ronald Lee Davis, 21, was among the missing. "I regret to inform you---" Since then the grief-stricken parents and two young sisters have received no encouragement and hope has dimmed. Ronald wanted to be a commercial artist, his parents said, but first he wanted to get his military obligation behind him. He joined the Marines in January 1964 because it was "the best outfit". He wrote from Viet Nam that he had a buddy who was the last of a family line. The buddy wanted out, not because he thought he would die, Ronald wrote, but because if he did there would be no one to carry on the family name. "I couldn't do that", Ronald's letter said. "I couldn't run out on my country when the going got rough." His letters revealed he was an optimist. "There are better days ahead," he wrote after a few weeks in Vietnam. He said he was hot and dirty. Mud and sweat caked the men and their clothes. "Complaining about our situation is something I try not to do", he wrote. "It doesn't help the morale of other Marines I came in contact with. I try to keep a smile on my face and think of those days ahead when I come home. "He always smiled," said his 17 year-old sister, Karen. "You see this picture? He took it for mother on Mother's Day." The photo showed Ronald smiling as he posed in his Marine Uniform. "I called him a boy in the letter," said his other sister, 22 year-old, Robbie. "See what he said". "We think we are men," he replied. Ronald's Father remembers the day he left. "I can still see him getting on the plane. He looked at us like he was taking a picture of us. Then he turned around and never looked back." "I was proud of him for being there," said the young Marine's Mother. "He said these people over there needed help. I believe they do. I don't feel bitter". "He was fighting Communism," said Robbie. "He was fighting for a good cause." By Prentice Palmer, Augusta Chronicle Writer, Written for The Associated Press.
My Big Brother: I am looking for someone who knew My Brother. I was only 5 when he was killed. I wrote this for you brother and for all those heroes out there. To all the soldiers out there where have you gone. We all look around something is wrong. We hear about the war and how it will pass. The fear, the rage, the loss. Is taking what is ours at all cost. Our children, husbands, brothers and sisters. Oh where have you gone? Something is wrong. The hate in peoples heart that tries to play God, We have to stay and don't want you to go. They can't take our love, or souls in hate. But the devil will show them what they have on their plate. Our children, husbands, brothers and sisters. Oh where have you gone? Something is wrong. People acting in such haste. The time and energy is such a waste. Our country is strong and you have shown, Gone from home for so very long. Our children, husbands, brothers and sisters. Oh where have you gone? Something is wrong. God has given you his grace, No matter what your race. The killings and fear that are there, Are always hard to bear. Our children, husbands, brothers and sisters. Oh where have you gone? Something is wrong. No one knows how it feels, But one thing we know it is real. While your gone you are untouched, Always remember we have missed you so much. Our children, husbands, brothers and sisters. Oh where have you gone? Something is wrong. Your heart can grow cold, As you have always been so very bold. We don't always understand what is the trouble, As you put yourself in this bubble. Our children, husbands, brothers and sisters. Oh where have your gone? Something is wrong. If we aren't there we don't know, The fear, the pain and the sorrow. We only see through your tears, All of these wretched fears. Our children, husbands, brothers and sisters. Oh where have you gone? Something is wrong. I understand due to a death I can‘t forget. It was of someone I had only met. He was my brother. Our children, husbands, brothers and sisters. Oh where have you gone? Something is wrong. Val Sikorski, 148 Mood Lane, Gray TN 37615.
