Edward Alton McKim

Sergeant Edward McKim enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and began his tour during the Vietnam War, on May 1, 1967, as a Rifleman attached to Force Logistical Command, 3rd Military Police Battalion, 1st Force Service Regiment, D Company.

McKim visited the US Army MACV compound in Quang Tri, Vietnam a few days before the TET Holiday in 1968. After being briefed about the possibility of the NVA starting the Tet Offensive in Quang Tri on TET, he volunteered to defend the compound by taking a position on the perimeter. He gave up his life for his Band of Brothers when he was struck by mortar fire during the attack.

Those who knowingly risk their lives for others and then lose their lives are the greatest American heroes. “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”