First Eveleth Vietnam Casualty

The Heritage Committee would like to recognize the sacrifice of a young Eveleth man fifty years ago. The loss was felt by the entire community.

This memorial plaque hangs in a hallway at Eveleth-Gilbert Senior High. Photo by Tucker Nelson.

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“PFC. DANIEL T. O’LAUGHLIN KILLED IN VIETNAM WAR”
The Eveleth News August 31, 1967

Eveleth was saddened this week when word was received of the death of Pfc Daniel T. O’Laughlin, USMC, 19-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank O’Laughlin who reside at Ely Lake.

Young O’Laughlin received his fatal wound in an ambush during Marine fighting. The sad news was brought to the family by a Marine Corps officer.

Daniel graduated from the Eveleth High School in the spring of 1966. He was active in school plays and in all sports—hockey, football, basketball, and swimming. He was a good student and athlete, and a friend to everyone. He had ability and many basic skills. He was active in scouting and 4H work and was a very friendly boy. He played center for the Eveleth High School Golden Bears hockey team under Coach Matchefts.

After attending summer school at Superior State Teachers College, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He left for the Marines on September 18, 1966, and was stationed at Camp Pendelton, San Diego, Calif., until June 17, 1967, when he was transferred to Vietnam. He arrived there in mid-July and was stationed at Phu Bai.

He was born in Winona, Minn., and his vocational plans were to either become a pharmacist, study law, or become a teacher. His hobbies were coin collecting and playing the piano.

Daniel was the first Vietnam casualty from Eveleth.

Young O’Laughlin’s remains were brought to Eveleth Wednesday by a Marine Corps military escort.

The rosary will be recited Thursday evening (tonight) at 7:30 p.m. The body will be taken from the Sheehy Funeral Home Friday morning to the Holy Family Church where a solemn requiem high mass will be said starting at 9 a.m. Father Spain will be celebrant, Father Odegar, Mt. Iron, will be deacon; Father Pasetto, sub deacon; Father Hannon, Biwabik, master of ceremonies; Father Kelleher, eulogy; and the attendants will be Father Chisholm of Virginia and Father Henry Chodacki of Nett Lake.

Following the funeral mass, the remains will be taken, by military escort, for interment in the Fort Snelling National Cemetery in St. Paul. Burial will be at 3 p.m.

Daniel is survived by his parents, Frank O’Laughlin and Margaret O’Laughlin (nee Kelberer), and his grandparents, Frank O’Laughlin Sr. of Winona, and Mrs. William Kelberer, of Winona. His surviving brothers and sisters include Tim O’Laughlin of Belle Plaine, Minn., Mrs. Steve (Sharon) Montreuil of Eveleth, Mrs. Leonard (Karen) Lang, Mrs. Dennis (Suellen) Flatgard and Mary O’Laughlin, all of Minneapolis. The remaining children still at home include Shaun, Francine, Terry Jo, Sheila, and Coleen.