A Kingsport Marine was among 58 Marines who perished last Monday when a transport plane crashed in Hong Kong Harbor, the Times News learned Saturday. PFC Ronald Lee Davis, 21, died when the C130 plane, carrying 71 Marines back to Viet Nam from a week's leave in Hong Kong, dived into the harbor and exploded. Thirteen persons survived. Davis' Aunt, Miss Carolyn Davis of Church Hill , said she received word that he was missing Wednesday, and Saturday she was told the body had been recovered on Friday. Davis is believed to be the first casualty of the Viet Nam war from the Kingsport area. The young Marine was stationed at Chu Lai, Viet Nam and took part in the recent battle for the air strip. Davis attended Holston High School in Knoxville for three years before volunteering for military service in February 1964. He had planned to become a commercial artist after his discharge from the Marine Corps. His aunt said she knew her nephew had been planning a rest trip to Hong Kong, but thought he was not due to leave until later this week. Miss Davis said she heard from him this week, and in his letter he said "If I die here, it will be for the people I love, and I want them to be proud of me. If I'm killed, it will be God's will." The letter was postmarked August 21--the day before the plane crash. A devout Baptist, Davis one wrote to his aunt that one of the things he hated about the war was taking his rifle to church. Davis' body is enroute to Salisbury, NC, where it will be shipped to Dallas, NC, for burial. "He wanted to be buried in Dallas or Kingsport," said his aunt, "He picked Dallas because that's the place he was saved," She added that he apparently had told his parents to have his body buried in the North Carolina City. While in Kingsport, Davis lived with his natural Father, Malcolm Bowlin, now of Asheville, NC. However, his adoptive parents are Mr and Mrs Joe L Davis of Martinez, GA. Survivors besides the parents include two sisters, Misses Robbie Dean Davis and Kay Davis Martinez; paternal grandparents, Mr and Mrs Joe L Davis, Church Hill; and his maternal grandmother, whose name and address were unavailable Saturday night.
He was the Son of Mr and Mrs Joe L Davis, brother to Kay Davis Martinez and Robbie Dean of Martinez, GA. Grandson to Mr and Mrs Joe L Davis, Church Hill.
He served with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division, 3rd MAF.
He was awarded The Combat Action Ribbon(CAR), The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal.
US Marine Lance Corporal Ronald L Davis was a casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Marine Corps, LCPL Davis served our country until August 24th, 1965 in South Vietnam. He was 21 years old and was not married. It was reported that Ronald died when his plane crashed over Kai Tak Harbor in Hong Kong after an R&R Trip. His body was recovered. Ronald was born on November 16th, 1943 in Kingsport, Tennessee. LCPL Davis is on panel 02E, line 099 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.
You are thought of always. Ronald Lee Davis was one of the seven people from Dallas who fought in the Vietnam war. He was a great hero and many people are thankful for that. Robert Sage.
Horrors of War Comes to Homes: MARTINEZ, GA: A plane loaded with Marines on their way back to Viet Nam splashed into a watery grave in Hong Kong Harbor. The Defense Department said 58 men died, were injured or missing. Two days later an eight-line telegram was delivered to Mr and Mrs Joe L Davis in the little town of Martinez, just outside Augusta. Without warning, the horrors of war came to the green and white trailer to haunt a family whose only son had been aboard the plane. The telegram, signed by a General, said Lance Corporal Ronald Lee Davis, 21, was among the missing. "I regret to inform you---" Since then the grief-stricken parents and two young sisters have received no encouragement and hope has dimmed. Ronald wanted to be a commercial artist, his parents said, but first he wanted to get his military obligation behind him. He joined the Marines in January 1964 because it was "the best outfit". He wrote from Viet Nam that he had a buddy who was the last of a family line. The buddy wanted out, not because he thought he would die, Ronald wrote, but because if he did there would be no one to carry on the family name. "I couldn't do that", Ronald's letter said. "I couldn't run out on my country when the going got rough." His letters revealed he was an optimist. "There are better days ahead," he wrote after a few weeks in Vietnam. He said he was hot and dirty. Mud and sweat caked the men and their clothes. "Complaining about our situation is something I try not to do", he wrote. "It doesn't help the morale of other Marines I came in contact with. I try to keep a smile on my face and think of those days ahead when I come home. "He always smiled," said his 17 year-old sister, Karen. "You see this picture? He took it for mother on Mother's Day." The photo showed Ronald smiling as he posed in his Marine Uniform. "I called him a boy in the letter," said his other sister, 22 year-old, Robbie. "See what he said". "We think we are men," he replied. Ronald's Father remembers the day he left. "I can still see him getting on the plane. He looked at us like he was taking a picture of us. Then he turned around and never looked back." "I was proud of him for being there," said the young Marine's Mother. "He said these people over there needed help. I believe they do. I don't feel bitter". "He was fighting Communism," said Robbie. "He was fighting for a good cause." By Prentice Palmer, Augusta Chronicle Writer, Written for The Associated Press.
