Veterans Honor Roll
Saluting Our Alumni's Military Service
Roselle Catholic appreciates and recognizes the military service of our alumni, and their duty and commitment to serving our nation.
All our alumni who fought, died, or stand ready to give all to the nation are due our gratitude, no matter one's opinion of the conflict. If you are a veteran, or an active duty member of a service branch, and wish to provide your Service Record, see below to download the form following the listing of service members.
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(1) SILVER STAR (2) BRONZE STAR (3) PURPLE HEART
SA-Service Academy KIA-Killed In Action KIFA-Killed in Flight Accident DOD-Died On Duty
Sylvia (Bertot) Bergstedt '84 • Lieutenant Colonel | US Air Force & Reserves | 1989-2011
Originally of Hillside, currently a resident of Pittsburgh, PA, served in the US Air Force and Reserves, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. On active duty from January 1989 to September 1996, and in the Reserves from October 1996 to December 2011. Duties included On-Site Inspection Agency for Missile Treaty compliance.
DUTIES: Air Force Office of Special Investigations; Special Agent and Commander; On-Site Inspection Agency - Missile Treaty compliance.
DUTY STATIONS: Torrejon AB, Spain; Barksdale AFB, LA; Grand Forks, ND, Andrews AFB, MD, Hulbert Field, FL.
AWARDS: Meritorious Service Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Commendation Medal, Expert Marksmanship
Jim Bertholet '66 • Specialist E-5 | US Army | 1967-1970
Resident of Milton, DE, formerly of Roselle, served in the US Army from September 1967 to 1970, attaining the rank of Specialist E-5. Served with the 629th Supply Company in Vietnam, as well as an Instructor, Quartermaster School Ft. Lee, VA.
DUTIES: Assigned to the 629th Supply Company, US Army Depot Qui Nhon, Vietnam; Instructor, US Army Quartermaster school Ft. Lee, VA; Procurement Sergeant, Instructional support division, Office of the Dean, USMA West Point, NY.
DUTY STATIONS: Ft. Dix NJ; Ft, Lee, VA; US Army Depot, Qui Nhon, Vietnam; USMA, West Point, NY.
AWARDS: National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Good Conduct Medal
Peter E. Billia '66 • Major | US Army | 1970-1982 | SA
Formerly of Union, now a resident of Lunenburg, MA, graduated from US Military Academy, West Point NY in 1970. Attained the rank of Major in the US Army, serving on active duty 1970 to 1975, again from 1979 to 1982. Served in Germany as Artillery Officer and Aide de-Camp to General Officer, then Artillery Battery Commander in 82d Airborne Division at Fort Bragg and Dental Officer for 10th Special Forces Group at Fort Devens.
DUTIES: Artillery Battery Executive Officer, Aide de-Camp to VII Corps Artillery Commander, Aide de-Camp to VII Corps Chief of Staff; Artillery Battery Commander 82d Airborne Division; Dental Officer for 10th Special Forces Group.
DUTY STATIONS: Bamberg and Stuttgart, Germany; Fort Bragg, NC; Fort Devens, MA.
AWARDS: Senior Parachute Badge, Ranger Tab, Army Accommodation Medals, Meritorious Service Medal
Jessica Bolt '03 • IT2 | US Navy | 2005-2009
Formerly of Roselle, now a resident of Hudson, FL
DUTIES: Sat com, message traffic, SITREP
DUTY STATIONS: Mayport, FL, NNPTC in Goose Creek, SC and Pensacola, FL
John F. "Jack" Burke, Jr. '66 • Lieutenant Colonel | US Air Force | 1970-1994
Resident of Bossier City, Lousiana, hometown of Roselle, served in the US Air Force on active duty from 1970 to 1994, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Was stationed in Vietnam, 1972-1973, and for 12 years of his service was a Navigator on C130E and KC-135A aircraft.
DUTIES: Aircraft Maintenance and Logistics; Navigator on C130E and KC-135A aircraft.
DUTY STATIONS: CCK Air Base, Taiwan; Loring AFB, ME; Barksdale AFB, Bossier City, LA; Dyess AFB, Abilene, Texas; Ellsworth AFB, Rapid City, SD; Offutt AFB, Omaha, NE; Grissom AFB, IN.
AWARDS: Distinguished Flying Cross; Air Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster; Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters; Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster
Robert Burynski '64 • Sergeant E-4 | US Air Force & Reserves | 1964-1970
Resident of South Bound Brook, formerly of Piscataway and Roselle, served in the US Air Force on active duty from 1964 to 1968 and reserve duty from 1968 to 1970, attaining the rank of Sergeant (E4). Following accelerated basic training, attended Air Force technical academy in Denver for intensive training, then three training regimens at McGuire AFB, plus part time OJT. Assigned to NORAD. Additionally, worked with Lockheed on major upgrade of tactical computer and radar, leading to work with a civilian engineering team, field testing new ECM and CCM equipment.
DUTIES: Lowry AFB, full time student; 539th FIS – Simulator Trainer and F106 tactical fire control and weapons control maintenance and repair; 95th FIS (as NCO) – F106 maintenance unit supervisor, then Rehab maintenance team (complete disassemble, rehab, rewire, assemble and test), then maintenance liaison for major systems upgrade with Lockheed systems, then bench test assistant for civilian field engineering and development team.
DUTY STATIONS: Baisc Training, Lackland AFB, Texas; Technical Training,Lowry AFB, Colorado; Duty Station 539th Fighter Interceptor Sq., McGuire AFB, NJ; 95th Fighter Interceptor Sq. Dover AFB, DE.
AWARDS: Small Arms Expert Marksman; AF Good Conduct Medal; AF Outstanding Unit Award
Frederick “Rick” Caesar ’69 • Lieutenant JG | US Navy | 1973-1977 | SK, KIFA
A graduate of the US Naval Academy, Lieutenant JG Frederick William Caesar, III, lost his life on January 20, 1977 when the Sikorsky HH-52A Seaguard helicopter he was piloting crashed into the ice-filled Illinois River. At the time he was assigned to Air Station Chicago, IL, possibly in an exchange position with the US Coast Guard. The fatal incident occurred while the helicopter and its crew were performing an aerial ice patrol along the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. Upon graduation from the Naval Academy in 1973, he headed off to flight school, choosing helicopters. Rick, a resident of Clark, played soccer at RC. One of his teammates Chris Cikanovich ’70 joined him at the Naval Academy. They always drove together back to NJ from Annapolis.
Patrick Castellano '84 • Major | US Army & National Guard | 2001-present
Originally a resident of Roselle, now of Tri-Cities, Washington serving in the US Army & Army National Guard from 2001 to present, on active in 2004-2005, and again from 2006 to 2012, attaining the rank of Major. Served in a Forward Operating Base as a physician assistant in Iraq during first active duty tour in 2004-2005.
DUTIES: Served as physician assistant for Infantry/Artillery Battalion Aid Station in Iraq. Performed medical management of Army Wounded Warriors while mobilized to Utah. Currently serving in the Idaho Army National Guard.
DUTY STATIONS: Forward Operating Base Gaines Mill in Iraq, 2004-2005. Community-Based Warrior Transition Unit, Camp Williams, Utah, 2006-2012.
AWARDS: Meritorious Service Medal, Two Army Commendation Medals , National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Valorous Unit Award with the 1/163rd Infantry
William Chin '73 • Captain | US Army | Active: 1977-1982; Reserve: 1982-1983
Originally of Elizabeth, currently a resident of Allen, Texas. He was a Field Artillery Officer upon commission during his five years active duty. Service Academy (West Point, USMA Class '77). Continued Federal service as Special Agent with Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from 2/1987-12/2012 till retirement.
DUTIES: FT Jackson, 2nd Infantry Division (South Korea), FT Gordon; FBI- Pittsburgh Div, Washington Field Office.
AWARDS: National Defense Service Medal, Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Expert (rifle). FBI Special Agent 2/1987-12/2012.
Eugene L. Chrzanowski '66 • 1st Lieutenant | US Air Force & Reserves | 1973-1976
Hometown of Roselle, now a resident of Key West, FL, served in the US Air Force Reserves after law school from 1973 to 1976, as a Legal Assistance Officer, with the rank of 1st Lieutenant.
DUTIES: Providing legal advice on civilian issues to military personnel and dependents.
