More detail on this person: Nick and I served
in VMF 311 and VMF 232 prior to going into helos.
He was probably my closest friend until he died of
a heart attack in Fresno, CA. He assisted his two
sons who are attorneys in Fresno today. Nick
served and was wounded in VN w/ Archie Clapp's
Squadron. He later was Group CO of the helos in
Okinawa while I was CO of MCAS Iwakuni. We
went all through flight school together and joined
VMF 232 in spring of 53. Nick was A magnificent
Officer and friend. Edward S. Murphy, Col. USMC
Ret. , This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site:
03/10/2024
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He flew jets in Korea and began helo training
prior to the Viet Nam war. He was never wounded.
The Colonel, however, was awarded the
Distinguished Flying Cross during one of his three
tours in Viet Nam. He was the CO of HMS 362, the
"Ugly Angels."
After retirement he served as the CFO in the
Kapetan & Kapetan Law Firm. His three sons were
all lawyers. I am now a judge of The California
Superior Court, while Peter and Marc Kapetan still
run the law firm.
His beloved wife, Kay, predeceased him in 1987.
The Colonel taught me everything I know about
being a man.
Semper Fi (from The Colonel beyond the bar.)
From: Jon Nick Kapetan