My Big Brother: I am looking for someone who knew My Brother. I was only 5 when he was killed. I wrote this for you brother and for all those heroes out there. To all the soldiers out there where have you gone. We all look around something is wrong. We hear about the war and how it will pass. The fear, the rage, the loss. Is taking what is ours at all cost. Our children, husbands, brothers and sisters. Oh where have you gone? Something is wrong. The hate in peoples heart that tries to play God, We have to stay and don't want you to go. They can't take our love, or souls in hate. But the devil will show them what they have on their plate. Our children, husbands, brothers and sisters. Oh where have you gone? Something is wrong. People acting in such haste. The time and energy is such a waste. Our country is strong and you have shown, Gone from home for so very long. Our children, husbands, brothers and sisters. Oh where have you gone? Something is wrong. God has given you his grace, No matter what your race. The killings and fear that are there, Are always hard to bear. Our children, husbands, brothers and sisters. Oh where have you gone? Something is wrong. No one knows how it feels, But one thing we know it is real. While your gone you are untouched, Always remember we have missed you so much. Our children, husbands, brothers and sisters. Oh where have you gone? Something is wrong. Your heart can grow cold, As you have always been so very bold. We don't always understand what is the trouble, As you put yourself in this bubble. Our children, husbands, brothers and sisters. Oh where have your gone? Something is wrong. If we aren't there we don't know, The fear, the pain and the sorrow. We only see through your tears, All of these wretched fears. Our children, husbands, brothers and sisters. Oh where have you gone? Something is wrong. I understand due to a death I can‘t forget. It was of someone I had only met. He was my brother. Our children, husbands, brothers and sisters. Oh where have you gone? Something is wrong. Val Sikorski, 148 Mood Lane, Gray TN 37615.
A Kingsport Marine was among 58 Marines who perished last Monday when a transport plane crashed in Hong Kong Harbor, the Times News learned Saturday. PFC Ronald Lee Davis, 21, died when the C130 plane, carrying 71 Marines back to Viet Nam from a week's leave in Hong Kong, dived into the harbor and exploded. Thirteen persons survived. Davis' Aunt, Miss Carolyn Davis of Church Hill , said she received word that he was missing Wednesday, and Saturday she was told the body had been recovered on Friday. Davis is believed to be the first casualty of the Viet Nam war from the Kingsport area. The young Marine was stationed at Chu Lai, Viet Nam and took part in the recent battle for the air strip. Davis attended Holston High School in Knoxville for three years before volunteering for military service in February 1964. He had planned to become a commercial artist after his discharge from the Marine Corps. His aunt said she knew her nephew had been planning a rest trip to Hong Kong, but thought he was not due to leave until later this week. Miss Davis said she heard from him this week, and in his letter he said "If I die here, it will be for the people I love, and I want them to be proud of me. If I'm killed, it will be God's will." The letter was postmarked August 21--the day before the plane crash. A devout Baptist, Davis one wrote to his aunt that one of the things he hated about the war was taking his rifle to church. Davis' body is enroute to Salisbury, NC, where it will be shipped to Dallas, NC, for burial. "He wanted to be buried in Dallas or Kingsport," said his aunt, "He picked Dallas because that's the place he was saved," She added that he apparently had told his parents to have his body buried in the North Carolina City. While in Kingsport, Davis lived with his natural Father, Malcolm Bowlin, now of Asheville, NC. However, his adoptive parents are Mr and Mrs Joe L Davis of Martinez, GA. Survivors besides the parents include two sisters, Misses Robbie Dean Davis and Kay Davis Martinez; paternal grandparents, Mr and Mrs Joe L Davis, Church Hill; and his maternal grandmother, whose name and address were unavailable Saturday night.
He was the Son of Mr and Mrs Joe L Davis, brother to Kay Davis Martinez and Robbie Dean of Martinez, GA. Grandson to Mr and Mrs Joe L Davis, Church Hill.
He served with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division, 3rd MAF.
He was awarded The Combat Action Ribbon(CAR), The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal.
US Marine LCPL Ronald Lee Davis, Vietnam Veteran, born in Kingsport, Tennessee, he wanted to be buried in Dallas NC.
US Marine Lance Corporal Ronald L Davis was a casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Marine Corps, LCPL Davis served our country until August 24th, 1965 in South Vietnam. He was 21 years old and was not married. It was reported that Ronald died when his plane crashed over Kai Tak Harbor in Hong Kong after an R&R Trip. His body was recovered. Ronald was born on November 16th, 1943 in Kingsport, Tennessee. LCPL Davis is on panel 02E, line 099 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.
