River Patrol Posted March 28, 2015 Share #1 Posted March 28, 2015 This mystery knife has been in my collection for close to ten years now. I researched for Lt. Jim Kirchner but never found anyone listed. As you can see, "Jim" was a modification of his middle name which threw me off for those initial years until I found his obituary just last week. I found this at an estate sale north of Lancaster PA but only his parents had lived in the area. I assume he gave this knife to his dad after his 2 tours in Vietnam and I found it at the estate sale. It has his serial number engraved in one of the fuller and 'Semper Fi' on the other side. The name game had me confused for so many years. Sad that I had to wait until he died before I figured out this little mystery, I would have liked to have interviewed him to determine what he did in Vietnam. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
River Patrol Posted March 28, 2015 Author Share #2 Posted March 28, 2015 More.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
River Patrol Posted March 28, 2015 Author Share #3 Posted March 28, 2015 His Obituary: http://lancasteronline.com/obituaries/francis-james-kirchner/article_f4f7de4d-9e3d-5523-b2ca-cc4dbe8ab679.html Posted: Saturday, October 12, 2013 8:00 pm Staff Writer Francis James Kirchner Francis James Kirchner "Jim," USMC Col. (Ret.), 76, of Montpelier, VA, took his walk home to the Lord October 8, 2013. He was the son of the late Francis and Helen Kirchner of New provenance, PA. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Louise Crowe. He is survived by his wife, Georgia; daughter, Pennye Hanky; brother, John Kirchner; brother-in-law, Robert Crowe; granddaughter, Gabriella "Ella" Hanky; two nephews, Chris and Chad Crowe; and niece, Carrie Adams. His memory will be cherished by all his family. Jim was a 1954 graduate of Solanco High School. He received his B.S. degree in geography in 1961 from Millersville State University, his M.S. degree in guidance and counseling in 1975 from Troy State University and an M.S. (equivalent) in executive management and national security studies in 1983 from Air War College. He also received a Certificate of Training in program management in 1988 from American Graduate University. Jim was a U.S. Marine serving two tours in Vietnam. He received the Bronze Star and retired in 1989 as a colonel. The family will receive friends Monday, October 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Parham Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Rd., Richmond, VA, where a celebration of his life will be held Tuesday, October 15, at 11 a.m. Burial will be held Wednesday, October 16, at 2 p.m. with full military honors at Quantico National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Fisher House Foundation of Richmond, 9201 Arboretum Pkwy., Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23236 or Wounded Warriors. Online condolences may be made at: www.woodyfuneralhome.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
30-30remchester Posted March 28, 2015 Share #4 Posted March 28, 2015 Very nice, I as well just posted about a knife it took me nearly 30 years to locate the owner. I wish it was easier to locate these men. I have other knives with names and had no luck finding the owner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
River Patrol Posted August 28, 2015 Author Share #5 Posted August 28, 2015 Anyone have information concerning the unit this Marine Officer was attached to in Vietnam? He would have been a young Lt. Link to the other page with his history http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/248457-usmc-col-francis-james-kirchner-vietnam/&do=findComment&comment=1985136 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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