Robert served as a - Pvt - Grade E1 - Regular Enlisted Service
He was 20 years old at the time of his death
Bob was born on January 18, 1948 in Phillipsburg, N.J.
His tour of duty began in Vietnam on April 23, 1967
Bob served with 3rd Squad, 2nd Platoon, Lima Company (L), 3rd Battalion,
7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Divison, at Dai Loc,Vietnam
Bob died on April 10, 1968 at approximately 4:00 pm. in Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam .
His death was a result of Hostile small arms fire inflicted during "Operation Jasper Square", while leading his squad on an assault on an enemy village,
"As told by his friend and fellow Marine, Emanuel Sledge. "
His body was recovered
Bob's religion was Roman Catholic. He was single, not married
Bob is interred in St. Phillips and St. James Cemetary in Phillipsburg, NJ.
Bob was a 1965 graduate of Phillipsburg High School
Bob's name is listed on Panel 49E --- Line 9
of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington D.C.
"Rest In Peace Bob You Are Missed By All Who Knew You"
PFC Ronald E.VanAuken and PFC Emanuel T. Sledge on Hill 65 March 1968
They were members of Robert's Squad, friends, and fellow Marines.They were with Robert when he died.
Robert John Marcantoni, an enlisted Soldier was a Marine before he enlisted, a Marine after he enlisted, and a Marine when he died. Robert was wounded several months before his death. On Sept. 6 1967, he was hit with shrapnel. He was also credited with saving the lives of his squad when his squad was ambushed in the An Hoa Valley on their return to Hill 65 just one week before his death. Robert served in Operations Desoto, Grand, Webster, and Jasper Square. Robert was awarded the following awards for his service to his Country:
Purple Heart with Gold Star, in liew of second Purple Heart, for wounds received in combat on two separate occasions.
Combat Action Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Ribbon
Vietnamese Military Merit Medal
Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Palm
