Gene Vasquez: Grenadier, 3rd Plt. M/3/7 Marines

On Feb 13, 1968, 3rd Squad M/3/7 runs into a large enemy force in Dodge City.

Paul “Grim“ Grimala, from Grafton, Massachusetts, joined the Marine Corps in 1966. After boot camp, He was assigned to the 2nd Marine Division, where he deployed on a Mediterranian Cruise. After returning from the 6-month deployment to the Mediterranean, he was assigned to the 1st Marine Division and deployed to Vietnam in November 1967. Paul arrived in Da Nang and was transferred to the 3rd platoon, Mike Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment on Hill 52. Paul would become a fireteam leader and eventually was promoted to the rank of Corporal and assigned as a squad leader. His time in Vietnam would be cut short in the 8th month, one day when he nearly lost his life.