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Raymond Leighton

Raymond Leighton

  • Sgt, U.S. Marines

A great man who viciously cared for his Marines! He was a true hero!

Born and raised in Westbrook, Maine, Ray joined the US Marine Corps in 1957, at the age of 17. He served in various posts across the US and in Cuba.

Ray married in late 1963, settling at the Brunswick Naval Air Station in Maine.

In August 1965, Ray departed to Vietnam. Shortly after midnight on 18 March 1966 radio communications were lost with the ARVN outpost on Hill 141 west of Quang Ngai City. Over the next four days, “Operation Texas” claimed the lives of at least 57 US Marines and Sailors in a series of bitter fights. SGT Raymond E. Leighton, Lima 3/7, was one of 7 Americans killed during an assault at Thach An Noi on 21 March 1966.

Ray left behind a young wife and 2 young sons.