Aubie Camp
Growing up in the little town of Apison, TN (it was little in the 50’s) and going to the first grade of our small school was special. One of my classmates in elementary school through high school was Aubie Camp. After graduation from Ooltewah High School in 1964, Aubie joined the Marine Corps. In October of 1965, Private First Class Aubie Camp was in action in Vietnam.
He served as a mortarman attached to Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in the Republic of Vietnam. Prior to daylight on Oct. 30, 1965, Company A was attacked by a force of 300 to 400 insurgent Communist (Viet Cong) guerrillas. During the height of the attack, five or six of the enemy were seen setting up a mortar just 40 yards from Private First Class Camp's position. Although wounded by shell fragments in the head, arm and back, Private First Class Camp left his position in order to conduct a one-man assault against the enemy.
Courageously moving through intense hostile fire in order to reach the Viet Cong position, he threw three grenades, the first two of which were duds. His third and final grenade hit its target, detonated, destroyed the mortar and killed five of the enemy. As a result of his prompt and effective actions, a serious enemy threat was eliminated and the tide of the battle was materially altered. By his heroic actions, valiant fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty throughout, Private First Class Camp upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Aubie Camp earned a purple heart and silver star from the battle on Hill 22 when he was just 19.
In September of 2020 some of our classmates and friends joined Aubie and his family as we put up a Hometown Hero Sign in Apison honoring Aubie Camp. When I talked to Aubie after he was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago Aubie would say to me it's okay. At the age of 17 he was saved at a revival at Nelly Head Baptist Church. Aubie was strong in his faith of Jesus Christ and he loved his wife of 55 years, Sylvia, and his great family.
Aubie passed away July 27th and he will be missed by the classmates from the Class of 1964 and by all of us that loved him.
Bill Hullander
Aubie Camp