David Kiener, Machine Gunner, M/3/7 Marines, Vietnam

Dave Kiener grew up in New Lexington, Ohio and joined the Marines immediately after graduating high school in 1966. Dave was assigned the 0331 MOS (machine gunner) and embarked aboard ship for deployment to Vietnam at the end of 1966. Upon arrival to Danang, he was assigned to Mike Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. Dave, like Burnell Sumpter and SSgt. Bolton had arrived in 2nd Platoon just in time for Operation DeSoto the first major Marine battle in 1967 opening up what was being dubbed the year of “Big battles”. Westmoreland‘s plan to go after NVA strongholds in the country sides.  Dave was immediately thrust into heavy combat in operation DeSoto, and almost 3 months of nonstop combat where he was wounded, but returned to duty. Dave continued to serve in Vietnam for a total of 13 months with Mike Co. and would survive one hellish attack by the VC and NVA on November 2, 1967 on Hill 25. This is a series of conversations I had with members of the same unit, Mike Company, 3/7 Marines from 1967-1968 during the Vietnam War. It follows the Members of the company as they engage the enemy in areas like Charlie Ridge, The Arizona Territory, Dodge City, and Liberty Bridge. All have their own perspectives and experiences within the same fighting Unit. For more information about the M. Co. Marines go to www.acommonvirtue.com or @Acommonvirtue on Instagram.