Faces Bio

Ernie J. Elfenbein was born on February 5, 1948. His home of record is Hillsdale, NJ.
He attended Pascack Hills High School in Montvale, NJ, graduating in 1966. He continued his education studying pre-law in college.

Elfenbein had reached the highest level of Boy Scouts as an Eagle Scout and had received the Brotherhood Award and the Order of the Arrow.

Elfenbein enlisted in the US Army in February 1967, and attained the rank of Corporal (CPL). He was a member of the Tiger Force, an elite corps.

Elfenbein was killed in action on October 6, 1967, after being wounded by a hand grenade near Chou Lai, South Vietnam.

“I have kept the flame burning
Since that October day,
When I stood beside your beloved mother,
When she learned that you had fallen.
Dear childhood friend, I will keep the flame
Burning and your memory alive.
Hoping these words I have written will
Take my place after I have died.”

-Harriet Glaser Lederman


Sources: Hal Parrott (friend), Harriet Glaser Lederman (friend), newspaper clippings and NJVVMF.