DUTY STATIONS: Bolling AFB, MD.
Stan Chrzanowski '64 • 1st Lieutenant | US Army | 1969-1971
Resident of Naples, FL, formerly of Roselle, served in US Army Corps of Engineers from 1969 to 1971, attaining the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Assigned to Project MASSTER (Mobile Army Sensor Systems Test, Evaluation and Review) initiated during the Vietnam conflict to ensure development of an optimum battlefield intelligence gathering system as part of the Army's integrated area control system and provide for the evaluation of review of Army surveillance, target acquisition, and night observation.
DUTIES: Engineer Platoon Leader, 16th Engineer Battalion; Infantry Company XO 2/12 Cav., 1st Cavalry Division; Assistant S-3, 2/12 Cav. (Mech Infantry).
DUTY STATIONS: Fort Dix, NJ; Fort Leonard Wood, MO; Fort Belvoir, VA (US Engineer OCS); Fort Hood, TX.
Christopher J. Cikanovich ’70 • Commander | US Navy & Reserves | 1970-1999| SA
Hometown of Roselle, now a resident of Ocean City, MD, served in the US Navy as a pilot on active duty 1970 to 1982. From 1982 to 1999 served in the US Navy Reserve, retiring as a Commander. Recalled to active duty in 1990-1991 for Desert Storm and served on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Enlisted in the Navy while at Roselle Catholic. After one year as an enlisted service member received a Secretary of the Navy appointment to the US Naval Academy.
DUTIES: Navy Pilot: Primary aircraft RA5C Vigilante and A6E Intruder. Landing Signal Officer. Qualified in 12 different military aircraft.
DUTY STATIONS: NAS Key West, FL; NAS Oceana-VA Beach, VA. Aircraft Carriers deployed to Mediterranean and Middle East.
AWARDS: Various including the Navy Commendation Medal and Humanitarian Service Medal
Gerald M. Cimis '67 • Lieutenant Colonel | US Army, US Navy & USAF | 1971-1996
Formerly resided in Cranford during RC days, now a D.M.D., F.A.G.D. residing in Prattville, Alabama. Served in the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Air Force achieving the rank Lt. Colonel. On Active Duty from June 1971 to September 1996, in the U.S. Air Force Reserves from February 1970 to February 1976. Following service in the Army as a Dental Tech during Vietnam era, he was the Military Health Professions Scholarship Recipient, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, awarded by the Navy, which required a commitment of 5-years of service in the U.S.Navy. Afterwhich he transferred to the Air Force where he finished his military career. His military service record included: Distinguished Graduate, Air Command & Staff College and Advanced Forensic Pathology Course, F.B.I. Academy.
DUTIES: Special Projects Officer; HQ Strategic Air Command; Office of the Surgeon General Chairperson; Hospital Dental Quality Assessment and Improvement/Risk Mgmt Committee; Offutt AFB Instructor at the Air Command & Staff College with a Top Secret Clearance; Medical/Dental Advisor to the Commandant; Air Command & Staff College.
DUTY STATIONS: Fort Polk, LA, Fort Sam Houston; TX, Yokosuka, Japan; Washington Navy Yard, D.C.; Bethesda Medical Center, MD; Tinker AFB, OK; Incirlik AB Turkey; Bolling AFB, D.C.; Offutt AFB, NE; Maxwell AFB, AL.
AWARDS: National Defense Medal (Navy); Expert Marksman (Army); Association of Military Surgeons ribbon; Navy Expert Marksmen Ribbon; Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters; Air Force Commendation Medal; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one oak leaf cluster; Air Force Organizational Excellence Award; National Defense Medal with Bronze star (Air Force); Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon; Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with four oak leaf clusters; Air Force Small Arms Expert Marksmen Ribbon; Air Force Training Ribbon
Michael Cistaro '04 • E4 Third Class Petty Officer | US Navy | 2006-2010
Hometown of Linden, NJ, now residing in Elizabeth, NJ.
DUTIES: ABF3 Fuels; Flight deck Fuels; Fuel Repairs
DUTY STATIONS: Stationed in Norfolk, VA on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. Deployed in 2006 and 2009 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Edward J. Cooney '63 • Lieutenant Colonel | US Air Force & Reserves | 1968-1972; 1975-1992
Hometown was Roselle during RC years; currently a resident of Conroe, TX. Served in the U.S Air Force from 1968 to 1972 and the U.S. Air Force Reserve from 1975 to 1992. Attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring at Third Air Force HQ, RAF Mildenhall, England, in 1992.
DUTIES: Transportation Officer; Aerial Port Officer; Chief of Transportation.He was serving in Libya at the time of the Libyan Revolution (Summer and Fall 1969); had a personal confrontation with Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi (1970). Special assignment to the U.S. Embassy, Amman, Jordan, during the Black September Conflict between the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Jordanian Armed Forces (1971). Duty at Danang Air Base, Vietnam, during the North Vietnamese Army Spring Offensive of 1972. Served on numerous guidance and inspection team visits to Air Force Reserve units in Arizona, California, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Ohio, Oklahoma and Utah which reported to Tenth Air Force HQ, Bergstrom AFB (1975-1988).
DUTY STATIONS: Active duty: Sheppard AFB, Wichita Falls, TX (1968); Dover AFB, DE (1968-1969); Wheelus AB, Tripoli, Libya (1969-1970); Incirlik AB, Turkey (1970-1971); Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand (1971-1972). Reserve duty: Ellington Field, Houston, TX (1975-1976); Bergstrom AFB, Austin, TX (1976-1988); RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk, England (1989-1992).
AWARDS: Bronze Star; Meritorious Service Medal; Commendation Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Small Arms Expert ribbon; USAF Longevity Service ribbon with Silver Oak Leaf; Outstanding U.S. Air Force Reserve Transportation Officer of the Year 1985; Numerous other medals and awards.
Ralph Custode '66 • Sergeant-E5 | US Army | 1967-1969| DOD (2)
Resident of Colonia, served in the US Army from April 1967 until losing his life in Vietnam, in October 1969. His tour of duty in Vietnam began in March 1969, assigned to the Big Red 1 / Company B, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. He achieved the rank of Sergeant-E5. Throughout his two years of service, he was awarded the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal, the Air Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge – only awarded to those who served in the infantry in a war zone, seeing hostile action.
He received the Bronze Star for ‘distinguishing himself by outstanding meritorious service in connection with ground operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam’ during the period March 1969 to October 1969. He is enshrined on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington DC, which honors those who died in the Vietnam War, and is one of only two Roselle Catholic alumni to be memorialized on The Wall. While serving in Vietnam, Sergeant Custode became ill with meningitis and died of the illness, five days after his 21st birthday. Many casualties of military service in a war zone are non-combat related. Ralph wrote once that he wished he could have a New Jersey State flag to mount outside his quarters. The State Senator who represented his town at the time, John Fay, Jr., arranged to have one sent to him. He was happy and proud to fly this flag.
AWARDS: Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal, the Air Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge
MEMORIALS & RECOGNITION: Enshrined on the Washington Vietnam Memorial wall, his name appears on Panel 17W Line 087. In October 2001, a monument was dedicated in Colonia, NJ to Sergeant Ralph Custode, as the only resident of Colonia, NJ (Woodbridge Township, Middlesex County) to lose his life in Vietnam.
Don Delikat '69 • Lieutenant Commander | US Coast Guard | 1978-1999
Hometown of Cranford, now residing in Chelmsford, MA, served in the US Coast Guard on active duty Sept 1978 to Sept 1984. Then from Oct 1984 to Sept 1999 served in the Coast Guard Reserve, retiring as a LT Commander. With an expertise in oil and chemical spill cleanups (Marine Safety Technical), served in numerous duty stations and assignments along the Atlantic coastline.
DUTIES: Oil and chemical spill cleanups (Marine Safety Technical), at one point worked with Coast Guard R&D Center in Groton CT and was key member of In-Situ offshore oil spill burn with Canadian/US Coast Guard and EPA office St. John's Newfoundland in 1992, as well as research of Benzene exposure to first responders during oil spills and published findings in Industrial Hygiene Professional Journal.
DUTY STATIONS: Pollution Engineering Section, Washington DC, 1979-1984; Marine Safety Office, Philadelphia PA, 1984-1987; Marine Safety Office, Savannah GA, 1987-1989; Marine Safety Office, Boston MA 1989-1991; Governor's Island Reserve Center NY, 1991-1992; Coast Guard District office Boston, 1992-1999.
