Faces Bio

Salvatore Guarino was born on September 30, 1942, in Jersey City, NJ to Salvatore Sr. and Lucille Guarino. He had two siblings: Joanne and Joyce. He graduated from Barringer High School in 1959. A natural athlete, Sal was interested in football, track and field and bodybuilding.

After high school, Sal decided to skip the draft and enlist. While living in Newark, NJ, he followed in his father's footsteps and enlisted in the US Marine Corps. He knew that joining the Marines would mean sooner combat duty.

Sal received basic training at Parris Island, SC and was stationed with E Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines, 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune for two years. After special warfare training in Spain, he was ordered to Camp Pendleton prior to arriving in Vietnam on March 20, 1966. He was assigned to 2nd Platoon, F Company, 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division where he attained the rank of Sergeant (SGT).

Guarino was killed in action on September 23, 1966, from gunshot wounds to the left side of his chest. While patrolling the DMZ in Quang Tri Province, he was killed as he attempted to rescue a wounded Marine from hostile fire. He died one week before his 24th birthday.

Guarino is buried in Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington, NJ.

Information provided by Robert Guarino (cousin) and NJVVMF.