John M. LaManna was born on March 16, 1947. He was the adopted son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Meola. His home of record is Fair Lawn, NJ. John graduated from Bergen Catholic High School and continued his education at St John’s and Seton Hall Universities.
LaManna enlisted in the US Marine Corps in May 1968, and attained the rank of Private First Class (PFC). He volunteered for service in Vietnam so his brother, Richard, an Army helicopter crew chief would not have to go.
LaManna was killed in action on February 1, 1969, from shrapnel wounds. He had been in country just one month when he was killed.
Sources: Newspaper clippings and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024