Leroy Elliot

Gunnery Sergeant Elliott was a black Philadelphian and I was a white Georgian. But those facts of life were never and will never be important," wrote Stephen B. Grey, who as a young Marine recruit, had Elliott as a senior drill Instructor at Parris Island, S.C. Grey never saw Elliott again after he finished boot camp in May 1965, but said he will always remember the imposing Philadelphian for enabling him to gain "The beginnings of the strengths of character. Purpose, direction and never say quit attitude which has en-abled me to achieve meaning. Success thus far in my life . . . He showed me qualities that knew no color." Elliott, a 15-year veteran, left his comfortable stateside drill sergeant assignment to volunteer for Vietnam in December 1966. "He taught our Son . . . so many values at such an early age so he could grow up and walk like a man. He gave us so much, as if he knew that we would have to walk up the road of life without him," his wife recalled. The 35-year-old gunnery sergeant was assigned to Company D of the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division. Elliott died near Con Thien, Quang Tri Province, on May 8, 1967. Survivors include his wife, son, father and brother.