Beaufort’s Doug “Jake” Jaquays, 72, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in Cleveland in 1967 straight out of high school. After boot camp at Parris Island and Infantry training he was assigned to duty in Vietnam. He served in Quang Tri province, just 12 miles south of the DMZ. Constantly engaged in combat operations, Jake earned two meritorious combat promotions and was awarded a Bronze Star Medal for valor in combat. He also received a Purple Heart Medal for combat wounds. After Vietnam he transferred back to Parris Island, and after being injured during DI training, he was assigned to the Support battalion. He separated from active duty in 1971 as a Sergeant and was later promoted to Staff Sergeant in the Reserves. He spent the next 30 years as a home builder here in Beaufort.
– Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 9. For nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.
