1ST LT John W. Abbott
July 23, 1945 – May 25, 1969

U.S. Marine Frist Lieutenant John W. Abbott of Avilla, Indiana was born on July 23, 1945. Prior to his commission, Abbott was a member of Company “K” while attending CTR/CTT training at NCTC Corry Station, Pensacola.   Abbott was under orders to NSGA Sabana Seca, Puerto Rico; however, his orders were cancelled once he accepted a commission via the Officer’s Candidate School (OCS) program.  Abbott departed NCTC Corry Station in August 1967 for OCS at Quantico, Virginia, Abbott.

1st LT Abbott shown here as Private First Class

Following OCS, Abbott, was ordered to Vietnam on July 18, 1968.  On May 25, 1969, he was killed as the result of NVA mortar rounds hitting a Marines 88mm mortar ammo dump in a defensive location near Cam Lo, Quang Tri Province, which caused explosions and fires.   Abbott was 23 years at the time of his death.

Abbott, was an Infantry Officer, of Company C, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III MAF (Marine Amphibious Force).

Abbott is remembered on Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall at Panel 24W, Line 100.  He was also featured in the June 27, 1969 LIFE magazine cover story entitled “The Faces of the American Dead in Vietnam: One Week’s Toll.”

Abbott commendations include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon Marksmanship Badge National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal.

Sources:
NCTC Corry Log, Command Newspaper
HonorStates.org
Grave Finder
virtualwall.org