You are thought of always. Ronald Lee Davis was one of the seven people from Dallas who fought in the Vietnam war. He was a great hero and many people are thankful for that. Robert Sage.
Horrors of War Comes to Homes: MARTINEZ, GA: A plane loaded with Marines on their way back to Viet Nam splashed into a watery grave in Hong Kong Harbor. The Defense Department said 58 men died, were injured or missing. Two days later an eight-line telegram was delivered to Mr and Mrs Joe L Davis in the little town of Martinez, just outside Augusta. Without warning, the horrors of war came to the green and white trailer to haunt a family whose only son had been aboard the plane. The telegram, signed by a General, said Lance Corporal Ronald Lee Davis, 21, was among the missing. "I regret to inform you---" Since then the grief-stricken parents and two young sisters have received no encouragement and hope has dimmed. Ronald wanted to be a commercial artist, his parents said, but first he wanted to get his military obligation behind him. He joined the Marines in January 1964 because it was "the best outfit". He wrote from Viet Nam that he had a buddy who was the last of a family line. The buddy wanted out, not because he thought he would die, Ronald wrote, but because if he did there would be no one to carry on the family name. "I couldn't do that", Ronald's letter said. "I couldn't run out on my country when the going got rough." His letters revealed he was an optimist. "There are better days ahead," he wrote after a few weeks in Vietnam. He said he was hot and dirty. Mud and sweat caked the men and their clothes. "Complaining about our situation is something I try not to do", he wrote. "It doesn't help the morale of other Marines I came in contact with. I try to keep a smile on my face and think of those days ahead when I come home. "He always smiled," said his 17 year-old sister, Karen. "You see this picture? He took it for mother on Mother's Day." The photo showed Ronald smiling as he posed in his Marine Uniform. "I called him a boy in the letter," said his other sister, 22 year-old, Robbie. "See what he said". "We think we are men," he replied. Ronald's Father remembers the day he left. "I can still see him getting on the plane. He looked at us like he was taking a picture of us. Then he turned around and never looked back." "I was proud of him for being there," said the young Marine's Mother. "He said these people over there needed help. I believe they do. I don't feel bitter". "He was fighting Communism," said Robbie. "He was fighting for a good cause." By Prentice Palmer, Augusta Chronicle Writer, Written for The Associated Press.
My Big Brother: I am looking for someone who knew My Brother. I was only 5 when he was killed. I wrote this for you brother and for all those heroes out there. To all the soldiers out there where have you gone. We all look around something is wrong. We hear about the war and how it will pass. The fear, the rage, the loss. Is taking what is ours at all cost. Our children, husbands, brothers and sisters. Oh where have you gone? Something is wrong. The hate in peoples heart that tries to play God, We have to stay and don't want you to go. They can't take our love, or souls in hate. But the devil will show them what they have on their plate. Our children, husbands, brothers and sisters. Oh where have you gone? Something is wrong. People acting in such haste. The time and energy is such a waste. Our country is strong and you have shown, Gone from home for so very long. Our children, husbands, brothers and sisters. Oh where have you gone? Something is wrong. God has given you his grace, No matter what your race. The killings and fear that are there, Are always hard to bear. Our children, husbands, brothers and sisters. Oh where have you gone? Something is wrong. No one knows how it feels, But one thing we know it is real. While your gone you are untouched, Always remember we have missed you so much. Our children, husbands, brothers and sisters. Oh where have you gone? Something is wrong. Your heart can grow cold, As you have always been so very bold. We don't always understand what is the trouble, As you put yourself in this bubble. Our children, husbands, brothers and sisters. Oh where have your gone? Something is wrong. If we aren't there we don't know, The fear, the pain and the sorrow. We only see through your tears, All of these wretched fears. Our children, husbands, brothers and sisters. Oh where have you gone? Something is wrong. I understand due to a death I can‘t forget. It was of someone I had only met. He was my brother. Our children, husbands, brothers and sisters. Oh where have you gone? Something is wrong. Val Sikorski, 148 Mood Lane, Gray TN 37615.
