We Sadly Report The Passing Of Col. David E.
Lownds
Commanding Officer of 26th Marine Regiment
Khe Sanh Vietnam
Col. David E. Lownds
October 4, 1920 August 31, 2011
Col. David E. Lownds
Naples, FL
David E. Lownds, of Naples, FL, born October 4, 1920, passed
away peace fully on August 31, 2011. As all good Marines do,
the "Lion of Khe Sanh", Colonel David E. Lownds, USMC (Ret)
reported for duty on "heaven's scene." A veteran of three
wars, Dave Lownds was wounded on Saipan and again on Iwo Jima;
braved the enemy and elements in Korea; operated behind enemy
lines in the Dominican Republic Expedition; and commanded the
Twenty-Sixth Marine Regiment at the Battle of Khe Sanh during
the infamous Tet Offensive of 1968 in Vietnam. For his actions
at Khe Sanh, he was awarded the Navy Cross, our nation's
second highest award for valor.
Married to his wife, Jean, for 69 years, he is survived by
her; seven children; 19 grandchildren; and 23
great-grandchildren. He will be sorely missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial
contributions be made to Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane,
Naples, FL 34105 or online at
Avow
Hospice
View Obituary at Naples News
View Sign Guestbook
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Tribute to Col. Lownds
by Col. Ken Pipes
Bravo 1/26
Colonel David Lownds, late of the 26th.
THE LION OF KHE SANH
When the last wave touches down
and we move to high ground
above a shore no mortal has seen.
Till the last trumpet sounds
and the guns quiet down,
hold fast our Colonel of Marines.
We all will move fast,
arriving at last
to link up with that
Lion of a Man.
We will salute once more
and in unison roar
SEMPER FIDELIS, MARINE
Ken Pipes
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