AWARDS: Obtained Coast Guard Achievement Award and later Congressional recognition for oil spill response to M/V World Prodigy off Newport, RI in 1989.
Theodore E. Demcovitz '73 • Staff Sergeant | US Air Force & Reserves | 1973-1979
Resident of Beverly Hills, FL, served in the US Air Force and Air Force Reserve from 1973 to 1979, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. During active duty was assigned to 3800 Civil Engineer Group, and the 913 Combat Engineer Squadron during his reserve duty. It was while serving at Maxwell AFB, AL that he encountered, on a couple of occasions, a 1st Lieutenant in a flight suit with a name tag that said BUSH. Turned out years later the ‘Air Guard’ pilot he spoke to was elected the 43rd President of the United States.
DUTIES: During his active duty, he served as a Heavy Equipment Operator, with a secondary AFSC in explosives and demolition, with duties consisting of pavement and runway maintenance, as well as related construction projects. During active reserve duty, he served along side MAC (Military Aircraft Command) providing ready or emergency deployment of construction materials and equipment for “BARE BASE” operations and disaster relief.
DUTY STATIONS: Lackland AFB, TX; Sheppard AFB, TX; Maxwell AFB, AL; Guenter AFS, AL; Willow Grove NAS, PA; and Hahn AFB, Germany.
AWARDS: National Defense; Unit Citation; Good Conduct; Expert Marksmanship, 913th CES outstanding NCO for 1979
Daniel Donnerstag '01 • Captain | US Marine Corps | 2006-2012 (3)
A native of Union, Captain in the US Marine Corps, served from November 2006 to July 2012. Deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, serving two tours of duty, one in Iraq and the second in Afghanistan. While recovering from serious injuries he sustained in Afghanistan, he was named the Grand Marshall for Union's Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 28, 2012. RC formed a contingent to march in the parade under the RC banner, to show our school's appreciation for the service he has so honorably rendered.
DUTIES: Platoon commander during Operation Iraqi Freedom as part of Task Force MP. After deployment to Iraq served as an artillery liaison officer to an infantry battalion while deployed to Okinawa, Japan. Later attached to Second Battalion Third Marines to become the Officer-In-Charge of a Police Advisor Team while deployed in Afganistan.
DUTY STATIONS: Stationed in Kaneohe, Hawaii. Deployed to Al Anbar in 2008 to 2009. Deployed to Nimroz Province in Afghanistan from 2010 to 2011.
AWARDS: Purple Heart; Combat Action Ribbon; Navy Unit Citation; National Defense Medal; Afghan Campaign Medal; OIF Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Ribbon; Sea Service Deployment Ribbon; NATO ISAF Medal
Thomas H.E. Drinkwater ‘66 • Lieutenant Colonel | US Army & Reserves | 1970-1998
Resident of Fort Valley, VA attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army. Served his active duty from July 1970 to November 1973; then joined the Alaska National Guard (1973-1974); and from July 1974 to May 1998 served in the US Army Reserve. From 1984-1998 he served as Command & General Staff College Adjunct Professor. During his military career one of his duty stations included The Pentagon.
DUTIES: Field Artillery Officer; Armored Cavalry Squadron Platoon Leader; Quartermaster Officer; Command & General Staff College Adjunct Professor; Individual Mobilization Detachment Commander; Logistics Officer
DUTY STATIONS: Fort Sill, OK; Fort Richardson, AK; Burtonwood Army Depot, England; Worms, Germany; Heidelberg, Germany; Philadelphia, PA; Vint Farms, VA; The Pentagon, VA.
AWARDS: National Service Defense Medal; Reserve Components Achievement Medal; Reserve Components Service Medal; Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon; Excellence in Competition Medal-Rifle; Excellence in Competition Medal-Pistol; Member Alaska National Guard Rifle Team; Member 6th Army Reserve Marksmanship Team; Member US Army Reserve Europe Marksmanship Team; Member 78th Division Marksmanship Team; Member 1st Army Rifle Team
John F. Dugan ‘65 • Captain | US Army | 1968-1971| KIA (1)(2)(3)
On March 20, 1971, Captain Dugan of Roselle, on his second tour in Vietnam, volunteered for an exceptionally dangerous assignment knowing that a previous rescue attempt had failed as a result of heavy enemy fire. The assignment: the helicopter rescue of a unit of South Vietnamese Rangers under fire in a remote area of Laos. Captain Dugan, of the Army's 101st Airborne Division, was co-piloting a UH-1H Huey helicopter on a mission to rescue troops surrounded by North Vietnamese soldiers about 20 miles west of Khe Sanh in Laos. As the helicopter was attempting to land, it took heavy fire, was hit and exploded in the air. There were no survivors. Continued enemy activity in the area prevented any recovery attempts. For 35 years, Captain Dugan and the other three crewmembers were listed MIA. His remains along with the other members of his crew were finally located in Laos, and he was buried with honors at Arlington National Cemetery in April 2006.
AWARDS: Silver Star; as well as, Purple Heart and Bronze Star from first tour of duty.
MEMORIALS & RECOGNITION: Enshrined on the Washington Vietnam Memorial wall, his name appears on Panel 04W Line 060. Buried with honors at Arlington National Cemetery. Flags of the United States and State of New Jersey were flown at half-staff at all State departments, offices, agencies and instrumentalities on April 12, 2006, in recognition and mourning of Captain Dugan.
Joseph T. Evans ‘06 • Master Sergeant/First Sergeant | US Air Force | December 29, 2018-present (Active Duty)
Hometown of Lindedn, NJ, now a resident of Anchorage, Alaska as First Sergeant. Deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom in 2012.
DUTIES: 2008-2016: Radiologic Technologist; 2016-2022: Nuclear Medicine Technologist; 2022-Present: First Sergeant
DUTY STATIONS: 2008-2009: Lackland AFB, Texas; 2009-2013: Eglin AFB, Florida; 2013-2016: McGuire AFB, New Jersey; 2016-2019: Fort Sam Houston, Texas; 2019-2023: Eglin AFB, Florida; 2023-Present: Elmendorf AFB, Alaska
AWARDS: Meritorious Service Medal (1 oak leaf cluster),Air Force Commendation Medal (2 oak leaf clusters), Air Force Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Longevity Service Medal
Gerard M. Farrell, '65 • Captain O-6 | US Navy | 1970-2000 | SA
Graduated from US Naval Academy and commissioned Ensign in US Navy in June 1970. Retired in June 2000 as Captain (O-6), serving 30 years active duty as a Surface Warfare Officer.
DUTIES: Commanded USS Fletcher (DD 992) and USS Princeton (CG 59) at sea and Naval Station Annapolis ashore (last tour). Also served as Deputy Commandant of Midshipmen at the Naval Academy.
DUTY STATIONS: Mediterranean Sea, Western Pacific, Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf
AWARDS: Legion of Merit (x3), Defense MSM, Navy MSM, Navy Commendation Medal and Navy Achievement Medal and various other unit awards.
Robert E. Ford, Jr. ‘66 • Staff Sergeant E-6 | US Army | 1968-1971| (2)
Hometown of Roselle, now a resident of Galloway, NJ, entered in US Army on September 13, 1968. Went to Vietnam for a first tour in April 1969, and served two tours, returning from Vietnam in November 1970. He served with the 525th M. I. Group in Republic of Vietnam, attaining the rank Staff Sergeant, E-6.
DUTIES: S-3, Army Intelligence office work; Quick Reaction Force; Platoon Sergeant.
DUTY STATIONS: Region V, 112th M. I. Group, Vietnam; New Orleans, LA; Army Intelligence Office, NCOIC.
AWARDS: Bronze Star; Army Commendation Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Vietnam Campaign Medal; National Defense Medal
Stephen Gallagher '86 • Corporal E-4 | US Marine & Reserves | 1986-1994
Hometown of Elizabeth, now a resident of Mount Olive, NJ, served as Corporal, E-4 in the US Marine Corps Reserves from 1986 to 1994, and on active duty from November 1990 to May 1991.