A Kingsport Marine was among 58 Marines who perished last Monday when a transport plane crashed in Hong Kong Harbor, the Times News learned Saturday. PFC Ronald Lee Davis, 21, died when the C130 plane, carrying 71 Marines back to Viet Nam from a week's leave in Hong Kong, dived into the harbor and exploded. Thirteen persons survived. Davis' Aunt, Miss Carolyn Davis of Church Hill , said she received word that he was missing Wednesday, and Saturday she was told the body had been recovered on Friday. Davis is believed to be the first casualty of the Viet Nam war from the Kingsport area. The young Marine was stationed at Chu Lai, Viet Nam and took part in the recent battle for the air strip. Davis attended Holston High School in Knoxville for three years before volunteering for military service in February 1964. He had planned to become a commercial artist after his discharge from the Marine Corps. His aunt said she knew her nephew had been planning a rest trip to Hong Kong, but thought he was not due to leave until later this week. Miss Davis said she heard from him this week, and in his letter he said "If I die here, it will be for the people I love, and I want them to be proud of me. If I'm killed, it will be God's will." The letter was postmarked August 21--the day before the plane crash. A devout Baptist, Davis one wrote to his aunt that one of the things he hated about the war was taking his rifle to church. Davis' body is enroute to Salisbury, NC, where it will be shipped to Dallas, NC, for burial. "He wanted to be buried in Dallas or Kingsport," said his aunt, "He picked Dallas because that's the place he was saved," She added that he apparently had told his parents to have his body buried in the North Carolina City. While in Kingsport, Davis lived with his natural Father, Malcolm Bowlin, now of Asheville, NC. However, his adoptive parents are Mr and Mrs Joe L Davis of Martinez, GA. Survivors besides the parents include two sisters, Misses Robbie Dean Davis and Kay Davis Martinez; paternal grandparents, Mr and Mrs Joe L Davis, Church Hill; and his maternal grandmother, whose name and address were unavailable Saturday night.
He was the Son of Mr and Mrs Joe L Davis, brother to Kay Davis Martinez and Robbie Dean of Martinez, GA. Grandson to Mr and Mrs Joe L Davis, Church Hill.
He served with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division, 3rd MAF.
He was awarded The Combat Action Ribbon(CAR), The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal.
US Marine Lance Corporal Ronald L Davis was a casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Marine Corps, LCPL Davis served our country until August 24th, 1965 in South Vietnam. He was 21 years old and was not married. It was reported that Ronald died when his plane crashed over Kai Tak Harbor in Hong Kong after an R&R Trip. His body was recovered. Ronald was born on November 16th, 1943 in Kingsport, Tennessee. LCPL Davis is on panel 02E, line 099 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.
You are thought of always. Ronald Lee Davis was one of the seven people from Dallas who fought in the Vietnam war. He was a great hero and many people are thankful for that. Robert Sage.
Horrors of War Comes to Homes: MARTINEZ, GA: A plane loaded with Marines on their way back to Viet Nam splashed into a watery grave in Hong Kong Harbor. The Defense Department said 58 men died, were injured or missing. Two days later an eight-line telegram was delivered to Mr and Mrs Joe L Davis in the little town of Martinez, just outside Augusta. Without warning, the horrors of war came to the green and white trailer to haunt a family whose only son had been aboard the plane. The telegram, signed by a General, said Lance Corporal Ronald Lee Davis, 21, was among the missing. "I regret to inform you---" Since then the grief-stricken parents and two young sisters have received no encouragement and hope has dimmed. Ronald wanted to be a commercial artist, his parents said, but first he wanted to get his military obligation behind him. He joined the Marines in January 1964 because it was "the best outfit". He wrote from Viet Nam that he had a buddy who was the last of a family line. The buddy wanted out, not because he thought he would die, Ronald wrote, but because if he did there would be no one to carry on the family name. "I couldn't do that", Ronald's letter said. "I couldn't run out on my country when the going got rough." His letters revealed he was an optimist. "There are better days ahead," he wrote after a few weeks in Vietnam. He said he was hot and dirty. Mud and sweat caked the men and their clothes. "Complaining about our situation is something I try not to do", he wrote. "It doesn't help the morale of other Marines I came in contact with. I try to keep a smile on my face and think of those days ahead when I come home. "He always smiled," said his 17 year-old sister, Karen. "You see this picture? He took it for mother on Mother's Day." The photo showed Ronald smiling as he posed in his Marine Uniform. "I called him a boy in the letter," said his other sister, 22 year-old, Robbie. "See what he said". "We think we are men," he replied. Ronald's Father remembers the day he left. "I can still see him getting on the plane. He looked at us like he was taking a picture of us. Then he turned around and never looked back." "I was proud of him for being there," said the young Marine's Mother. "He said these people over there needed help. I believe they do. I don't feel bitter". "He was fighting Communism," said Robbie. "He was fighting for a good cause." By Prentice Palmer, Augusta Chronicle Writer, Written for The Associated Press.
