Steven Joel Foster was born on March 6, 1948, to Charles and Edith Foster in Paterson, NJ. When he was 6 years old, his family moved to Midland Park, NJ. His home of record is Midland Park, NJ. He had one brother, Jack. Steven graduated from Midland Park High School in 1965. Those who knew him regarded him as a serious-minded and dedicated individual, who excelled not only in school, but in football as well, earning three varsity letters. His football coach, Sonny Santorine, remembers him as “…a tremendous kid and an outstanding football player who was well liked by his teammates.” Steven played Interscholastic Varsity football for four years.
Foster enlisted in the US Marine Corps on his 18th birthday. He attained the rank of Corporal (CPL). He served with 2nd Battalion, 4th Division in Vietnam.
On July 30, 1968, only 19 days before he was scheduled to come home, Foster was performing his duties in Quang Tri Province, near the Cua Viet River, as a radio technician for a Marine Headquarters and Supply Company near the DMZ. He was hit with shrapnel which resulted in wounds that covered his back and chest. He was flown to the USS Sanctuary off the Vietnam Coast to the 249th General Hospital, Camp Drake, Japan. His father, Charles Foster, was flown to Japan to be at his son’s side. While in Japan, Foster was able to remain conscious, and speak to his father. Unfortunately, Foster died on August 24, 1968. He was 20 years old.
Funeral services were held at the J.H. Olthuis and Son Funeral Home in Midland Park followed by a high requiem mass in the Roman Catholic Church of the Nativity. He was laid to rest in Marycrest Cemetery in Mahwah, NJ. Foster left behind his parents, Charles and Edith, and a brother, John.
Midland Park High School displays a plaque of names to honor the young men from Midland Park who died in Vietnam. The town of Midland Park named Foster Court in his memory.
Foster was awarded the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Sources: Jack Foster (brother), newspaper clippings and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024
