Joseph served as a - Sp4 - E4 - Army - Regular Enlisted Service.
He was 19 years old at the time of his death, single not married.
Joseph was born on July 20, 1950. He was from West Monroe, Louisana.
His tour of duty in Vietnam began on August 11, 1968.
Joseph served with the "A" Company, 26th Engineer Battalion, 196th Infantry Brigade, 23rd Americal Division.
Joseph died on September 18, 1969 in Quang Tin Province,
Republic of South Vietnam.
Joseph's death as remembered by Darrell Osborne:
I was with A Company 26th Engineers from May17 1969 to November 21 1970.
I have read and re-read the post regarding Joe Mazzanti who was killed
on Sept 18 1969, at Triple Culverts on Thunder Road, between Baldy and Ross."The official report said he drowned in one of the culverts while trying to clear a blockage."
I got there just as Joe was walking into the river. He lost his footing and was sucked into the culverts, it's been a long time, but I seem to recall that he had a rope tied to him, but before we could pull him out he drowned.
At the time Joe was a jeep driver for Capt Jakoda, I do know that there was a blockage
at the mouth of the culvert, and that river was very swift and dangerous, I was not there during the conversation or what prompted him to do it.
Later a couple of guys,( I can't remember their names), said Jakoda asked Joe if he thought he could clear the blockage, other guys said Jakoda had him try and clear it. But the fact is, Joe was killed when he was sucked into that culvert. I hope this helps the friend that
was trying to get information regarding Joe's death, and I too lost a good friend that day.
His body was recovered.
Joseph's religion was Roman Catholic.
Joseph's name is listed on Panel 18W --- Line 110
of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C.
"Rest In Peace Joseph You Are Missed By All Who Knew You"
Honors
Joseph Edmund Mazzanti served his Country and Flag with Courage and Bravery. His acts of Gallantry to his Men and Country earned him the following awards:
Purple Heart (3) - for wounds received in combat actions
National Defence Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Ribbon
Good Conduct Medal
The Republic of Vietnam, Military Merit Medal
The Republic of Vietnam, Gallentry Cross with Palm