DUTIES: Motor Transport
DUTY STATIONS: Reserve unit 6th Motor Transport Battalion; 8th Motor Transport Battalion for Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm
AWARDS: National Defense Service Medal, Selected Marine Corp Reserve Medal, South West Asia Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Rifle Expert (twice)
Roger J. Giordano '64 • Staff Sergeant E-5 | US Air Force & Reserves | 1968-1974
Formerly of Roselle Park, now a resident of Southbury, CT, served in the US Air Force on active duty 1968-1972, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant E-5. Service included tour of duty in Vietnam and Thailand. Additionally served in the US Air Force Reserve from 1972 to 1974.
DUTIES: Defense Language Institute Instructor; CBPO Training Administrator; NCO - Personnel Office; NCO - Drug Abuse; NCO - Advisory Council; NCOIC - Military Assistance Program; NCOIC - Base Training Office
DUTY STATIONS: Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX; Eglin Air Force Base, Fort Walton Beach, FL; Tan Son Nhute Air Base, Saigon, Vietnam; Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Korat, Thailand; Saratoga Springs Air Force Base, Saratoga Springs, NY.
AWARDS: National Defense Service Medal; Air Force Expert Marksmanship Ribbon; Air Force Commendation Medal - 1st Oak Leaf Cluster; Vietnam Service Medal; Republic Of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Air Force Good Conduct Medal; Presidential Unit Citation Award; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award; Air Force Longevity Service Award; Connecticut Veterans Wartime Service Medal
Gary M. Gregory '70 • Sergeant E-5 | US Army | 1972-1979
A Sergeant in the US Army on Active Duty 7 Feb. 1972 – 23 Jan 1979
DUTIES: Soviet and European Communist Ground Forces Radio Traffic Analyst
DUTY STATIONS: Basic Training: Fort Dix, NJ; DLIWC, Presidion of Monterey, CA 1972-1973; Wobeck Detachment, FRG 1973-1975; Fort Meade, MD (NSA) 1975-1979
AWARDS: Good Conduct Medal (2), Letters of Recognition, Honor Graduate (NCOES)
Stanley J. Gurski ‘65 • Lieutenant Colonel | US Army | 1969-2002
Resident of Roselle from 1954-2008; Lieutenant Colonel, US Army, serving from April 1969 to August 2002 in a combination of regular Army, New Jersey National Guard and Army Reserve.
DUTIES: Military Policeman, MP Platoon Leader, Scout Platoon Leader/XO, Observer Controller, Instructor, Senior Instructor Ft Bragg Reserve Forces Intelligence School (Soviet Weapons and Equipment, Interrogation of Enemy Prisoners of War).
DUTY STATIONS: Ft. Dix, NJ, Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, Ft. Benning Georgia, Ft. Hood, TX, Fort Bragg, NC, Ft. McClellan, AL.
AWARDS: Leadership Award for Class 17 New Jersey(Sea Girt) Military Academy, Instructor Award Class 17 NJMA (Sea Girt), Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense with Star, Army Achievement, Meritorious Service, Excellence in Competition (rifle), Expert Pistol
Greg S Higgins '81 • Commander | US Navy | 1985-2005
Resident of Norfolk, VA served in the US Navy from 1985 to 2005, achieving the rank of Commander.
DUTIES: At Sea: Surface Warfare Officer; Executive Officer; Combat Systems Officer; Tactical Officer. On Shore: Information Operations Officer; Instructor, Joint Information Warfare.
DUTY STATIONS: USS Exploit (MSO-440); USS Capodanno (FF-1093); USS McClusky (FFG-41); USS Virginia (CGN-38); COMCRUDEGRU ONE; USS Halyburton (FFG-40); SACLANT; Joint Forces Staff College.
AWARDS: Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2); Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (6); Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3); Joint Meritorious Unit Award (2); Navy Unit Commendation; Meritorious Unit Commendation (2); Global War on Terrorism Medal; Coast Guard Special Operations Ribbon; Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (6); Kuwait Liberation Medal
Robert J. Hoffman '65 • Lieutenant Colonel | US Army & Reserves | 1969-1991 | SA
RC’s first graduate to attend a service academy. Formerly a resident of Roselle, resided in Huntersville NC prior to his passing in July 2016, he graduated from US Military Academy, West Point NY in 1969. Served in Vietnam as a Ranger Company Commander. Saw action on the last American combat mission in Vietnam. Served as Special Forces SCUBA Detachment Commander at Ft. Bragg and Commander of the 4th Ranger Training Battalion at Fort Benning. Returned to the US Military Academy, West Point as a Professor from 1976-1980. Attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring in 1991.
DUTIES: Germany: Scout Platoon Leader; Headquarters Company Commander. Vietnam: Ranger Company Commander; Assistant Operations Officers for plans. Ft. Bragg: Special Forces SCUBA Detachment Commander; B Team Operations Officer. Schofield Barracks: Battalion Operations Officer; Assistant Inspector General. Ft. Benning: Commander 4th Ranger Training Battalion; Deputy Commander Ranger Training Brigade and Infantry Training Center. US Military Academy: Professor in Department of Physical Education. Ft. Harrison: Director of Training, Soldier's Physical Fitness School. Retired in 1991 as the Special Assistant to the Commander, RangerTraining Brigade.
DUTY STATIONS: Ft. Benning GA; Baumholder Germany; Ft. Benning GA; Bien Hoa South Vietnam; Ft. Bragg NC, Ft. Knox KY, Indiana University, US Military Academy, West Point NY; Schofield Barracks HI; Ft. Leavenworth KS; Ft. Harrison Indianapolis IN.
AWARDS: Combat Infantry Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, SCUBA Badge, Ranger Tab, Special Forces Tab, Meritorious Service Medals, Air Medals, Army Achievement Medals, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Medal.
Richard Jakus '73
John J. Keane '67 • Lieutenant Colonel | US Army & Reserves | 1971-1997
Hometown of Linden during RC years, currently a resident of Haddonfield, NJ, served in the U.S. Army attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. On active duty from 1971 to 1973. Recalled in 1990 to 1991 for Operation Desert Storm. Served in the US Army Reserves from 1973 to 1997.
DUTIES: Postal Officer, Seoul, South Korea; Chief Posthumous Awards Section, Office of the Adjutant General; Adjunct Faculty - U.S. Army Command & General Staff College; Basic Training Company Commander.
DUTY STATIONS: Seoul, South Korea; Office of the Adjutant General, Alexandria, VA.
AWARDS: Meritorious Service Medal
Ronald 'Ron' Keane '69 • Sergeant | US Air Force | 1970-1974
Resident of Edison NJ, originally of Cranford, served in the U.S. Air Force on active duty from Oct 1970 to Oct 1974, attaining the rank of Sergeant. Service and duty stations included tours at remote radar monitoring stations, i.e.: Arctic Circle.
DUTIES: Ground-to-Air Communications Maintenance at Cape Lisburne Radar Station, Alaska (200 mi above Arctic Circle) monitoring Siberian coast (12 monthremote tour); 485th EI Squadron based out of Griffiss AFB – responsible for electrical communication installations in the northern hemisphere (2-year assignment).
DUTY STATIONS: Lackland AFB, TX; Keesler AFB, Biloxi, MS; Cape Lisburne AC&W Radar Station, Alaska; Griffiss AFB (SAC) Rome, NY; Sondrestrom AB, Greenland; Loring AFB, ME; Plattsburg AFB, NY; Goose Bay AB, Labrador, Canada; Chatham CFB, New Brunswick, Canada; Craig AFB, AL; CFS Ramore, Ontario, Canada; Westover AFB, MA; McGuire AFB, NJ; AFI Keflavik, Iceland (installations at eight remote communications sites around the perimeter of Iceland).
AWARDS: National Defense; Air Force Good Conduct; Air Force Commendations; US Navy Iceland Defense Force Commendations
William Keating ’64 • Army | Deceased
Hometown of Roselle Park. Bill Keating went to Fordham and became a lawyer, while in college he joined ROTC and I believe he then served in the Army.
Brian Kelleher ’64 • Captain | US Air Force | 1968-1972
Formerly of Garwood, now a resident of St. Augustine, FL, served in the U.S. Air Force from August 1968 to June 1972, attaining the rank of Captain. Duties included working as an air controller of fighter/interceptors for air defense, controlling Air Force fighters to intercept potential inbound Russian bombers. Rated as a 'skilled' controller, also serving as an instructor. Served on an ADC (Air Defense Command) inspection team that evaluated radar groups, as well as an advisor to the Japanese Self Defense Forces in Ominato Japan.
