Patrick M.R. Bierlein was born on April 3, 1949, in Alameda, CA, to David and Maxine Bierlein, Sr. He had a sister, Sandra, and a brother, David. The family moved to Passaic, NJ. His home of record is Passaic, NJ. He attended Salesian Junior Seminary in Goshen, NY, and later graduated from Pope Pius XII High School, NY. Shortly after his graduation his parents moved to Webster, NY, and Patrick joined the Marines in June 1967.
Bierlein served in the US Marine Corps and attained the rank of Private First Class (PFC). After completion of basic training at Parris Island and going to Vietnam, Bierlein visited his parent’s house in Webster for a few weeks in November/December 1967. Holiday pictures taken during his break from the Marines are still cherished to this day.
Bierlein was sent to Vietnam with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Marines. He was in Vietnam only four months when he was killed in action on April 12, 1968, during Operation Pegasus in Quang Tri, Khe Sahn, Hill 861. He was only 19 years old. He is buried at Chapel Hill Gardens South, Oak Lawn, NJ.
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Bierlein was survived by his parents, his brother and sister.
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Sources: Sean McCarthy (nephew) and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024