My Big Brother: I am looking for someone who knew My Brother. I was only 5 when he was killed. I wrote this for you brother and for all those heroes out there. To all the soldiers out there where have you gone. We all look around something is wrong. We hear about the war and how it will pass. The fear, the rage, the loss. Is taking what is ours at all cost. Our children, husbands, brothers and sisters. Oh where have you gone? Something is wrong. The hate in peoples heart that tries to play God, We have to stay and don't want you to go. They can't take our love, or souls in hate. But the devil will show them what they have on their plate. Our children, husbands, brothers and sisters. Oh where have you gone? Something is wrong. People acting in such haste. The time and energy is such a waste. Our country is strong and you have shown, Gone from home for so very long. Our children, husbands, brothers and sisters. Oh where have you gone? Something is wrong. God has given you his grace, No matter what your race. The killings and fear that are there, Are always hard to bear. Our children, husbands, brothers and sisters. Oh where have you gone? Something is wrong. No one knows how it feels, But one thing we know it is real. While your gone you are untouched, Always remember we have missed you so much. Our children, husbands, brothers and sisters. Oh where have you gone? Something is wrong. Your heart can grow cold, As you have always been so very bold. We don't always understand what is the trouble, As you put yourself in this bubble. Our children, husbands, brothers and sisters. Oh where have your gone? Something is wrong. If we aren't there we don't know, The fear, the pain and the sorrow. We only see through your tears, All of these wretched fears. Our children, husbands, brothers and sisters. Oh where have you gone? Something is wrong. I understand due to a death I can‘t forget. It was of someone I had only met. He was my brother. Our children, husbands, brothers and sisters. Oh where have you gone? Something is wrong. Val Sikorski, 148 Mood Lane, Gray TN 37615.
A Kingsport Marine was among 58 Marines who perished last Monday when a transport plane crashed in Hong Kong Harbor, the Times News learned Saturday. PFC Ronald Lee Davis, 21, died when the C130 plane, carrying 71 Marines back to Viet Nam from a week's leave in Hong Kong, dived into the harbor and exploded. Thirteen persons survived. Davis' Aunt, Miss Carolyn Davis of Church Hill , said she received word that he was missing Wednesday, and Saturday she was told the body had been recovered on Friday. Davis is believed to be the first casualty of the Viet Nam war from the Kingsport area. The young Marine was stationed at Chu Lai, Viet Nam and took part in the recent battle for the air strip. Davis attended Holston High School in Knoxville for three years before volunteering for military service in February 1964. He had planned to become a commercial artist after his discharge from the Marine Corps. His aunt said she knew her nephew had been planning a rest trip to Hong Kong, but thought he was not due to leave until later this week. Miss Davis said she heard from him this week, and in his letter he said "If I die here, it will be for the people I love, and I want them to be proud of me. If I'm killed, it will be God's will." The letter was postmarked August 21--the day before the plane crash. A devout Baptist, Davis one wrote to his aunt that one of the things he hated about the war was taking his rifle to church. Davis' body is enroute to Salisbury, NC, where it will be shipped to Dallas, NC, for burial. "He wanted to be buried in Dallas or Kingsport," said his aunt, "He picked Dallas because that's the place he was saved," She added that he apparently had told his parents to have his body buried in the North Carolina City. While in Kingsport, Davis lived with his natural Father, Malcolm Bowlin, now of Asheville, NC. However, his adoptive parents are Mr and Mrs Joe L Davis of Martinez, GA. Survivors besides the parents include two sisters, Misses Robbie Dean Davis and Kay Davis Martinez; paternal grandparents, Mr and Mrs Joe L Davis, Church Hill; and his maternal grandmother, whose name and address were unavailable Saturday night.
He was the Son of Mr and Mrs Joe L Davis, brother to Kay Davis Martinez and Robbie Dean of Martinez, GA. Grandson to Mr and Mrs Joe L Davis, Church Hill.
He served with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division, 3rd MAF.
He was awarded The Combat Action Ribbon(CAR), The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal.
Inscription
North Carolina; Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
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