DUTIES: Air Defense Weapons Controller (air controller), skilled level and instructor.
DUTY STATIONS: Majority of duty stations were small radar sites in Arizona, Maine, Japan, Okinawa, Hawaii and Florida.
Anton Kemps ‘65 • Colonel | US Army & Reserves | 1996-2009
Resident Haddonfield, NJ, served in the U.S. Army from 1996 to 2009, achieving the rank of Colonel. Served during Operation Enduring Freedom.
DUTIES: Fort Dix/McGuire performed weekend drills. At Fort Bragg and Fort Benning served as Senior Medical Officer for hospitals at the sites, doing inpatient and outpatient care. At Fort Jackson was in charge of field hospital organization in a Joint Training Command to prepare a medical unit for deployment to Afganistan. Served during Operation Enduring Freedom.
DUTY STATIONS: Fort Bragg; Fort Benning; Fort Jackson; Fort Dix/McGuire AFB.
AWARDS: Army Command medal and Army Achievement Medal. Global War on Terrorism Medal
Bruce Killian ‘64 • Chief Petty Officer | US Navy & Reserves | 1967-2006
Resident Saint Johnsbury, VT, Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy. Enlisted for 6 years in US Naval Reserves in 1967. In 1985, enlisted in Vermont National Guard, serving until 1990. Transferred to the U.S. Navy Reserves in 1990, mobilized in 2003 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and remained an active member until retirement in 2006, with 27 years of military service.
DUTIES: Varied from Engineering Log room Yeoman, supply specialist, and recruit training to Custodian for Postal Effects.
DUTY STATIONS: USS Albany (CG 10)1968-1970; Italy; Scotland, Greece; Japan; La Maddalena; Spain.
AWARDS: Navy Achievement Medal (3); Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation Ribbon; Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal (3); National Defense Medal (3); Navy Overseas Service Ribbon (2); Armed Forces Reserve Medal (2); W/ “M” device
Al Krajenski ’64 • 1st Lieutenant | US Army & Reserves | 1968-1972
Formerly of Cranford, now residing in Rahway, served in the U.S. Army from August 1968 to August 1970, then on Reserve duty until July 1972, attaining the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Duties included Executive Officer of Headquarters Companies and a one year tour of duty in Vietnam.
DUTIES: Executive Officer of Companies at each location.
DUTY STATIONS: Ft Bragg NC (1 year) and MACV Annex-Saigon, Vietnam (1 year).
AWARDS: Vietnam Service Medal
Peter Krawczyk ‘69 • Chief Petty Officer | US Navy | 1971-1982
Of West Columbia, SC, a Machinists Mate, Chief Petty Officer in the Submarine Service of U.S. Navy serving from 1971 to 1982.
DUTIES: Machinery Room operator/maintenance, Engineering Laboratory Technician (ELT)
DUTY STATIONS: West Milton, New YorkNuclear (Prototype Instructor); USS Shark (SSN-591), Fast Attack Submarine; USS Massey, (DD-778), Reserve Training Destroyer
AWARDS: Good Conduct, Honorable Discharge
David J. Krill '92 • Staff Sergeant | US Air Force & Reserves |1998-2004
Christopher Langbein '82 • Specialist E-4 | US Army | 1982-1986
A resident of Plainfield,IL, formerly of Elizabeth, served in the U.S. Army from 1982 to 1986 attaining the rank of Specialist 4.
DUTIES: Combat Engineer
DUTY STATIONS: 5th Combat Engineer Battalion, Fort Leonard Wood, MO; 82nd Combat Engineer Battalion, Bamberg West Germany.
AWARDS: Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal
Edward M. Leonard '65 • Captain | US Army & Reserves | 1969-1977
A resident of Roselle Park, formerly of Roselle, served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve from 1969 to 1977. Commissioned 2nd. Lt. from Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC) program at Fordham University in 1969. Went on Active Duty for Training (ADT) from May to August 1972 at the U.S. Army Finance School at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis Indiana and was promoted to 1st Lt. while there. Spent remainder of service in reserves and promoted to Captain before being honorably discharged in June 1977.
DUTIES: U.S. Army Finance Basic Officer Training
DUTY STATIONS: Fort Benjamin Harrison - Indianapolis, Indiana.
Reverend William P. Lesak '67 • Captain, Chaplain Corps | US Navy & Reserves | 1982-2009
A resident of New Bern, NC, ordained a Catholic priest for the Archdiocese of Newark in 1975. He served for 11 years as parochial vicar before entering the U.S. Navy, and commissioned Lieutenant Junior Grade in September 1982. In August 1983 he completed the Basic Course at the Naval Chaplains School in Newport, RI before returning to his parish duties as a Reserve Chaplain. In October 1986 he was recalled to active duty, and in November 2009, after 27 years of active Naval Service, he retired having attained the rank of Captain.
DUTIES/LOCATIONS SERVED: Third Force Service Support Group, Fleet Marine Force, Okinawa, Japan; Naval Support Activity, Holy Loch, Scotland, United Kingdom; Pre-Commission and Plank Owner, USS George Washington (CVN-73); Marine Corps Air Station, Iwakuni, Japan; Senior Supervisory Course, Chaplain School, Newport, RI; United States Sixth Fleet, Gaeta, Italy; Second Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina that included 22nd MEU (SOC), 6th and 10th Marine Regiments; Marine Corps Base, Camp Smedley D. Butler, Okinawa, Japan; OPNAV (097), Director, Plans and Policy for the Chief of Chaplains, Washington, DC; Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, DC and Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, NC.
AWARDS: Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (gold star), Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal (gold star), the Navy Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary, NATO, Fleet Marine Force Medals, the Navy Unit Commendation and various service and campaign medals and ribbons.
Jason Livsey '92 • Lieutenant | US Navy SEAL | 2005-2017
Resident of Irvinton, NJ, formerly of Roselle, served as a Lieutenant from 2005-2017.
DUTIES/LOCATIONS SERVED: Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, and Pakistan
James J. Lynch '66 • Lieutenant Colonel | US Army & Reserves | 1970-1996
Resident of Bradenton, FL, formerly of Roselle, served in the U.S. Army as a JAG officer on active duty from May 1974 - Aug 1996, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Additionally served in the U.S. Army Reserve from June 1970- Sept 1976.
DUTIES: JAG Officer, prosecutor, defense counsel; Chief, Administrative Law; Contract Litigator; Labor Law Advisor; Chief, Acquisition Law.
DUTY STATIONS: Ft. Bragg, NC; South Korea; Ft. Gordon, GA; Washington D.C. & Defense System Management College, VA; Ft. Monroe, VA; US Special Operations Command, MacDill AFB, FL.
AWARDS: Meritorious Service Medal (5), Army Commendation Medal (2), Army Acheivement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal (2), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon
John D. Maher ’64 • Specialist E-5 | US Army & Reserves | 1966-1972
Originally of Cranford, now residing in Hampton, NJ, served in the U.S. Army on Active Duty from 1966 to 1968, and Reserves 1968-1972, attaining the rank of Specialist E-5.
DUTIES: Section Chief, Fire Direction Control, 155 mm Artillery Unit.
DUTY STATIONS: Fort Dix, NJ; Fort Sill, OK; Kirsch-Gons, Germany.
AWARDS: GC Medal, Sharpshooter
Michael F. Mahoney ‘65 • Captain | US Army | 1970-1973
Formerly of Middletown, NJ and presently a resident of Manasquan, NJ. Attained the rank of Captain in the U.S. Army while serving on active duty from 1970 to 1973.
DUTIES: Platoon leader and Executive Officer in Battalion Support Command of 1st Infantry Division Mechanized Fort Riley, KS. Participated in NATO military exercises in Germany, Reforger III (Return of forces to Germany). Responsibilities as an Ordnance Officer included logistical, mechanical maintenance and materiel duties with the redeployed operations at the designated preposition sites of the 1st Infantry Division Mechanized
DUTY STATIONS: Fort Knox KY., Fort Riley KS. and the Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD., Grafenwoehr, Heidelberg and Bamberg, Germany.
