John Geoghegan
| John Lance Geoghegan | |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | "Jack" |
| Born |
November 10, 1941 Pelham, New York |
| Died |
November 15, 1965 (aged 24) Ia Drang Valley, Vietnam † |
| Buried at | St. Mary's Cemetery, Bethel, Connecticut |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America |
| Service/branch |
 United States Army |
| Rank |
 Second Lieutenant |
| Unit | 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards |
Silver Star Bronze Star Purple Heart Air Medal |
John Lance "Jack" Geoghegan, (November 10, 1941 - November 15, 1965) was an infantry lieutenant in the U.S. Army, who was killed during the Battle of Ia Drang during the Vietnam War.
Early life
Born in Pelham, New York, Geoghegan was the only son of John J. and Camille D. Geoghegan. He attended Iona Preparatory School in New Rochelle, NY and graduated in 1959. Geoghegan attended the Pennsylvania Military College and, upon graduation, he was commissioned into the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant. Obtaining a deferment from his military duties, he attended the University of Pennsylvania. He married Barbara Weathers Geoghegan on June 13, 1964 and went to Africa to take part in a relief program. Their daughter Camille Geoghegan-Olson (named after Jack's mother) was born on June 8th 1965.
Military career
On his return from Africa, Geoghegan resumed his military career and attended the Infantry Officers Basic Course. Following training, he was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry and resided at Fort Benning, Georgia. His daughter, Camille Ann Geoghegan, was born on June 8, 1965.
On August 18, he was deployed to Vietnam, where he was killed during the Battle of Ia Drang while tending to wounded fellow soldier, Willie Godboldt. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and the Air Medal.
In popular culture
Jack Geoghegan was portrayed by Chris Klein in the 2002 film We Were Soldiers.