Anthony DiCesare, Jr. was born on November 30, 1944. He attended Trenton Catholic High School for three years and then transferred to Trenton High School. He graduated from Trenton High in 1963. He was co-captain of the high school football team.
Anthony attended Wake Forest University, and then Rider College. He entered the US Marine Corps, from his hometown of Trenton. He served with the 3rd Marine Division, 26th Regiment, 3rd Battalion, “India” Company, 1st Platoon. He attained the rank of Corporal (CPL).
DiCesare was killed in action on June 27, 1967, in Hue.
DiCesare received the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the National Service Defense Medal, the Presidential Citation Ribbon, two Purple Hearts, the Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, the Marine Corps Rifleman Badge, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross and the Gold Star Lapel Button.
DiCesare is buried at a cemetery on Cedar Lane in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Trenton, NJ.
Anthony Jr. was the youngest child and only son of Anthony Sr. and Columbia DiCesare. He had two older sisters, Rosemarie Smith and Cecelia Auletta.
Anthony Jr. was a fun loving and jovial person who liked to joke around. He was
a good and kind-hearted person who had many friends.
He excelled in football and won a four-year scholarship to Wake Forest University where he had to drop out after an injury.
Written by Ceil Auletta, Sister
This is a letter written by Tony DiCesare, Jr. on his first Thanksgiving away from home. It was to his high school football coach and published in the local Trenton Times.
Dear Coach:
I hope this letter finds you in the best of health. I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to see you before I left for my little trip. As you must know, a Marine on leave never has enough time.
The reason for this letter is to wish you and the team the best of luck in your upcoming game with Notre Dame. Even though I may be 13,000 miles from home and it’s been over three years since I’ve played under the colors of Trenton High, my heart and hopes are still with the team.
This year will be the first year I’ve missed watching the Turkey Day clash. I feel assured that the team will uphold the honor and traditions that have been passed before them. No matter how the season went, a win over Notre Dame makes it a successful season.
My football days as a guard have caught up with me. I’m a bodyguard for the commander. It’s a good job, but a little more dangerous than the average job. I guess that’s what makes it interesting.
As of now we’re floating about 15 miles off the DMZ waiting to go in. I believe the reason they haven’t sent us already is because they can’t find enough VC’s for us to tangle with. If the VC’s don’t out number us at least 10 to 1, it wouldn’t be fair. It would be plain cold-blooded murder. Have to give the VC’s an even chance.
Waiting here to go into combat gives you the same feeling as the morning before a big game. You can’t wait to throw your first block, or make your first tackle. Most of the things I’ve learned in football I’ve been using here in the Marines.
Even going into combat, I’ve found my football training important.
The two main things are, never give up and never quit no matter what the odds are or what the score is – the game’s never over until the last second is ticked off. It’s important for the players to remember this: if they believe this then there’s no team that they can’t beat.
Again, let me say “Best of Luck” with the big game. I know the team won’t let you or the school down.
Tony DiCesare Jr, USMC
Follow this link to read an article from the May 28, 2007, special addition of the The Trentonian newspaper. Follow this link to read the second page.
Sources: Ceil Auletta (sister), The Trentonian and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024