AWARDS: National Defense Service Medal, The Army Commendation Medal
Brian P. Mallon '64 • Petty Officer/SSGTUS | US Navy & USAF Reserves | 1968-1981
Resident of Boca Raton, FL, formerly of Roselle, served in the U.S. Navy 1968-73, attaining the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class/SSGT. Additionally served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve from 1974 to 1981.
DUTIES: Combat Aircrew, Aircrew
DUTY STATIONS: USA, Viet Nam, Japan, Germany, Panama.
AWARDS: Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Medal, Air Medals, NUC, PUC, Combat Action Ribbon, USN Aircrew Wings, USN Combat Aircrew Wings, USAF Aircrew Wings
Charles R Mannix '69 • Colonel/Judge Advocate | US Air Force & Reserves | 1973-2006
Originally of Elizabeth, now a resident of Norwich, Vermont attained the rank of Colonel 06 as a Judge Advocate in the US Air Force, serving on active duty 1973-1985, and USAF Reserves 1985-2006.
DUTIES: Staff Judge Advocate; Area Defense Counsel; Medical Law Attorney; Air Force Tort Litigation Staff Attorney; Headquaters USAF Air Staff-International Law; General Counsel of Air Force Military Staff.
DUTY STATIONS: McGuire AFB, NJ; Seymour Johnson AFB, NC; RAF Chicksands, United Kingdom;Bolling AFB, Washington,DC; Andrews AFB MD; Pentagon,Virginia.
AWARDS: Legion of Merit Medal; Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf; Air Force Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf; Army Commendation Medal; National Defense Service Medal with Star; Reserve Medal with M ;Global War on Terriorism Medal
Joseph McCarthy '97 • Major | US Army | 2002-present (Active Duty)| (2)
Resident of Arlington, VA, Major in the US Army on Active Duty since April 2002. Deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, serving three tours of combat duty in Afghanistan. Earned a Masters in Public Policy from Georgetown University, and selected by the Center for a New American Security as a Next Generation Security Leader.
DUTIES: Served as a Rifle Platoon Leader, Assault Company Commander, and Operations Officer during three combat deployments to Afghanistan. While in garrison served as the Junior Military Assistant in the immediate of the Secretary of Defense; Strategic Planner to the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7; Headquarters and Headquarter Company Commander, Battalion Adjunct, Rifle Company Executive Officer, and Assistant Operations Officer.
DUTY STATIONS: Fort Benning, GA; Schofield Barracks, HI; Fort Rucker, AL; Fort Campbell, KY; Pentagon, Washington, DC; FOB Kandahar, Afghanistan; FOB Shinkay, Afghanistan; FOB Jalalabad, Afghanistan.
AWARDS: Bronze Star (2 awards); Air Medal for Valor; Air Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal (3 awards); Global War on Terror Service Medal; Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal; Distinguished Meritorious Service Medal; Meritorious Service Medal; Army Accommodation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Overseas Service Medal (3 awards); Valorous and Meritorious Unit Awards; Army Service Medal; NATO Medal (ISAF); Combat Infantry Badge; Combat Action Badge; Parachutists Badge; Air Assault Badge; Army Aviator Badge; Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge, and Army Staff Badge. Recipient of the Aubrey 'Red' Newman Leadership Award and the Order of St. Michael-Bronze Award.
James K. McCurdy '69 • Spc/4 | US Army & Reserve |1970-1976
Resident of Alliance, Ohio.
DUTIES: Surveillance of Russian and E German Units beyond the Wall.
DUTY STATIONS: Persidio of Monterrey, Berlin, Germany.
AWARDS: Honorable Discharge
John McCurdy '70 • Specialist E-5 | US Army & Reserves |1971-1979
Resident of Toms River, NJ. Served in Army Medical Department at its' top medical center during Vietnam War 1972-1975
DUTIES: Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist; Ophthalmology Specialist; Combat Medic/Field Trauma
DUTY STATIONS: Fort Dix, NJ; Fort Sam Houston, TX; White Sands Missile Range, NM; Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Wash. DC
AWARDS: Army Commendation Medal 1975; Good Conduct Medal 1972; Nominee to United States Military Academy 1970
Robert J. McCurdy '66 • E-4 Corporal | US Marine Corps |1968-1970 | DOD
Originally from Roselle. Deceased in 2006 due to Agent Orange exposure RVN.
DUTIES: Forward Observer - Combat Missions
DUTY STATIONS: MCRD Parris Island, SC; MCB Camp Lejeune, NC; Vietnam Tour 1 - 1968/1969; Vietnam Tour 2 - 1969/1970; MCB Camp Pendleton, CA 1969 & 1970
AWARDS: Vietnam Service Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Good Conduct Medal
Joseph Thomas McDonald ’64 • Sergeant E-4 | US Air Force & Reserves | 1969-1973
Resident of San Rafael, CA, formerly of Roselle, served in the US Air Force and Reserves 1969-1973, attaining the rank of Sergeant E-4.
DUTIES: Base Equipment Management
DUTY STATIONS: Lackland AFB San Antonio TX; Lowry AFB Aurora CO; Fortuna AFS, Fortuna ND; Hamilton AFB Novato CA.
AWARDS: Vietnam Service Medal, Marksman, Good Conduct Medal
James F. McMahon '64 • Sergeant E-5 | US Army & Reserves | 1966-1972
Resident of Toms River, NJ, formerly of Roselle, served in the US Army 1966-68, attaining the rank of Sergeant E-5. Additionally served in the US Army Reserve from 1968 to 1972. Saw action during tour of duty in Vietnam as a tank crewman, engaged in the battle of Hoe and the TET Offensive.
DUTIES: Tank Crewman; Self Propelled Artillery Crewman
DUTY STATIONS: Ft. Lewis, Washington; Ft. Hood, Texas; Republic of South Vietnam.
AWARDS: NDSM, VCM, VSM, GC Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry
James E. McMurray ’64 • Lieutenant | US Navy & Reserves | 1968-1974
Resident of Sarasota, FL, formerly of Linden, served in the US Navy 1968-72 as an attack carrier pilot attaining the rank of Lieutenant. Additionally served in the US Navy Reserve from 1972 to 1974. Flew the A-7 Corsair from the carrier USS Roosevelt (CV-42) operating in the Mediterranean Sea as part of the United States Sixth Fleet.
DUTIES: Attack Carrier Pilot, A-7 Corsair
DUTY STATIONS: 6th Fleet Airwing, USS Roosevelt (CV-42), Mediterranean Sea
Dennis J. Melofchik ’64 • Captain | US Army & Reserves | 2001-present
Originally of Roselle, now a resident of Deal, NJ, served in the US Army and Reserves from 1968 to1972 attaining the rank of Captain. Was placed on Reserve status upon graduation from advanced officer training in the summer of 1972 as the Viet Nam conflict was winding down and the Army had a reduced need for Active Duty combat junior officers.
DUTY STATIONS: Fort Lee, Virginia
Donald E. Merz ‘69 • Lieutenant JG | US Navy |1974-1978| KIFA
An officer of Patrol Squadron Eight, LTJG Donald Merz of Berkeley Heights, lost his life on Friday, September 22, 1978 when the P-3 Orion patrol plane he was piloting exploded in mid-air and crashed in a wooded area near Poland, Maine. He and seven other crew members were killed in the explosion. Investigation indicated that one engine fell from the wing, which subsequently resulted in the wing separating from the fuselage, preventing any possibility of landing the aircraft. The plane, a P-3, commonly used for anti-submarine operations was enroute from Brunswick Naval Air Station in Maine to Trenton, Ontario.
Thomas J. Miceli ’64 • Specialist E-4 | US Army & Reserves | 1966-1972
Formerly of Roselle, now residing in Piscataway, NJ, served in the US Army, attaining the rank of Specialist E-4. Served on active duty from March 1966 to February 1968 and then on reserve duty until 1972. Served with the 9th Infantry Division, providing cover on petroleum tankers in convoy and during TET Offensive.
DUTIES: 9th Infantry Division; 47th Transportation Co., 1st Logistics
DUTY STATIONS: Fort Dix, NJ; Fort Riley, Kansas; Vietnam
AWARDS: Vietnam Gallantry Cross, National Defense Service Medal, Army Good Conduct, Vietnam Campaign w/ 1 star, Vietnam Defense, President's Ribbon, Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation, Civil Action Honor Medal, NJ Distinguished Service Medal, NJ Vietnam Service Medal, Cold War Victory Medal, Expert Infantry Badge, Overseas Service Ribbon
John Miller ’02 • Specialist | US Army | 2012-present
Originally Rahway, currently on active duty stationed at Fort Bragg, Fayetteville, NC, serving in the US Army since March 2014, and attaining the rank of Specialist. Deployed to Afghanistan for 4 months in July 2014. Works as a multimedia illustrator for the United States Special Operations Command in Fort Bragg, NC. Is a qualified paratrooper and graduated jump school at Fort Benning, GA in 2012.
