PFC John Lloyd MUTSCHLER

1949 - 1969  (20 years)

• Name	John Lloyd MUTSCHLER  [1]
  	United States Marine Corps Private First Class Mutschler was killed in action in the Vietnam War. John was wounded at Mutters Ridge on 10 August 1969. His Mortar Platoon was attached to Echo Company,2nd Battalion,3rd Marines.3rd Platoon of Echo Co and the Mortar Platoon had 22 Marines killed and 58 wounded. John died of his wounds on 19 August 1969. John is honored on the Vietnam Memorial Wall 19W071. Silver Star awarded for actions during the Vietnam War The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class John L. Mutschler (MCSN: 2484069), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an 81-mm. Mortar Gunner with Headquarters and Service Company, Second Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Early on the morning of 10 August 1969, during Operation IDAHO CANYON, the Company E defensive perimeter approximately eight miles northwest of Vandegrift Combat Base came under intense mortar, rocket propelled grenade, and small arms fire from an estimated North Vietnamese Army company, followed by a determined ground attack. When his unit's sector of the perimeter was penetrated during the initial assault and the enemy began to sweep across his platoon's position in waves, the Marines rapidly maneuvered to alternate defensive positions in order to re-establish their perimeter. This move resulted in several of the Marine casualties remaining in dangerously exposed positions and in the open in the front of the newly established perimeter. With complete disregard for his own safety, Private First Class Mutschler unhesitatingly left the relative safety of his fighting hole within the newly established perimeter and fearlessly dashed across the fire-swept terrain through the enemy ranks firing his rifle, and killed several North Vietnamese soldiers before reaching the side of one of his fallen comrades. Forced to abandon his weapon in order to carry the wounded Marine, he resolutely moved toward the perimeter but was seriously wounded by fragments from an enemy mortar round. Ignoring his own painful injuries, he continued to carry the wounded man across the dangerous area until he reached a covered position. Undaunted by the vicious fire fight around him, he braved the North Vietnamese fire to rescue two additional casualties and was wounded for the second time. While moving across the fire-swept terrain in a fourth attempt to rescue a fallen Marine, he was critically wounded by fragments from an exploding enemy round and rendered incapable of continuing his selfless mission, By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Private First Class Mutschler inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. [1]
  Title	PFC
  Birth	26 Jan 1949	Michigan   [1]
  Gender	Male
  Death	19 Aug 1969	Quang Tri, Vietnam   [1]
  Burial	Clarksville Cemetery, Clarksville, Ionia Co., Michigan   [1]
  Person ID	I75326	Main Tree
  Last Modified	7 Oct 2014

  
  

  Father	Lloyd G. MUTSCHLER,   b. 28 Aug 1922, Campbell, Ionia Co., Michigan d. 30 Oct 2003, Hastings, Barry Co., Michigan (Age 81 years)
  Relationship	Birth
  Mother	Evelyn A. WRIGHT,   b. 4 Jun 1923, Saranac, Michigan d. 19 May 2000, Stanton, Montcalm Co., Michigan (Age 76 years)
  Relationship	Birth
  Family ID	F30456	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

• Headstones

  PFC John Lloyd Mutschler Headstone John L., the son of Lloyd Mutschler and Evelyn Wright, is buried in the Clarksville Cemetery in Clarksville, Ionia Co., Michigan. Created by: Jill Photo Added by: Laura Plummer Ranville

  
  

• Sources

  [S02329] Find A Grave Website.