Stanislaw J. Drozdz was born on June 14, 1949, in Braunschweig, Germany. He came to this country with his family when he was two years old. His home of record is Newark, NJ. Stanislaw attended East Side High in Newark, NJ. He liked football, baseball and fast cars. Prior to entering the service, Stanislaw was a platform worker at Branch Motors in Newark.
Drozdz entered the US Army in December 1968, and attained the rank of Private First Class (PFC). He was shipped to Vietnam directly after his 20th birthday. He served with Company D, 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division.
Drozdz was killed in action on August 20, 1969, by a hand grenade. He is buried at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington, NJ.
Drozdz was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and the Republic of Vietnam Service Medal.
Stanislaw J. Drozdz was born on June 14, 1949, in Braunschweig, Germany. He came to this country on October 20, 1951, at the age of 2 years and 5 months. He arrived at the port of Boston, Massachusetts with his parents, Antoni and Wanda, along with three other siblings, Helen, Genevie and Mario. From Boston, they were put on a train to Newark, New Jersey. This would be his new hometown.
As he settled into his new country, he became known as Stan or Stanley. First he attended Our Lady of Chestohowa Grammar School in Harrison for 3 years and then went on to St. Casmir’s Grammar School in Newark where he graduated. From there, he went to East Side High School where he dropped out in his 3rd year of school to go to work as a platform worker at Branch Motor Express. He was proud of being able to make a good wage and joining the Teamsters Local 478. He finally had the financial independence that he dreamed of. At this time, the family had grown. Born in this country were a sister, Wanda, and two brothers, Joseph and Stephen.
Stanley had a passion for fast cars, playing baseball and football. He was always willing to participate in any activity. In November of 1968, he received his draft notice and in December 1968, arrived at Fort Dix, NJ, for basic training. His attitude was, “I’ll do my duty for my new country and get back home to a driving position,” which he was to get with Branch Motor Express.
June 11, 1969, he arrived in Vietnam as a PFC-E3. Shortly after arriving in Vietnam, he contracted malaria. In his last letter home, he said, “I have been taking it easy for the last few days. Last night I went out for an all night patrol. It should be a day or two before we go out into the field again.” On August 20, 1969, he was killed in action in Quang Tri, South Vietnam at the age of 20. He was survived by his parents, Antoni and Wanda Drozdz, sisters, Helen, Genevie, Wanda and brothers, Mario, Joseph and Stephen.
Stanley was buried with full military honors in Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington, NJ. The inscription on his headstone reads PFC-E3 501 INF 101 ABN Nam SS. Stanley received a Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal and Republic of Vietnam Service Medal.
Written by Mario Drozdz, Brother
November 2004
Drozdz’s Bronze Star citation reads:
For distinguishing himself by outstanding, meritorious service in connection with ground operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam during the period 11 June 1969 to 20 August 1969. Through his untiring efforts and professional ability, he consistently obtained outstanding results. He was quick to grasp the implications of new problems with which he was faced as a result of the ever-changing situations inherent in a counterinsurgency operation and to find ways and means to solve those problems. The energetic application of his extensive knowledge has materially contributed to the efforts of the United States mission to the Republic of Vietnam to assist that country in ridding itself of the communist threat to its freedom. His initiative, zeal, sound judgment and devotion to duty have been in the highest tradition of the United States Army and reflects great credit on himself, his unit and the military service.
Sources: Mario Drozdz (brother) and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024
