Faces Bio

John Edgar Marason was born on January 29, 1949, in Easton, PA, and last resided in Phillipsburg, NJ. He had one sister, Barbara, and three brothers, David, Edward and Mark. John was a 1967 graduate of Phillipsburg High School where his interests included baseball, basketball, football and stock cars.

In 1968, John entered the US Army where he served in B Company, 1st Battalion, 50th Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade and attained the rank of Corporal (CPL/E3).

Marason began his tour in Vietnam on November 9, 1968.

On December 2, 1968, in Binh Dinh Province, South Vietnam, he was a passenger in an Armored Personnel Carrier that came under attack from three enemy anti-tank rockets. He died from burns received.

Marason is buried in the Northampton Memorial Shine, Easton, PA.

Marason received the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Expert Marksmanship Badge, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, the Republic of Vietnam Military Merit Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.

The Bronze Star Medal citation reads:
The Bronze Star Medal is presented posthumously to Corporal (Then Private First Class) John E. Marason for distinguishing himself by outstanding meritorious service in connection with ground operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam during the period November 1968 to December 1968.

Through his untiring efforts and professional ability, he consistently obtained outstanding results. He was quick to grasp the implications of new problems with which he was faced as a result of the ever-changing situations inherent in a counterinsurgency operation and to find ways and means to solve those problems. The energetic application of his extensive knowledge has materially contributed to the efforts of the United States mission to the Republic of Vietnam to assist that country in ridding itself of the communist threat to its freedom.

His initiative, zeal, sound judgment and devotion to duty have been in the highest tradition of the United States Army and reflect great credit on him and on the military service.

Information provided by Mr. and Mrs. Marason (parents), website and NJVVMF.