Gillies, Robert Knell, HM3

Pair 'Identicaally Motivated'

Death in Viet Battle Parts Twin Brothers

MANTUA-Twin brothers, by the very nature of their relationship, generally are close throughtout life.
Doctors say they spring from the same egg. Certain Asian religions contend that they share a common soul and, upon the death of one, the soul is imparted entirely to the survivor.
A pair of identically motivated twin brothers were parted last week when one, Robert K. Gillies, a Navy hospital corpsman, was killed by enemy gunfire in Vietnam.
He and his surviving twin, Marine Cpl. Dennis Gillies, the sons of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley D. Gillies of 12 Center St., were 21 years old March 23.
Both brothers enlisted in June of 1966 following graduation from Clearview Regional High School in Mullica Hill. Robert signed up with the Naval Reserve while in his senior year, and enlisted for four years active duty the day after his graduation.
A corpsman 3rd class, he was assigned to B Company, 1st Battalion of the 1st Marine Division. He was stationed in Vietnam less than three months prior to his death last week.
His brother said he learned of Robert's death on Wednesday while stationed at Cherry Point, N.C.
Cpl. Dennis Gillies said he had completed his Vietnam duty tour in December, and had come home for the Christmas holidays. It was the first time he had seen his brother since they enlisted together following graduation.
"We were very close," he said. "The whole family's been close. The folks received a letter from him the same day they were notified of his death. In the letter, he said everything was fine."
Besides his parents and twin brother, Robert is survived by a younger brother, four sisters, and his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Ellen Walker, who resides with the family.

Photo and article appeared in the Glouchester County(NJ) Times.

Semper Fidelis, Doc!

Posted by: Jim McIlhenney
Email: christianamacks@comcast.net
Relationship: Marine Viet Nam Veteran
Sunday, January 25, 2004