29 Oct 2001 "And they who for their country die Shall fill an honored grave, For glory lights the soldier's tomb, And beauty weeps the brave." Joseph Drake William Arnold Ketchum, Jr, Lance Corporal, United States Marine Corps, rests in Plot R 396, Santa Fe National Cemetery, Santa Fe, Santa Fe County, New Mexico, with other men of courage and integrity. A memorial from a friend, Rey Gamez E-mail address is not available.

 

02 Nov 2001 I went to High School with Bill Ketchum. He was a quiet and very kind person. We were friends, not just two kids that shared a few classes. He could be funny, but then aren't most boys funny when they are only 15-16 years old? The point is, he left a lasting impression on me when I was 16. The world would have been a bit brighter with him in it ... now Heaven is. God bless all the young men and women that gave their lives in Viet Nam ... and all the ones who made it home. From a friend, Theresa Pridgeon Dodge tdodge@gte.net

 

25 May 2007 I served with Ketchum and was with him when he was killed. We were all on patrol that day. He didn't know what hit him when he stepped on the land mine (bouncing betty). Ketchum was a good Marine, a man with wild hair who liked to read. He had a great sense of humor. From a friend, Larry Holstein Sandyville, West Virginia 25275 susannaholstein@yahoo.com

 

30 May 2007 I was a friend of Bill. I served with him in Viet Nam. I met Bill when he first arrived in country. We were in the same squad. I can't think of Vietnam without thinking of Bill. I have some photos. From a friend and fellow Marine, James Turner 992 Wake Dr. Westerville Oh 43082 jturne3@columbus.rr.com

 

23 Aug 2007 Dear Willy Bill, I looked so long and hard to find you, Brother. You were with us such a short time. All of us, your fellow Marines, were shocked at your untimely death. We all had a very deep void in our hearts and souls at the time of your passing. I can't speak for the rest of the guys but I think of you very often. My heart goes out to your family and friends for their loss and I hope that they all know that our prayers went home with you. I know deep in my heart that you are in a much better place now on the right hand of God. You saw a lot In your short time on earth and I know you could have been and done a lot of good for your world as you tried to make a difference in South Vietnam. My very best wishes go out to your family and friends and may you never be forgotten. Semper Fi, Brother Your friend and buddy, Robert L. Fugate USMC Vietnam 70-71 bfugate1@sbcglobal.net

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall The 1st Military Police Battalion's Command Chronology for November 1970 contains the following entry:

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