John Geoghegan
Encyclopedia
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
.
, Geoghegan was the only son of John J. and Camille D. Geoghegan. 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.
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 the 2002 film We Were Soldiers
.
Battle of Ia Drang
The Battle of Ia Drang was the first major battle between the United States Army and the People's Army of Vietnam The Battle of Ia Drang was the first major battle between the United States Army and the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) The Battle of Ia Drang was the first major battle between the...
during the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
.
Early Life
Born in Pelham, New YorkPelham (town), New York
Pelham is a town in Westchester County, New York, United States. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 12,396. Historically, Pelham was composed of five villages and became known as "the Pelhams"...
, Geoghegan was the only son of John J. and Camille D. Geoghegan. 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.
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
Battle of Ia Drang
The Battle of Ia Drang was the first major battle between the United States Army and the People's Army of Vietnam The Battle of Ia Drang was the first major battle between the United States Army and the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) The Battle of Ia Drang was the first major battle between the...
while tending to wounded fellow soldier, Willie Godboldt. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star
Silver Star
The Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy....
, Bronze Star
Bronze Star Medal
The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the...
, Purple Heart
Purple Heart
The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, New York...
, and the Air Medal
Air Medal
The Air Medal is a military decoration of the United States. The award was created in 1942, and is awarded for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.-Criteria:...
.
Silver StarSilver StarThe Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy....
Bronze StarBronze Star MedalThe Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the...
Purple HeartPurple HeartThe Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, New York...
Air MedalAir MedalThe Air Medal is a military decoration of the United States. The award was created in 1942, and is awarded for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.-Criteria:...
In popular culture
Jack Geoghegan was portrayed by Chris KleinChris Klein (actor)
Frederick Christopher "Chris" Klein is an American movie actor. He is perhaps best known for playing Chris "Oz" Ostreicher in the 1999 film American Pie and its sequel American Pie 2.-Early life:...
in the 2002 film We Were Soldiers
We Were Soldiers
We Were Soldiers is a 2002 American war film that dramatizes the Battle of Ia Drang on November 14, 1965. The film was directed by Randall Wallace and stars Mel Gibson. It is based on the book We Were Soldiers Once… And Young by Lieutenant General Hal Moore and reporter Joseph L...
.