Carl John Olson

Both Carl John Olson’s parents were deceased and he grew up in the Annie Wittenmyer Home located in Davenport. He graduated from Central High School and enlisted in the Marine Corps shortly after graduation in 1966. He was assigned to the 3rd Marine Division when he was sent to Vietnam. LCPL Olson was stationed near Khe Sanh when he was killed in 1967. His unit participated in Operation Kingfisher near the Demilitarized Zone. He was killed on July 29, 1967 from multiple fatal fragmentation wounds inflicted by an enemy rocket on Hill 158 near Con Thien. Thirty-two other Marines were killed during the July 29 engagement. The 20-year-old’s body was returned to the United States and buried at the Rock Island National Cemetery in Illinois.