Harry Joseph Shepherd, Jr. was born on February 6, 1946, six weeks early. His home of record is Vineland, NJ. At five pounds, he required a lot of attention. He had four brothers – William, Mark, Robert and Walter. At eight years old, he began taking accordion lessons and continued for five years. Harry delivered newspapers for the Vineland Times Journal. He pitched for the Kontis Glass baseball team. He was also a Boy Scout. Harry enjoyed swimming and fishing at Jones Lake. His family and friends called him “Butch”. Harry attended Vineland High School until 1962, when his family moved to Florida.
Two months after moving to Florida, Shepherd enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1963. His family attended his graduation at Parris Island, SC. Following additional training in Camp LeJeune, NC, he was sent to Norway, Spain and Santo Domingo in 1965. He attained the rank of Sergeant (SGT). Harry served in the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, D Company.
In early 1966, Shepherd was sent to Vietnam. He wrote to his parents that he was “glad to be there and to help the people. I can’t believe how they have to live.”
Shepherd was killed in action in a mine explosion near Da Nang on November 20, 1966. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Shepherd was awarded the Purple Heart, the Expeditionary Medal Santo Domingo, the Naval Unit Commendation, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
Information provided by Dolores Shepherd Owens (mother) and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024
