Joseph Klein was born on February 18, 1949. His home of record is Highland Park, NJ.
Joe graduated from Highland Park High School in 1966. During High School he was involved with the Band, Volleyball Club, Wood Carving Club, Chess Club and the Red Cross Club. His yearbook photo mentions his goal of a military career. Klein also worked at Dunkin Donuts in Highland Park.
He served in the US Marine Corps and attained the rank of Corporal (CPL). He served as a Mortar man in Vietnam.
Klein was killed in action on June 5, 1968.
The following was written about him by a fellow Marine:
On 6-5-68, “C” co. 1/4 3rdMarDiv, was dropped on hill #672, better known as “LZ Loon”. We all unloaded supplies for about an hour before we began getting big-stuff incoming starting about 1630 hrs from across the Laotian border. The artillery was coming from about two clicks away. We all jumped into our foxholes to hopefully ride out the incoming shells. As Marines do we checked w/each others foxhole (yelling) to confirm all were ok. Upon receiving no reply from Joe’s foxhole he was sharing w/Sgt Carbaugh, I checked on them visually. As I got to where their foxhole was suppose to be I couldn’t find it. Upon digging I found both Joe and Sarge, buried by dirt and both kia. Both died from a direct hit to their hole, quick and merciful. Joe was a quiet guy, who always made you feel at ease. He didn’t say alot, but was a respected team leader, a Marines’ Marine. Joe wanted to make the Marine Corps his career, and he would have made an excellent career Marine. He was solid, thoughtful and a tactful gentleman who spoke volumnes w/ his quiet actions.I will always miss you Joe. God Bless you. We’re all diminshed by your brave departure.
Sources: Various websites, Deborah Miller and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024
