Anthony B. Battel was born on July 20, 1947, in Hackensack, NJ, to Mr. and Mrs. Frank Battel. His home of record is Oradell, NJ. Anthony had one brother, Bruce, and grew up in Oradell, NJ. He graduated from River Dell Senior High School in 1965. In high school he played soccer and was a member of the Varsity and Ski clubs. He liked the G.T.O.s (Pontiac automobiles). Anthony continued his education at Wagner College on Staten Island, NY, before entering the service.
He entered the US Army in June 1968 and attained the rank of Warrant Officer (WO). He was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division.
On January 28, 1970, at the age of 22, Battel was killed in action when his helicopter was shot down on a combat mission, northwest of Saigon, in Phuoc Long Province.
The River Dell Senior High School Student Government raised money to buy paving stones in memory of the five alumni killed in Vietnam. This includes: Anthony B. Battel, Charles P. Ellis, Thomas R. Snaith, Benjamin L. Tebault, and Patrick J. Brems.
Sources: Newspaper clippings, various websites, River Dell Senior High School guidance department, and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024