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Roy Oden and I grew up and went to school together in the Spokane Valley. In June of 1968 he, I and three other fellas we went to school with went into the Corps. We went though boot camp together but parted company afterwards as he went to BITS and I went off to radio school. He and I spent the last few days in the states together with some of his family on Coronado Island just before he flew out March of 69. The last time I saw him was walking the beach in front of the Hotel del Coronado, talking about our times growing up together in the Valley. The next time I saw him was at his funeral; he is buried at the Point Loma National Cemetary. After I returned to 29 Palms I volunteered to go over as I thought they were never going to send me. I got my wish, arrived in country August of 1969 and was sent to An Hoa the first week of October, attached to Hqtrs, 5th Marine Regt. with the LSU#1 by the refuel pad on the airstrip. Unknown to me at the time was the fact Roy was with 3/5 and they were right behind my radio bunker (with RC 292 and AN 2236 antennas on it). I found out last year that L 3/5 was his outfit. If there is anyone in your organization that knew Roy or was with him when he was killed, I would very much like for them to contact me. Thank you very much for your time and Semper Fi. Former Gunnery Sergeant David L. Churchill |