PFC Gaines Jr#2308724
MOS:  0311 Rifleman

Posthumously awarded the Silver Star Medal

Byron was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL, April 7, 1947.
He enlisted in the Marines 29 September, 1966, at the Jacksonville Recruiting Office.
Bryon and Karen Elaine Wright were married July 1967 in Jacksonville.
He was an only son and didn't have to go to Vietnam, but he did anyway.
Byron arrived in Vietnam 25 September, 1967, and was assigned to the 1st Platoon,Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division.
He died from multiple fragmentation wounds to the head and body from an explosive device when Echo Company engaged fortified NVA and Viet Cong enemy forces in combat, at LZ Hawk, Bao An Dong, Go Noi Island, Operation Auburn.
Bryon was married, served his country for 1 year and 3 months, and was KIA #19,474.
He had been in Vietnam for 3 months and 3 days.  Bryon was 20 years, 8 momths, and 21 days old.
Survived by:  his wife,Karen E Gaines, of Rt #2, Box 209, Jacksonville, FL; his parents. Byron Adams & Blanche R Gaines, Sr.; and three sisters of 7216 Barierie St., Jacksonville,FL; his in-laws;Cecil & Gertrude Wright; and sister-in-law, Charlene Wright of Jacksonville,FL.

Burial:  Sapp Cemetery, Raiford, Union County, FL

"Byron,better known to his friends and family as "Barry",was my mother's first husband.They were high school sweethearts and my mom still remains in close contact with his three sisters.Barry's mother was a very dear woman and I grew up knowing her as Aunt Blanche, who even helped take care of my father when he was ill".
Lori

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/67299305