John served as a - Corporal - Grade E4 - Army - Drafted Selective Service
He was 19 years old at the time of his death
John was born on January 29, 1949 in Phillipsburg, N.J.
His tour of duty began in Vietnam on November 9, 1968
John served with B Company, 1st Battalion (Mech), 50th Infantry,
173rd Airborne, (Separate)
John died on December 2, 1968 in Binh Dinh Province, South Vietnam
John's death was a result of 3 enemy anti-tank rockets hitting an Armored Personal Carrier ( APC ), in which John was a crew member. The ambush of John's APC took place near the village of An Khe, as reported in letter, by his Commanding Officer, Captain John D. Dortch. John's APC left LZ Schueller enroute to Bridge 18 on Highway QL 19. At approximately 1915 hours, John's APC was hit by enemy rocket fire. The resulting explosions and fire claimed the life of John. The incident was witnessed by his crew, Sp4 Michael Klatt, Ptl. Sgt. James E. Bird, and Pfc. Ronald L. Horner.
John's religion was Protestant. He was single, not married
John is interred in the Northampton Memorial Shrine, Easton, Pa.
John was a 1967 graduate of Phillipsburg High School
John's name is listed on Panel 37W --- Line 23
of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C.
"Rest In Peace John You Are Missed By All Who Knew You"
Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service against hostile forces
Purple Heart for wounds received in combat
National Defence Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Ribbon
Good Conduct Medal
The Combat Infantryman Badge
The Republic of Vietnam, Military Merit Medal
The Republic of Vietnam, Gallentry Cross with Palm
A memorial statue was erected in front of the present day 50th
Infantry Battalion Headquarters at Fort Benning, GA... John Marason's
name is included...as he was killed in action while a member of the Battalion.
Please click on the photo for more photos of the memorial and of John's Brothers
