15-Year-Old Marine Youngest American Killed in Vietnam War
“PFC Dan Bullock, You began the age of a child, but had to become a man very quickly. May God’s Grace be with you. Thank you for your sacrifice at such a young age. You will never be forgotten.” – Cathy Moore
U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Dan Bullock is a name everyone should know, but many do not. The teen was just 15 years old when he was killed in action in the Quang Nam province of Vietnam on June 7, 1969, making him the youngest American casualty of the Vietnam War.
Dan Bullock was born on December 21, 1953 in Goldsboro, North Carolina. He moved to Brooklyn, New York with his family as a teenager following his mother’s death. Unsatisfied with his living situation in New York and discouraged by a lack of opportunity, he went searching for a more promising future.
When he was just 14 years old, Bullock walked into a U.S. Marine Corps recruitment station. He falsified the date on his birth certificate to read December 21, 1949 so he could pass as 18 years old. Bullock enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on September 18, 1968. His family was unaware of his decision until he came home with papers in his hand.
Bullock was able to successfully complete boot camp in Parris, Island, South Carolina and he arrived in Vietnam on May 18, 1969. He was stationed at An Hoa Combat Base in Quang Nam Province and was assigned the task of rifleman to Fox Company, Second Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment.
Bullock was large in stature, but despite his size, he was a boy in every regard. He kept to himself and his comrades took notice. Cpl. Steve Piscitelli, who also served with the Second Platoon of Fox Company, picked up on Bullock’s reserved nature and felt it necessary to take him under his wing.
On June 7, 1969, Bullock was killed by small arms fire while on night watch at An Hoa combat base. He had been in-country nearly one month. He was the youngest American service member to be killed in the Vietnam War.
In a New York Times story, Bullock’s father had said his son had hopes to become a pilot or a firefighter. While he insisted his son get an education, Bullock stated that signing up was the quickest way to get an education.
Bullock is buried in his hometown of Goldsboro, North Carolina. In 2003, a portion of Lee Avenue in Brooklyn was renamed for him. A highway historical marker commemorating his service and sacrifice was unveiled in Goldsboro in 2017.
Dan is one of the more than 58,000 service members whose names are inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. His name is remembered on Panel 23W, Row 96.
While his life was cut short, his memory will never be forgotten. His sacrifice teaches a nation why we should never forget. Visitors touch his name and feel the power of an unyielding legacy.
A grateful nation thanks him.
![IMG_0071[1]](https://vvmf.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_00711.jpg?w=620)
The name of Dan Bullock on The Wall in Washington, D.C.
Read more about Dan Bullock on VVMF’s website.
Thank you for your service and the ultimate sacrifice that you made for your country, you are truly a special man and a true heroe..
You were just a little boy with a heart of a man.
As i stand at his grave not over a week ago My thought was How could a boy want to be a man so bad to give up his life God Bless
Thank you for your service. Your age did not keep you from being a man and taking on the responsibilities of a man and doing the deeds of a man. We can only wonder what might have been had your days not been cut short. I pray there is peace where you are.
Doc Miles, 3rd Plt, C Co, 1 Bn, 5th Infantry, 25th Division, Vietnam