Raymond J. Brereton was born on April 25, 1947, to George and Theresa Brereton. He had two siblings, George and Theresa. His home of record is Hoboken, NJ. Ray graduated from Our Lady of Grace Grammar School in Hoboken and Hoboken High School. He enjoyed football, playing in Our Lady of Grace Marching Band, and was also a member of the Sea Scouts.

After graduation, Ray and his friend, Robert Hancox, joined the US Marine Corps on the buddy system on March 22, 1966. He did his basic training in Parris Island, SC and went on to Infantry Training at Camp Geiger, NC and Radio Operator School. He was then sent to Vietnam and attained the rank of Private First Class (PFC). He was assigned to HQ, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines.

Brereton was killed in action on February 26, 1968, by a mortar attack in Khe Sanh.

Brereton was awarded numerous awards and decorations including the Vietnam Military Merit Medal, the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Navy Unit Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation w/Frame and Palm, the Civil Action Unit Citation RVN w/frame and palm and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign with date bar.

Brereton was laid to rest in Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington, NJ, following a mass at Our Lady of Grace Church. He was survived by his parents, brother, sister and a maternal grandmother, Theresa Norris.

Sources: Theresa Siano (sister), Roger Liggon (veteran), Ben Drake (veteran) and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024