Vietnam Veteran Remembers Fallen Brother-in-Arms on Anniversary of 1969 Combat Loss
On December 30, a solemn chapter of Vietnam War history was remembered through the words of Vietnam veteran Doug Miller, who reflected on a deadly combat mission that claimed the life of a fellow soldier more than five decades ago.
On December 30, 1969, Ellis Marlin was killed in action while serving with Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division — a unit known proudly as the “Black Lions.” The mission took place near the village of Ben Chua in South Vietnam, where U.S. forces had received intelligence that North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong forces were operating a base camp in the area.
According to Miller, the enemy base was believed to be located along a heavily traveled trail known to American troops as the “Turnpike,” a major supply route used by enemy forces to move troops and equipment into the unit’s area of operations.
Miller said the 1st Platoon was tasked with locating the base camp. As the soldiers advanced through the dense terrain, danger was ever-present. Several Chinese Communist–manufactured booby traps were discovered and successfully disarmed by the platoon’s Kit Carson Scout, allowing the unit to continue its movement.
After advancing roughly 100 meters, the platoon located the suspected base camp and began clearing enemy bunkers. It was during this operation that tragedy struck.
“A tripwire was accidentally triggered,” Miller recalled, explaining that a booby-trapped Claymore mine detonated after being touched by platoon member Mike Howard. The powerful explosion instantly killed Ellis Marlin and critically wounded three others — Howard, Theo Young, and Frank Piccirillo.
The loss left a permanent mark on the unit and on those who survived.
“December 30, 1969, is a day none of us ever forget,” Miller said, honoring the sacrifice of his fallen comrade. “Ellis Marlin gave his life in service to his country and to the men beside him.”
More than 55 years later, the memory of that day remains vivid for Vietnam veterans who lived it — a reminder of the cost of war and the bond shared among those who served.
Miller closed his remembrance with words still spoken quietly but firmly among the Black Lions:
“Rest in peace, Ellis Marlin. Rest in peace, Black Lion.”