DUTIES: Unit Armorer; Multimedia Illustrator, Special Operations Command
DUTY STATIONS: Fort Benning, GA; Fort Bragg, NC
AWARDS: Afghan Campaign Medal 1 Star; Global War on Terror Service Medal; NATO Medal; Army Service Ribbon; National Defense Service Medal; Honor Graduate at Digital Multimedia Course
John ‘Jack’ Monahan ‘64 • Captain | US Army & Reserves |1969-1978 | (1)(2)(3)
Hometown of Roselle, resided at Indian Land, SC and Ship Bottom, NJ. Attained the rank of Captain in the US Army Infantry/Cavalry, serving in active duty from January 1969 to January 1971, and from 1971 to 1978 in the US Army Reserves / NJ National Guard. Completed 48 combat assaults, 8 sterile missions as a LRRP into Laos, Cambodia and North Vietnam. First company into Cambodia (5/70) capturing largest weapons, ammo, medical, food caches of the war on Shakey's Hill.
DUTIES: Student Infantry Officer, Ft. Benning; Training Officer/Company Commander, Ft. Leonard Wood; Jungle Operations Training Center (JOTC), Ft. Sheridan; Platoon Leader/Company Commander/LRRP, Alpha Company 5th Bn/7th Cavalry, 1st Air Cavalry Division (Airmobile) - Song Be,Tay Ninh, Quon Loi, Phouc Vinh, Bo Dop, Quon Tri, Cambodia; 5th CST Brigade, Ft. Dix; Range Officer/Committee Chief, 78th Division, Edison, NJ; Asst. S3/Instructor, Officer Candidate School, Sea Girt, NJ.
DUTY STATIONS: Fort Benning GA.; For. Leonard Wood MO.; For. Sheridan, Panama; III Corps, Vietnam; Fort Dix, 5th CST Brigade; 78th Trng. Div., Edison, NJ; NJ Military Academy, Sea Girt, NJ.
AWARDS: Silver Star; Bronze Star; Army Commendation with V, Purple Hearts (3 awards); Air Medal (2 awards); VN Cross of Gallantry; VN Wound (3 awards); VN Service; VN Civil Action; VN Campaign (3 stars); Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; Cold War Medal; National Guard Service Medal (2 awards); National Defense Medal; Combat Infantry Badge (CIB); Combat Assault Badge; LRRP Tab, Airmobile Tab; Presidential Valorous Unit; Presidential Unit Citation; VN Presidential Unit; VN Valorous Unit; VN Cross of Gallantry Unit Citation; NJ National Guard Meritorious Service Ribbon; NJ Distinguished Service Medal; NJ Honorary Service Medal.
MEMORIALS & RECOGNITION: Buried with honors at Arlington National Cemetery.
Francis X. Murphy '68 • Petty Officer 3rd Class | US Navy | 1968-1972
Joined the US Navy after graduating RC in 1968, and served until 1972.
DUTY STATIONS: Served in the Tonkin Gulf on the ammunition supply ship USS Haleakala (AE 25) and attained the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class.
Edward M. Neafsey '68 • Captain | US Army & Reserves | 1978-1984
A resident of Avon by the Sea, NJ who lived in Linden during RC years, served in the U.S. Army as a military prosecutor and a trial defense counsel in the Judge Advocate General Corps, attaining the rank of Captain. Served on active duty from 1978 to 1981 and then on reserve duty until 1984. Deployed to Germany on REFORGER 79 Exercise as the military prosecutor for the 2nd (Blackjack) Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division.
DUTIES: Served as a military prosecutor and a trial defense counsel in the Judge Advocate General Corps for the 1st Cavalry Division at Ft. Hood, Texas and in Germany.
DUTY STATIONS: Ft. Hood, Texas and Germany.
AWARDS: Army Commendation Medal
Alexander Pires '93 • Sergeant E-5 | US Marine Corps | 1993-2000
Formerly of Hillside, now residing in Braga, Portugal, served in the US Marine Corps from 1993 to 2000, attaining the rank of Sergeant (E5). Service included the 26 Marine Expeditionary Unit SOC (Special Operations Capable), member of HET Team – Human Intelligence Exploitation Team, involved in Operation Dynamic Response (Bosnia/Herzegovina), Operation Noble Anvil (Kosovo), Operation Shining Hope (Albania), Operation Joint Guardian (Kosovo) and Operation Avid Response (West Turkey).
DUTIES: Interrogator / Debriefer (0251), responsible for the collection of information/intelligence from human sources by means of interrogation, debriefing and screening. USMC later phased out the 0251 MOS. All active 0251’s became 0211 (Counterintelligence / HUMINT Specialists). Counterintelligence (CI) specialists are responsible for identifying and counteracting the threat of friendly forces posed by hostile intelligence organizations or by persons engaged in espionage, sabotage, subversion or terrorism.
DUTY STATIONS: MCAS Iwakuni, Japan; Headquarters Marine Corp, Arlington, VA; Counterintelligence / Human Intelligence Company, 2nd Intelligence Bn, Camp Lejeune, NC.
AWARDS: Navy Marine Corp Achievement Medal (twice awarded); Combat Action Ribbon; Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon; Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon; Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Kosovo Campaign Medal; Armed Forces Service Military Medal; Humanitarian Service Medal; Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon; Navy & Marine Corp Overseas Service Ribbon; NATO Kosovo Medal
Gerard “Jerry” Pujat '65 • Specialist 4 | US Army & Reserves | 1966-1989 | (3)
Originally from Cranford, resided in Buckeye, AZ until passing away April 13, 2011. Served in the US Army and Reserves, on active duty from June 1966 to May 1968, and Reserve duty until 1989, attaining the rank of Specialist 4 (SP-4). Saw extensive combat during the Tet Offensive by the VietCong and North Vietnamese in 1968 while assigned to the “Brown Water Navy” with the mobile Riverine Force in the Mekong Delta. Wounded on May 1st, 1968.
DUTIES: Served in Vietnam with Company C, 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division.
DUTY STATIONS: Fort Dix, NJ (Basic Training); Ft Jackson, SC (Advanced Infantry Training); VietNam (1967-68).
AWARDS: Purple Heart; Sharpshooter (Rifle); Combat Infantry Badge; Vietnam Service Medal; 2 Overseas Bars; National Defense Service; Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device
Richard J. Razin ‘80 • Captain / Command Pilot | US Air Force | 1985-1991
Resident of Peachtree City, GA served as Command Pilot in the US Air Force from January 1985 to November 1991, achieving the rank of Captain. At one point served as an Instructor Pilot at Air Force Academy.
DUTY STATIONS:Vance AFB, OK; McGuire AFB, NJ Instructor Pilot C-141; Air Force Academy, CO Instructor Pilot TG-7A; Scott AFB, IL Aircraft Commander C-9A.
Richard Rendina ‘66 • Captain | US Marine Corps | 1970-1982
Originally a resident of Irvington, currently residing in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, served in the US Marine Corps, on Active Duty from 1970 to 1978 and in the USMC Reserve until 1982, attaining the rank of Captain.
DUTY STATIONS: Iwakuni, Japan and Futema, Okinawa, 1st Marine Air Wing; Marine Barracks, Charleston Naval Base.
AWARDS: Certificate of Commendation from Commanding General, 1st Marine Air Wing
Anthony Scelsi '80 • Lieutenant Colonel | US Air Force | 1980-2010
Home town of Linden, NJ, now residing in Crestview, FL, served a 30 year career in the US Air Force from September 1980 to June 2010. Attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, with over 3000 hours of Ccombat/combat support flying time. Flew missions in Operations over Bosnia, Kosovo, Persian Gulf, Korea, and Homeland Defense.
DUTIES: 1980-1989 Enlisted, Cryptologic Linguist (Korean Language); 1989-2010 Officer; Master Air Battle Manager; Aircraft flown on: EC-130E, E-8, B-707.
