The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Education Center and Vietnam Era Museum is closed for renovation. Please revisit this website for updates on our reopening date. Our outdoor Memorial and monuments will remain open seven days a week

Faces Bio

GEORGE W COLEMAN

GEORGE W COLEMAN - 2LT

  • HOMETOWN:
  • wildwood crest
  • COUNTY:
  • Cape May
  • DATE OF BIRTH:
  • December 05, 1942
  • DATE OF CASUALTY:
  • March 17, 1968
  • BRANCH OF SERVICE:
  • Marines
  • RANK:
  • 2LT
  • STATUS:
  • KIA
  • COUNTRY:
  • South Vietnam

Biography


George W. Coleman was born on December 5, 1942.  His home of record is Wildwood Crest, NJ.  He worked numerous jobs, including a stint at Cooper's Gulf Station in Wildwood Crest, NJ. 

He served in the US Marine Corps and attained the rank of Second Lieutenant (2LT).  He was a member of Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines.

Coleman was killed in action on March 17, 1968. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA..

Coleman's friend, Michael Callahan, is also remembered on the NJ Vietnam Veterans' Memorial.

He was awarded the silver star posthumously for actions during the Vietnam War. His citation reads:

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant George W. Coleman (MCSN: 0-103411), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam, from 4 January to 17 March 1968. Participating in several major combat operations and numerous small unit operations, Lieutenant Coleman displayed outstanding leadership and professional ability while leading his men against the enemy. Working tirelessly and with faultless attention to detail, he skillfully trained and instructed his men in general military subjects and small unit tactics which greatly enhanced the combat effectiveness of his unit. On 17 March 1968, during Operation WORTH, Lieutenant Coleman's platoon made contact with a well-entrenched North Vietnamese Army force and sustained several casualties. He fearlessly moved about the hazardous area deploying his men and directing their fire upon the hostile positions. Observing several wounded men lying in an area dangerously exposed to the enemy fire, he courageously maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain and, on two separate occasions, carried casualties to positions of relative safety. Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting near him, he began moving toward another injured man and was mortally wounded by enemy automatic weapons fire. His bold initiative and sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades inspired all who served with him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines. By his courageous and efficient leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of overwhelming odds, Lieutenant Coleman upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Sources: Various websites and NJVVMF.

Remembrances

Be the first to add a remembrance for GEORGE W COLEMAN

Other heroes from



Help preserve the legacy of this hero, learn about The Education Center.

LEARN MORE
Scroll to Top