Charles L. Magliaro was born on October 14, 1947, to Louis and Marjorie Magliaro. He lived in Somerville, NJ, with his brothers, Alan and Jerry. His home of record is Somerville, NJ. Charles was a 1966 graduate of Somerville High School where his interests included golf, wrestling, hunting and fishing.

Charles enlisted in the US Marine Corps after he graduated from high school. He entered the Marines Corps on June 30, 1967, where he eventually attained the rank of Lance Corporal (LCPL/E2). After finishing basic training at Parris Island, SC, Magliaro was sent to Camp Lejeune, NC, for Advanced Infantry Training. He went to Camp Pendleton, CA, in November 1967 and in December was sent to Vietnam.

While in Vietnam, Magliaro served in the 3rd Marine Division, 2nd Battalion and he participated in Operation Prairie Two, Operation Hickory and Operation Beacon Torch.

On July 22, 1967, Magliaro was wounded at Huong Dien near the DMZ trying to save a buddy who had been hit by machine gun fire. In this effort, he suffered shrapnel wounds of the right leg and chest. He was awarded the Bronze Star with “V” for valor and the Purple Heart after this action.

In a letter to his parents dated August 23, 1967, Magliaro mentioned that he had one more combat operation before going to the Philippines for rest and recreation.

On August 30, 1967, Magliaro was killed in action at Hai Lang, near the DMZ in Vietnam, by an enemy hand grenade.

A High Mass Requiem was held in the Immaculate Conception Chapel followed by internment at St. Bernard’s Cemetery, Bridgewater, NJ.

Sources: Louis Magliaro (father) and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024