John Geoghegan

John Lance "Jack" Geoghegan, (November 10, 1941 – November 15, 1965) was an infantry lieutenant in the U.S. Army, who was killed during the Battle of Ia Drang during the Vietnam War.

This article is about the American soldier. For the publisher, see John Geoghegan (publisher). For the Irish politician, see Johnny Geoghegan.
John Lance Geoghegan
Nickname(s)"Jack"
BornNovember 10, 1941
Pelham, New York
DiedNovember 15, 1965 (aged 24)
Ia Drang Valley, Vietnam
Buried
St. Mary's Cemetery, Bethel, Connecticut
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service/branch United States Army
Rank Second Lieutenant
Unit1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry
Battles/warsVietnam War
AwardsSilver Star
Bronze Star
Purple Heart
Air Medal

Early life

Born in Pelham, New York, Geoghegan was the only son of Irish parents John J. and Camille D. Geoghegan. He attended Iona Preparatory School in New Rochelle, NY and graduated in 1959. Geoghegan attended the Pennsylvania Military College and, upon graduation, he was commissioned into the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant. Obtaining a deferment from his military duties, he attended the University of Pennsylvania, to earn a Master's degree.[1] He married Barbara Weathers Geoghegan on June 13, 1964 and went to Africa to take part in a Catholic Relief Services program.[1] Their daughter Camille Geoghegan-Olson (named after Jack's mother) was born on June 8, 1965.[2]

Military career

On his return from Africa, Geoghegan resumed his military career and attended the Infantry Officers Basic Course. Following training, he was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry and resided at Fort Benning, Georgia. His daughter, Camille Ann Geoghegan, was born on June 8, 1965.

On August 18, he was deployed to Vietnam. He was killed during the Battle of Ia Drang while attempting to reach one of his soldiers who had been wounded, Willie Godboldt.[3] He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and the Air Medal.[4]

Jack Geoghegan was portrayed by Chris Klein in the 2002 film We Were Soldiers.

See also

References
  1. Galloway, Joseph L. (29 October 1990). "Vietnam Story". U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved 22 March 2018.
  2. Lohmann, Bill (10 November 2015). "Lohmann: A father's sacrifice and a daughter's love". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Retrieved 22 March 2018.
  3. Nothstine, Ray (26 May 2011). "Memorial Day: Stories from the Virtual Wall". Acton Institute Powerblog. Acton Institute. Retrieved 22 March 2018.
  4. Welsh, Kathy (6 October 2016). "Westchester Vietnam-Era Veterans Honored". Hudson Valley News Network. Retrieved 22 March 2018.


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