John Geoghegan


John Lance "Jack" Geoghegan, was an infantry lieutenant in the U.S. Army, who was killed during the Battle of Ia Drang during the Vietnam War.

Early life

Born in Pelham, New York, Geoghegan was the only son of Irish parents John J. and Camille D. Geoghegan. He attended Iona Preparatory School in New Rochelle, NY and graduated in 1959. Geoghegan attended the Pennsylvania Military College and, upon graduation, he was commissioned into the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant. Obtaining a deferment from his military duties, he attended the University of Pennsylvania, to earn a Master's degree. He married Barbara Weathers Geoghegan on June 13, 1964 and went to Africa to take part in a Catholic Relief Services program. Their daughter Camille Geoghegan-Olson was born on June 8, 1965.

Military career

On his return from Africa, Geoghegan resumed his military career and attended the Infantry Officers Basic Course. Following training, he was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry and resided at Fort Benning, Georgia. His daughter, Camille Ann Geoghegan, was born on June 8, 1965.
On August 18, he was deployed to Vietnam. He was killed during the Battle of Ia Drang while attempting to reach one of his soldiers who had been wounded, Willie Godboldt. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and the Air Medal.
Jack Geoghegan was portrayed by Chris Klein in the 2002 film We Were Soldiers.