Wayne C. Pisciotta was born on December 7, 1950. His home of record is Highland Park, NJ. He had three sisters.

He entered the US Army and attained the rank of Specialist 4 (SP4). He was assigned to D Battery, 3/82 Artillery, 196th Infantry Brigade. Pisciotta was assigned to Firebase Rawhide (Hill 65) in Vietnam.

On July 8, 1971, he was killed in action during a landmine explosion.

He is buried in St. Peter the Apostle Cemetery, in New Brunswick, NJ. He is located in the St. Anthony section, Row 24, Plot 22, Grave 3 of 3.

The following poem was written by Richard Pisciotta, Wayne’s uncle:
The dawn of life you gave for us
And that is right to say;
For all the joy that spring could give,
Was taken all away.

Today, you would have been a man,
I’m sure, one of the best;
And would have marched in this parade,
With medals on your chest.

You went to war with all the pride,
That youth could ever grow;
“Oh! I’ll come home, don’t worry Ma”,
As tears began to flow.

“God be with you, my precious son”,
She answered with a wave;
“Remember how we love you and,
Be careful and be brave”.

But not too many days went by,
When sorrow found its way;
Two officers had climbed the steps,
Where Wayne used to play.

And then the tears that mothers know,
That leaves her bosom bare;
Because her heart will shed a tear,
For every beat that’s there.

But, though you are not marching,
Wayne Pisciotta, with the rest;
With all the medals that you would,
Be wearing on your chest,

There is a greater honor and,
It’s just for men like you;
Who gave their life, in glory, for,
The Red, the White and Blue.

And all that it embraces, as,
It flies from shore to shore;
Your name will be remembered and,
Be honored evermore.

Source: Grace Kurkowski (sister), Robert Swasey (veteran) and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024