Robert Hugh Gage

The database page for Robert Hugh Gage

Then-Lance Corporal Robert H. Gage was very proud to be a Marine who volunteered to serve his country in Vietnam. After completing his tour of duty, he was transferred to the Marine base at DaNang prior to rotating to the United States. LCPL Gage was in DaNang only a couple days when he disappeared. At 1300 hours, 3 July 1966, Robert Gage and another Marine were preparing their belongings for the trip home. The two men left their platoon's position to find a local resident to do their laundry. In their quest, the two Marines entered Thanh Thuy Village, which was located 15 kilometers south-southeast of DaNang City, Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam. LCPL Gage was last seen by his friend while engaged in a conversation with two Vietnamese women. When it was discovered he was in fact missing, a search of the area was conducted by two platoons of Americans accompanied by eight trained search dogs. On 3 and 4 July, US personnel detained and questioned local village women in their continuing investigation, but obtained no information about Robert Gage's fate. On 5 July, members of the search party learned that LCPL Gage had actually entered a Viet Cong (VC) controlled hamlet. The Americans thoroughly examined Thanh Thuy Village, but found no trace of Robert Gage in or around the area. At the time the formal search was terminated, Robert Gage was listed Missing in Action. In 1992 and 1993, Joint Teams have interviewed a total of nine witnesses, two of whom have provided firsthand eyewitness testimony concerning the shooting death of LCPL Gage. That information indicates that there was an attempt by VC cadre to capture Gage, that Gage resisted, and was shot to death in the ensuing struggle. The remaining witnesses provided strong hearsay information concerning LCPL Gage's incident as well as firsthand observations of circumstances leading up to the time of his death. The interviews did elicit the approximate location where Gage was said to be buried, but his remains have not yet been located. The original memorial is published on the USMC Vietnam Tankers Association site .

The point-of-contact for this memorial is one who remembers, Tim Matye tmatye@antelecom.net 14 Aug 2001

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Last updated 01/23/2006