Faces Bio

JOHN (“Jackie”) HAYDEN WEST was born on November 28, 1948 to James and Elizabeth West. His home of record is North Bergen, NJ. He was one of four children and had two sisters and one brother. He enjoyed playing sports, especially football, during his four years at North Bergen High School before graduating in 1967.

Jackie enlisted in the U.S. Army in the Spring of 968 as the war was escalating and lottery numbers were being called. He quickly rose to the rank of Private First Class. After Basic Training he was told he would be deployed to Vietnam after Infantry Training at Fort Polk, LA. High school sweethearts, he and Linda Barsumian decided to marry before he left for training in October 1968. They were married only five months when he was killed in action on March 7, 1969.
An Expert Machine Gunner, "On 7 March 1969, B Company was conducting a combat sweep operation in Kontum Province. As the company moved up a hill, they were engaged by an unknown enemy force employing small arms and rocket fire. Without regard for his own safety, Private First Class West moved his machine gun up the hill to help out the point element. Private First Class West deployed his gun to best give the men cover in their evacuation of wounded men. Though mortally wounded himself, Private West pressed forward trying to eliminate the enemy positions that were giving his men the heaviest fire. During this operation Private West was again wounded by enemy shrapnel which proved to be fatal. Private First Class West's personal bravery, determination and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army."
Among other commendations. For Bravery While Under Hostile Fire, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device and the Purple Heart
A man of character and principles, anyone who was fortunate to know him benefited from his kindness, loyalty, warmth and laughter, his sense of adventure, and his love of life and family. His smile remains in our hearts. To the end he was providing cover for his comrades and paid the ultimate price.
After so many years, Jackie remains Linda’s first and only true love. She feels blessed to have had his love, though ever so briefly. Never forgotten, he is always in her heart.