Vincent J. Gabriel, Jr. was born on October 7, 1945, and lived in Paterson, NJ, where he attended Eastside High School graduating in 1964. His interests included: track, baseball, and football. He was the son of Eleanor DiNardo and stepson of Dominic DiNardo. His father, who was a Marine in World War II, died in 1957. Vincent, who wanted nothing more but to follow in his father’s footsteps, joined the US Marine Corps in September 1965. He attained the rank of Private First Class (PFC).

On May 21, 1967, Gabriel was mortally wounded in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam. He was taken aboard the hospital ship, USS Repose, but died the next day, May 22, 1967.

He received the Purple Heart, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Military Merit Medal, and the Rifle & Pistol Sharp Shooter Award. He is buried at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Totowa, NJ.

Sources: Eleanor DiNardo (mother), VVMF and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024