George W. Coleman was born on December 5, 1942. His home of record is Wildwood Crest, NJ. He worked numerous jobs, including a lifeguard and at Cooper’s Gulf Station in Wildwood Crest, NJ. He also attended the University of Toledo in Ohio where he studied Education. Coleman graduated in June 1966.
While at the University of Toledo, George was also a very important part of the staff at the south branch of the Toledo Y.M.C.A. His high standards, character and pleasant personality earned him high regard by Y.M.C.A. members (youth and adult) and by his fellow employees. George was a true leader, teacher and friend.
Following graduation, from the University of Toledo, George was employed as a health and physical education teacher in the Washington Township School District, near Toledo. Soon after, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps and went to the Platoon Leaders Class in Quantico, VA. Here he completed Officers Training, graduating near the top of his class.
George Coleman went to Vietnam in December 1967 and has been missed by his family and all of us since then.
-Written by Coleman’s college friend David Humason
He served in the US Marine Corps and attained the rank of Second Lieutenant (2LT). He was a member of Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines.
Coleman was killed in action on March 17, 1968. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.
Coleman’s friend, Michael Callahan, is also remembered on the NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial.
He was awarded the Silver Star posthumously for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant George W. Coleman (MCSN: 0-103411), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam, from 4 January to 17 March 1968. Participating in several major combat operations and numerous small unit operations, Lieutenant Coleman displayed outstanding leadership and professional ability while leading his men against the enemy. Working tirelessly and with faultless attention to detail, he skillfully trained and instructed his men in general military subjects and small unit tactics which greatly enhanced the combat effectiveness of his unit. On 17 March 1968, during Operation WORTH, Lieutenant Coleman’s platoon made contact with a well-entrenched North Vietnamese Army force and sustained several casualties. He fearlessly moved about the hazardous area deploying his men and directing their fire upon the hostile positions. Observing several wounded men lying in an area dangerously exposed to the enemy fire, he courageously maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain and, on two separate occasions, carried casualties to positions of relative safety. Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting near him, he began moving toward another injured man and was mortally wounded by enemy automatic weapons fire. His bold initiative and sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades inspired all who served with him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines. By his courageous and efficient leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of overwhelming odds, Lieutenant Coleman upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Sources: Ed Burns and David Humason (friends), various websites and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024
