Bruce F. Giriffin

Fallen Hero’s Hometown and State: Goshen, OH

Branch of Service: United States Marine Corps

Rank: PFC

Private First Class Bruce Griffin enlisted in the Marines in 1965 at the age of 17. He graduated from MCRD Parris Island and served on the USS Guam and in Puerto Rico. Griffin volunteered for Vietnam in 1966, while serving as an Honor Guard in Washington D.C. In-country for only three days, the 18 year-old was killed in action in Quang Nam, Vietnam. He was the first of six KIAs from Goshen, Ohio.

Family and friends remember Bruce as always smiling, friendly, kind-hearted, and well-liked by his teachers. He was also a jokester and an animal lover. He was involved with Cub Scouts, track, and basketball. His dad was a WWII Army Veteran. Bruce was brave and wanted to be a Marine from an early age.

Bruce’s sacrifice has never been forgotten. His sister Linda started the Bruce Griffin Memorial Scholarship to honor and remember Bruce. His story and sacrifice are shared at annual events in May at Goshen High School. Over $60,000 in scholarships have been awarded in Bruce’s memory. Bruce is buried at Camp Nelson National Cemetery, Kentucky, along with his parents.

Age: 18

Date of Death: May 21, 1966