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Col David E. Lownds CO Khe Sanh 1968
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A DOD Photo of Col. David E. Lownds CO of Khe Sanh in 1968. This is how we all remember Col. Lownds, constantly smoking those cigars, and of course the Mustache. A real Marines-Marine. Constanly looking out for his Marines. Col. Lownds was as concerned for the Air support groups as he was for his own Marines. Semper Fidelis, George T. Curtis (HMM-363 LCpl 67-68) MGySgt USMC Ret // GCURTIS@POPASMOKE.COM Came across your photo of David Lownds and thought it was just terrific. I had the privilege of serving under Col. Lownds at Khe Sanh from mid-'67 to April, '68 as a somewhat naive junior Officer (1st Lt./Capt.) and thought the world of the man. From those days to now, I have never met anyone that I had more respect for. During some pretty dark times, he never, ever conveyed anything but a quiet, strong confidence in believing that things would work out. Around 2 AM, the night that Lang Vei was overrun (2/7/68), I found myself in a bit of a jam and Col. Lownds told me over the radio (PRC 25) that when (not if) I got back to the COC bunker he would give me one of his precious cigars. I did and he did. Your photo of him with the ever-present cigar brought back some incredible memories. Brian Traynor [traynor42@comcast.net] have had the honor of knowing col lownds during the late 90s, and i so agree about what was written here about him. a true marine who just after a short time i grew to have such a deep respect for and proud to know that i could call him a close friend. what a great marine,american,father,husband and human being a true honor to know him..Howard Decker //HARVEYM133@aol.com Comment by: Craig W. Tourte on Dec 15, 2008 05:22 PM Lownd’s Mustache: I only saw Colonel Lownds on the Khe Sanh Combat Base a few times. I was impressed with his prominent large black mustache, ending in a twisted point. Even then he looked very distinguished with the authority of command, and often a big cigar protruding from his lips. I would say more like a movie character than a Marine Corps Infantry Battalion Commander.
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