Scope and Contents

Book titled Fortitude: True Stories of True Grit, edited by Malinda Teel, contains a story written by Lawrence E. Wilson titled 'The Battle at Finger Lake' that documents a battle that Wilson was involved in southwest of Da Nang on 21 November 1967. Also included in the collection is a longer manuscript version of the article.

Biographical / Historical

Lawrence E. Wilson was born February 22, 1944 in Las Angeles, California. After completing college, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1966 where he qualified to enter the Officer Training School. Upon his graduation in the top 10% of his Officer class, Wilson selected Infantry as his specialization. He went to Vietnam a 2nd Lieutenant, and commanded the 1st Platoon I Company, 3rd Bn, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, from June 1967-December 1967. He was stationed at Dai Loc. He was involved in Operation Knox, in September 1967; Operation Foster, The Battle of Finger Lake, in November 1967. From January to July of 1968, he served as Assistant Battalion Operations Officer at Headquarters, 3rd Bn, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. In February 1968, he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant. He participated in Operation Mamaluke Thrust and in Tet early in 1968. Wlison was exposed to Agent Orange while in Vietnam. During his service, he received many commendations, including the Bronze Star with Combat ^D<'V^D>', Navy Commendation Medal with Combat ^D<'V^D>', Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Wilson was honorably discharged in 1972 from the Marine Corps Reserve with the rank of Captain. He is a member of the VFW and American Legion.