Fallen Marine Corps Major killed in Vietnam War, honored as hero, remembered as Dad

WASHINGTON - Fifty years after a Marine Corp Major lost his life in Vietnam, his daughter is paying her respects at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

Anastasia Kurilich was 7-years-old when her father was shot down Southeast of Khe Sanh Airfield. He lost his life with the helicopter pilot, Ralph Hunt, and Marine Captain Richard Corcoran.

Anastasia Kurilich learned what happened in a talk with her mom. That's a memory that never fades.

"And she just sat us down in our room and just said 'Remember when we had the talk that Daddy may not come back from the war?' And then it just hits."

While Anastasia visited the wall for the third time on Saturday, she was overcome by emotion while in the company of other Vietnam vets. Something she had not done before.

"Saturday with the Vietnam Veterans, Run For The Wall and I just let it go. It was the right people to come with."

Major Robert Kurilich may have looked at himself as one tough Marine, but Anastasia says he was one big softy.

"I have seven years of body contact that is warm, golden, honey-colored love just pouring through us. He was everybody's favorite because he was just this big teddy bear love. Even though he was a Marine -- he was a marshmallow heart Marine."

Anastasia's older sister has never been to the wall. But her mother and younger sister have. She describes it as hallowed ground.

She says of her Dad's sacrifice, "as a child you just want your Daddy and you know people say he is a hero because he served his country and did this and that. I say he is a hero because he was loving and kind and patient and funny and that is why he is my hero."

Marine Corps Major Robert Kurilich was 30-years-old years old and a 10-year veteran when he was killed. His memory will live on, with his name engraved on panel 59 west.

Thank you for your service Major Kurilich.