DUTY STATIONS: Presidio of Monterey, CA, Goodfellow AFB, TX, Osan AB, Korea, Ft, Meade, MD, Sembach AB, Germany, Keesler AFB, MS, Aviano AB, Italy, Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ, Robins AFB, GA, Melbourne, FL, and Hurlburt Field, Florida.
AWARDS: USAF Meritorious Service Medal (2 Oak Leaf Custer), USAF Air Medal (4 Oak Leaf Clusters), USAF Commendation Medal (3 Oak Leaf Clusters), USAF Aerial Achievement Medal (5 Oak Leaf Clusters), Host of campaign medals for Bosnia, Kosovo, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom
Norman E. 'Skip' Schmidt, Jr. ‘65 • 1st Lieutenant | US Air Force | 1970-1973
Resident of Port Charlotte, FL, 1st Lieutenant, US Air Force from April 1970 to September 1973.
DUTIES: Navigator/Weapons Systems Operator, F-4E Phantom; Assistant Billeting Officer
DUTY STATIONS: Homestead AFB, FL; Korat Royal Thai AFB, Thailand.
AWARDS: Nominated for Bronze Star; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon
Charles A. Smith '70 • Lieutenant Colonel | US Army & Reserves | 1972-2007
Originally of Woodbridge, now a resident of Swathmore, PA, attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army, serving in the US Army Reserves from January 1972 to September 2001. Mobilized October 2001 onto active duty following the events of 9-11 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2004 was placed on orders in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and deployed to Iraq as the Deputy Commander of the 338th Military Police Battalion. Served on active duty until December 2007.
DUTIES: Military Police Commander; Military Police Commander; Deputy Commander of the 338th Military Police Battalion, subordinate unit to the 89th MP Brigade.
DUTY STATIONS: Fort Dix, NJ as Deputy Commander; FOB Baqubah, Iraq.
Richard ‘Dick' Sweeney ‘66 • Sergeant E-5 | US Army | 1966-1972 | (1)(2)(3)
Resident of Winchester, MA, Sergeant E-5, US Army, served October 1966 to October 1968, comprised largely of a 13-month tour of duty in Vietnam as a member of the Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP) – initially as a team medic later as a team leader. He was awarded the Purple Heart, along with other awards, for his actions in combat. Known as ‘Doc’ to those he served with, he was on inactive reserve 1968-1972.
DUTIES: Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP) initially as team medic, last three months in Vietnam as team leader.
DUTY STATIONS: Fort Carson, CO; Fort Riley, KS; Vietnam 52nd Infantry (ABN) and LRP Rangers 5th Special Forces Recondo #479.
AWARDS: Silver Star; Bronze Stars; Purple Heart; Air Medal; Combat Infantry Badge; VN Service Ribbons
Anthony Terranova '93 • Petty Officer E-4 | US Navy | 1993-1996
Resident of Union, served in the US Navy from August 1993 to December 1996, attaining the rank of Petty Officer Third Class E-4.
DUTIES: Shipboard maintenance and welding; Surface Warfare
DUTY STATIONS: USS LaSalle (AGF-3; USS Grasp (ARS-51).
Nicholi Thomas '18 • US Air Force | 2020-present
Roselle Catholic Alumni graduated Air Force Basic Military Training on October 7, 2021 and is current training for his Military Occupational Specialties as an Aerospace Medical Service.
Gregory Tomkovich '78 • Lieutenant | US Navy | 1982-1987
DUTY STATIONS: Naval Nuclear Power School, Orlando Florida
James E. Tracey ‘64 • Sergeant E-5 | US Marine Corps | 1968-1974
Formerly of Clark, now a resident of Bluffton, SC; served in the US Marine Corps, on active duty from December 1968 to September 1970, and on inactive duty until September 1974. Attained the rank of Sergeant E-5.
DUTIES: Chief duties included the examination and auditing of personnel’s financial records.
DUTY STATIONS: Marine Corps Finance Center, Retirement Division, Kansas City, MO.
AWARDS: Sharpshooter Medal, National Defense Service Medal
John Vitale ’76 • 1st Sergeant | US Marine Corps & US Army | 1976-1999 | (2)(3)
Resident of Charlotte, NC, originally of Roselle, served in both the US Marine Corps, 1976-1984 and the US Army, 1984-1999, retired with the rank of 1st Sergeant. Combat tours include Marine Barracks Beirut, Lebanon; Iraq and Iran.
DUTY STATIONS: Marines: Parris Island, Camp Pendleton, Naval Communication Station, Philippines, Camp Lejeune and Camp Geiger. US Army: Fort Meade, Fort Drum, Fort Wainwright, Fort Richardson, Fort Sam Houston, JEWC Kelly AFB, Korea, Fort Stewart
AWARDS: Purple Heart - 2; Legion of Merit; Bronze Star; Humanitarian Service Medal; Distinguished Service Medal
James W. Waked ‘67 • Sergeant E-5 | US Army | 1968-1970 | (3)
Formerly of Roselle, now a resident of Port Monmouth NJ, attained the rank of Sergeant E-5 in the US Army, serving 1968 to 1970, including a tour in Viet-Nam, where as a member of an infantry battalion was engaged in over 50 search and destroy missions. Awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat.
DUTIES: Infantry
DUTY STATIONS: Tan Tru, Vietnam.
AWARDS: Purple Heart; Air Medal
Steven B. Waters ‘96 • Sergeant | US Marine Corps & Reserves | 1997-2006
Resident of Cranford, originally of Hillside, served in the US Marine Corps, on active duty and the reserves from June 1997 to May 2006, attaining the rank of Sergeant. Deployed with his unit (MWSS-472) in Operation Iraqi Freedom II (OIF 2) from June 2004 thru May 2005.
DUTIES: Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighter
DUTY STATIONS: Willow Grove NAS, PA; Al Asad Air Base, Iraq.
James S. Zamorski ‘71 • Lieutenant Commander | US Navy & Reserves | 1976-1994
Ashland, VA, Lieutenant Commander, US Navy. Served active duty from May 1976 to November 1985, then Reserve Duty until September 1, 1994. Actively managed communications traffic processing systems for Naval Communications Area Master Station Atlantic. Directed the functions of 200 personnel in computer hardware and software maintenance requirements; database files; and landline, satellite and high frequency accesses. Accomplished support planning for Atlantic communications area assets. Scheduled maintenance periods for seven shore transmitting sites supporting strategic submarine forces.
DUTIES: Communications Officer Afloat; Electronic Warfare Officer; Intelligence Officer; Area Requirements Officer
DUTY STATIONS: USS Thomas C. Hart (FF 1092) and USS Arkansas (CGN 41), homeports Norfolk, VA; Naval Communications Area Master Station Atlantic, Norfolk, VA; Staff Officer, U.S. Atlantic Command, Norfolk, VA.
AWARDS: Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (2), National Defense Service Medal, Surface Warfare Officer Designation; Officer of the Deck (Underway) Designation
Ronald E. Zentek '65 • Petty Officer E-6, 1st Class | US Navy | 1968-1976
An original resident of Linden, now Merritt Island, FL attained the rank of E-6 Petty Officer 1st Class in the submarine service of the US Navy, serving from February 1968 to August 1976. Made three Polaris and one Poseidon Cold War Nuclear Deterrent Patrols and was aboard approximately ten Submarine missile launches on the Eastern Test Range, Cape Canaveral.
DUTIES: Aboard SSBN643: Missile Control Supervisor responsible for maintenance and operation of various computers that targeted and sequenced the launch of 16 ICBM nuclear weapons. At NOTU: Test Instrumentation Supervisor of a team that maintained and operated equipment that collected onboard telemetry and launch operations for US and British submarines launching ICBMs on the Eastern Test Range.
DUTY STATIONS: One year at Dam Neck, VA attending Polaris Electronics A and Fire Control Ballistic C schools; four years aboard USS George Bancroft SSBN643 making North Sea and Mediterranean patrols and a shipyard period at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Kittery, Maine; three plus years at Naval Ordnance Test Unit (NOTU), Cape Canaveral, FL.
AWARDS: Submarine Dolphins Enlisted; Polaris/Poseidon Patrol Pin with three stars; Expert Pistol ribbon; Good Conduct Medal with one star; various performance commendations both unit and individual; Military Service Honor Roll.