From staff reports
Beaufort County Veterans Affairs and Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War are hosting a lecture entitled “A Marine’s Story: The Walking Dead.”
The guest speaker will be Beaufort resident GySgt. Aulton Kohn, USMC (Ret.).
The lecture will begin at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 18 at Grand Army Hall, 706 Newcastle Street, Beaufort. Immediately following the program, there will be a fish fry and ribs event in support of the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War and Fred Washington, Sr. Woman’s Relief Corps of S.C. No. 1.
The term “The Walking Dead” refers to the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines – the battalion that endured the longest sustained combat and suffered the highest killed in action (KIA) rate in Marine Corps history, especially during the Battle of July Two during the Vietnam War.
According to Wikipedia, the 9th Marines fought deep into the heart of a jungle alive with savage Viet Cong. Due to extremely violent combat, and great loss of life suffered by this unit, within just a few months this unit would be called The Walking Dead.
In honor of Veterans Day, Kohn will share stories and memories of his experiences while serving with this unit.
The event is free and open to the public.
