Today we are spotlighting Tim Haley, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1966-1969.
In the Vietnam War, Tim was in 1st battalion 9th Marines 3rd Marine Division as a rifleman. He got into 60mm mortars in Charlie Company for 13 months, attaining the rank of Corporal. His battalion was known as “THE WALKING DEAD’, due to the highest number of casualties sustained by any other battalion in the history of the Marine Corps while in country.
Tim held numerous jobs throughout his service, including rifleman, ammo carrier, 60 MM mortar gunner, squad leader, section leader, and weapons platoon sergeant. His combat operations were in and around the Demilitarized Zone and served in the now famous battle known as, “The Siege of Khe Sanh.”
Tim was awarded the Purple Heart, Navy Achievement with Combat “V,” Good Conduct, Combat Action Ribbon, two Presidential Unit Citations, National Defense, Vietnamese Gallantry Cross Color with Palm Unit Citation, Vietnam Service with three Bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign, Rifle Sharpshooter Badge, and Pistol Marksman Badge.
After service, Tim completed college on the GI bill and is married to the love of his life, Janet Campbell, for 54 great years with whom he has two daughters and three grandsons. Tim, a resident of Atascadero, is a current member of the Central Coast Leatherneck Honor Guard and was Founder of our museum, CCVMM, Museum Director, and Board Member. He led a Hwy 101 Purple Heart sign project and was awarded “Veteran of the Year” for California Assembly District.
Tim stays active: 1/9 network, 3rd Marine Division Association, Khe Sanh Veterans, DAV, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Los Osos Valley Memorial Park Veterans Events Committee, past Board Member of Atascadero Faces of Freedom Veterans Memorial, Junior and Senior Vice Commandant of Central Coast Marine Corps League Detachment #680, past Commandant. Toys for Tots, member of Veterans Recognition Day Luncheon Committee and American Heritage Monument committee.
Thank You for your Service, Tim Haley!