JERRY C LIGHT - PFC
- HOMETOWN:
- hillside
- COUNTY:
- Union
- DATE OF BIRTH:
- January 23, 1947
- DATE OF CASUALTY:
- October 11, 1967
- BRANCH OF SERVICE:
- Army
- RANK:
- PFC
- STATUS:
- KIA
- COUNTRY:
- South Vietnam
Biography
Jerry C. Light was born on January 23, 1947 to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Light. His home of record is Hillside, NJ. He had one sister named Joyce. He graduated from Union High School in 1965. He was on the indoor track and baseball teams. After graduation, he went to work for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in Cumberland, MD. He was in the railroad's apprenticeship program. He planned to return to the railroad after his service.
Uncle Sam called him on April 19, 1967. He served in the US Army and attained the rank of Private First Class (PFC). His girlfriend, Donna Wylde, said, "He was going to come home and marry me. He told me not to worry. He was going to send me an engagement ring from Vietnam." She continued, "Jerry used to write me everyday. I still expect a few letters to come any day. What good are they now."
Light was killed in action on October 11, 1967. Pfc. Jerry Light drowned while fording a river on a combat mission. Light had only been in Vietnam for two weeks.
Sources: Pat Babbit (high school friend), various websites, newspaper clippings, and NJVVMF.
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