November 29, 2021
Our 'Veteran of the Week' is John Charles “Bullit” Killian.
John Charles “Bullit” Killian served two years in the U.S Marines. Killian was drafted in January of 1966 and served until January of 1968. He completed basic training in Parris Island and was then sent to Camp Lejeune, NC for infantry and electrician training. From there, Killian was stationed at Cherry Point, NC shortly before receiving orders. He deployed to Vietnam and assigned, to his surprised, to the Artillery 155 Howitzer gun unit at Camp Evans, Phu Bai. After learning all aspect of the gun crew, Killian became a Gun Chief. “One Flight we fired so many rounds we had to cool the barrel off with water.” Not long after, an executive officer offered him a job as a Supply Sergeant. As a supply Sergeant, Killian would drive ammunition runs to Da Nang with a 5-ton truck. He served a year in Vietnam before being discharged in San Francisco. During his time in as an activity duty Marine, Killian received the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Rifle Marksman Badge.
Currently, “Bullit” Killian is living in Chester County with his wife of more than 60 years. He is a retired machinist, Commander at the American Legion Post 27, a DAV member, a Marine Corp League Jr. Vice, a Deacon at Woodard Baptist Church and a Chester County School Board Member.
“Being in Marines affected your life: made me harder but at same time softer,” John Charles “Bullit” Killian.
