6/06/51

Unit Operations

Easy Company, 2^nd Battalion, 7^th Marines 1^st Marines, H+S company – motor pool, Korean campaign 3 major battles.

Awards/Badges

Good conduct medal, Korean War medal, and Korean Campaign medal with 3 stars, U.N. Service medal

Any comments or anecdotes you’d like to add

I am proud to be a marine, I surely enjoyed serving in the Marine Corps and being part of E-2-7. I served with the best Marine company that was in Korea, and men that ever put on a Marine Corps uniform, I was proud of all the men I served with while in Korea. Proud to be a machine gunner, and to have an opportunity to meet and get acquainted with a group of Marines like Troy Watson, Paul Purdue, James Spurrier, and the rest of the troop, in our section.  We stuck together through it all, like flies on Honey.  Semper Fidelis, Mel Downard

Most Memorable Moment

Given an opportunity to be a part of E-2-7 and being a part of the best-trained troops ever.

Career After USMC

Went back to Illinois, settled down, and got married to the best gal I ever knew, 49 and ½ years married in 04.

Current Affiliations

Member of Easy Co. 2^nd BN 7^th Marines, 1^st Marine Division, FMF - Korean Campaign 1950-1953 organization

Family Information

Married to Noetta Baylor Downard 49 ½ years, and have five children.  1 Boy and 4 girls.

Hobbies

Fishing, Hunting

Degrees/Schools

Graduated from Canton High School, Canton, Illinois 1950

Current Address

208 S Washington St.
Dewitt, AR. 72042
870-946-3049

richardallenvaughn@centurytel.net