Lantie L. Harris, Jr. was born on July 29, 1948, at Fort Monmouth, to Mr. and Mrs. Lantie Harris. His father had recently retired from the Army as a Specialist 5th Class after serving 20 years. He had four brothers, Bruce, Greg, William and Jeffrey, and two sisters, Karen and Jacklyn.

Harris attended military schools in Germany and France and graduated from Red Bank High School in 1966. He was a member of the wrestling and football teams during high school. He worked at the Red Bank Post Office and Lily Tulp for a short time before entering the service.

Harris enlisted in the US Marine Corps in December 1966. His home of record is Shrewsbury, NJ. He attained the rank of Lance Corporal (LCPL).

Harris was killed in action on October 11, 1968, in a helicopter collision while stationed at Marble Mountain near Da Nang.

Harris’ mother said that her son had survived two helicopter ground crashes and had written, “it seems like they are trying to tell me something.” Mrs. Harris said that in both cases the helicopters had been shot down by enemy fire.

His is buried in Fair View Cemetery in Middletown Township, NJ.

Information provided by newspaper clippings and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024