Faces Bio

Jerald A. Slater was born on July 23, 1947, to Louis and Catherine Slater.  His home of record is East Paterson, NJ.  He lived with his mother in Elmwood Park (formerly East Paterson) until her death when he was four years old.  He was raised by his aunt and attended East Paterson High School (now Elmwood Park High School).  He had a brother, Lou and a sister, Catherine.

 Slater's dream was to own his own carting business but he wanted to fulfill his military obligation before beginning this venture.  Slater enlisted in the US Army and attained the rank of Specialist 4 (SP4).  He served with the 25^th Infantry Division.

 Slater was killed in action on September 28, 1967.  He is buried in Calvary Cemetery in Paterson.  He was awarded the Purple Heart.

 The following is an excerpt from The Record dated Monday, January 29, 1973:

 Jerald A. Slater was brought up his aunt in East Paterson after his mother died when he was 5.  He attended borough schools, but quit high school before graduating.

 After working for a trucking company for 1-½ years, he joined the Army, where he earned a high school diploma.

 In October 1967, at age 20, Army Spec. 4 Slater became the borough's first casualty in the Vietnam War.  When he was killed, he was gunner in a helicopter attacked by the enemy.

 Sources: Cathy Petrecca (sister), The Record, and NJVVMF.