David Kiener, Machine Gunner 2nd Platoon

Dave Kiener grew up in New Lexington, Ohio, and joined the Marines immediately after graduating high school in 1966. Dave was assigned the 0331 MOS (machine gunner) and embarked aboard ship for deployment to Vietnam at the end of 1966. Upon arrival to Danang, he was assigned to Mike Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. Dave, like Burnell Sumpter and SSgt. Bolton had arrived at Mike Company just in time for Operation DeSoto the first major Marine battle in 1967 opening up what was being dubbed the year of “Big battles”. Westmoreland‘s plan to go after NVA strongholds in the countryside.

Dave was immediately thrust into heavy combat in Operation DeSoto, and after almost 3 months of nonstop combat, he was wounded but returned to duty. Dave continued to serve in Vietnam for a total of 13 months with Mike Co. and would survive one hellish attack by the VC and NVA on November 2, 1967, on Hill 25.