Charles C. Asselta was born on February 2, 1947, to Carl and Cathryn Asselta. His home of record is Vineland, NJ. Friends and family called him “Chick” and “Chickie.” He had one brother, Nicholas.
He enlisted in the US Army in March 1966, and attained the rank of First Lieutenant (1LT). Asselta completed his basic training at Fort Dix, NJ. He was transferred to Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill, OK. Prior to being sent to Vietnam in January 1968, he served in Texas and at survival school in the Panama Canal Zone. In Vietnam, he actively participated in more than 25 aerial missions over hostile territory in support of counter-insurgency operations.
On March 18, 1968, while serving as the officer in charge of the northern defense of the American position at French Port, 12 miles southeast of Saigon, Asselta was killed in action. He is buried in Siloam Cemetery in Vineland, NJ.
Asselta was awarded numerous medals and decorations. These include: the Air Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the National Order of Vietnam (Fifth Class), and the Gallantry Cross with Palm. His Air Medal citation reads
For meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight in the republic of Vietnam during the period: 2 December 1967 to 14 March 1968, given under my hand in the city of Washington this sixteenth day of April 1968. His Bronze Star Medal citation reads “For meritorious achievement in ground operations against hostile forces in the republic of Vietnam during the period 6 January 1968 to 18 March 1968, given under the hand in the city of Washington this thirtieth day of March 1968.” His Purple Heart citation reads “for wounds received in action in Vietnam on 18 March 1968, given under my hand in the city of Washington this 29th day of April 1968.
Sources: Various websites, the family of Charles C. Asselta, the Vineland Historical Society, and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024
