David E. Lownds

David Edward Lownds (October 4, 1920 – August 31, 2011) was a United States Marine Corps colonel who served in the Vietnam War, notably as ground commander at Khe Sanh Combat Base during the Battle of Khe Sanh in 1968.

Military career World War II Lownds joined the United States Marine Corps on 3 March 1942. He was a first lieutenant with Company B, 1st Battalion, 24th Marines during the Battle of Roi-Namur.

Lownds was wounded while leading Company B, 1/24 Marines during the Battle of Saipan.

Lownds led the defense of Khe Sanh throughout the Battle of Khe Sanh, ultimately commanding over 6000 Marines at the base. Lownds was criticised by some for failing to send reinforcements to Lang Vei when it came under attack on the night of 6–7 February 1968, but he defended his decision on the basis that Khe Sanh itself was under artillery attack with a ground assault believed to be imminent and that any attempt to reinforce Lang Vei at night would be suicidal. Lownds' decision was accepted by the US command.

Lownds was relieved by Colonel Bruce F. Meyers on 11 April 1968.

Later life Lownds died at his home in Naples, Florida, on 31 August 2011.