PFC Gary William Painter of Smyrna was killed February 28, 1968, eight days after his 21st birthday. The Campbell High School alumnus was the first U.S. Marine killed in action from the school. Painter had a pending promotion to Lance Corporal at the time of his death, but it was never given to him. His wife never remarried.
DEAR EDITOR [Marietta Daily Journal]:
Today I had the wonderfull pleasure to meet with the sergeant of my husband's USMC Vietnam Unit, Curtis Edison. My brother-in-law and his wife were also present (Ernest and Linda Painter) and my father (Ernest W. Smith), as well as Curtis' wife, Brenda, at which time Curtis presented a Vietnam War Commeration and service pin to myself and Ernest Painter.
The commeration documents were signed by Secretary of Defense, John N. (Mad Dog) Mathis and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, J.I. Danford, Jr. plus a copy of President Donald Trump's Proclamation to begin celebrating the 29th of March as National Vietnam War Veterans Day, was signed by the president. Fifty years after the end of the so-called war/conflict, etc.
I was touched and surprised to be among the first family members to be finally recognized by these great men for the heartache and suffering that we endured along with our soldiers.
I will cherish these documents and the solid gold pin forever.
Julie Painter
Marietta
