|
Submitted by S/SA Member, Richard Hoffman Mitch was a Scout Sniper with 1/26 and was killed June 6, 1967 when Hill 950 was overrun. His sniper partner, John Burke, was also killed that night. Cpl. Burke, who is also on our Roll of Honor, was awarded the Navy Cross for his valor that night. Two other scout/snipers, Tom Balk and Bobbie Carter were also on hill 950 that night. This battle and LCpl. Stupar's role are included in Ray Stubbe's, Battalion of Kings. His death as well as his service with H&S Co. 1/26 are noted on the Viet Nam Memorial website. I served with all four of the scout/snipers previously mentioned. |
|
Cpl John R. Burke and LCpl Mitch Stupar made the ultimate sacrifice on the night of June 6, 1967. In doing so, they saved the lives of LCpl Thomas Balk and LCpl Carter, a fellow Scout/Sniper team. These two men told me had it not been for Cpl Burke and LCpl Stupar they too would have been killed in action on Hill 950. LCpl Balk and LCpl Carter were medevaced out of Khe Sanh on June 7, 1967, due to their wounds. Cpl John R. Burke and LCpl Mitch Stupar worked as a team and died as a team. +++ REST IN PEACE, MY BROTHERS +++ SEMPER FI! +++ From the Chief Scout - Scout/Sniper Plt, H&S Co. 1/26, |
|
|
PERSONAL DATA Home of Record: Detroit, Michigan Date of birth: Sunday, 10/19/1941 MILITARY DATA Service: Marine Corps (Regular) Grade at loss: E3 Rank: Lance Corporal ID No: 1836609 MOS: 0311 Rifleman LenSvc: Between 6 and 7 years Unit: SCOUT/SNIPER PLT, H&S CO, 1ST BN, 26TH MARINES, 3RD MARDIV CASUALTY DATA Start Tour: Not recorded Cas Date: Tuesday, 06/06/1967 Age at Loss: 25 Remains: Body recovered Location: Quang Tri, South Vietnam Type: Hostile, died outright Reason: Gun or small arms fire - Ground casualty ON THE WALL Panel 21E Line 064 |
