Oliver Whipple, Jr

Colonel Oliver M. Whipple, Jr. USMC, fondly known as “Skipper” to his men, died peacefully on October 23, 2013 at Thomson Hood Veteran’s Center in Wilmore, Kentucky. Like the true Marine he was, Ollie fought to the end in his long battle with Alzheimer’s.

Ollie was born on December 7, 1935. He graduated from Yale University and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps on June 4, 1958 as a 2nd Lieutenant. His decorated career as a United States Marine included two tours in Vietnam. Some of his fondest memories were serving with the Fox 2/7 in Vietnam and with the 1st Battalion, 6th Marines in Camp Lejeune.

Ollie retired from the Marine Corps on July 1st, 1988, having been promoted to the rank of Colonel. His many honors and medals include: Silver Star Medal, Bronze Star Medal with combat “V” and two gold stars in lieu of second and third awards, Purple Heart Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, Combat Action ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation with two bronze stars, Navy Unit Commendation ribbon, Meritorious Unit commendation ribbon, National Defense service medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary medal, Vietnam service medal with one silver and two bronze stars, Humanitarian service medal, Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal 1st Class, Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal with 60-Device, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry ribbon, Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Civil Actions ribbon, and Legion of Merit Award.

Ollie is preceded in death by his sister Joan, his mother, Alice and his father, Oliver as well as many of his comrades. He is mourned by his family and friends: his two children: Wendy Dahmer and Oliver Whipple III, 3 grandchildren: Zachary, Aleda and Dane, and his beloved Vivian Bonta and her children.

Ollie will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery on January 16th, 2014 at 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the following: Fallen Heroes Fund, ATTN: CONTRIBUTIONS, One Intrepid Square, W. 46th Street & 12th Avenue, New York, NY 10036.


Following is Colonel (then Major) Whipple's Silver Star Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Oliver M. Whipple, Jr. (MCSN: 0-76023), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in Thanh Lam (2), Republic of Vietnam on 16 March 1967. While conducting a search and destroy mission, the rear security platoon of Company F was taken under devastating .50 caliber machine gun and small-arms fire from fortified positions, before reaching the cover of a village. The enemy had the second platoon pinned down with interlocking machine gun fire, which inflicted numerous casualties. In the initial burst of enemy fire, Major (then Captain) Whipple moved from the forward portion of the company into the exposed rice paddy. Quickly assessing the situation, he moved to a trenchline and then to a hedgerow to direct his men's fire into the enemy positions. With complete disregard for his own safety, Major Whipple called in artillery on the enemy as the enemy fire erupted all around him. Observing a wounded Marine, Major Whipple raced to his side and dragged the man through the hail of enemy fire to a covered position. Assured that everything possible was being done for the wounded man, Major Whipple returned to his dangerously exposed position and directed artillery and air strikes against the enemy's fortified positions. Throughout the four and one half hour battle, Major Whipple exposed himself to the intense enemy fire again and again to direct his men's fire and assist the besieged second platoon. By his bold initiative, gallant fighting spirit and loyal devotion to duty, Major Whipple was instrumental in defeating an estimated battalion of North Vietnamese Army soldiers, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Action Date: March 16, 1967
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Major
Company: Company F
Battalion: 2d Battalion
Regiment: 9th Marines
Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

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