John Bernard Martin II was born on December 10, 1945, in Stillwater, OK, and moved to Montclair, NJ, in 1951. John was a 1963 graduate of Montclair High School where he was a member of the hockey team and treasurer of the National Honor Society.

John attended Harvard University where he earned a BA degree in international government. While at Harvard, he was a member of the Hasty Pudding Club and the Pieta Club, a social club. He also played on intramural football teams.

After graduating in 1967, John enlisted in the US Navy where he attained the rank of Lieutenant (LT/03). He served as public affairs and safety landing signal officer. Martin had been in Vietnam since May and was to have completed his tour of duty in December. He planned on attending Harvard Law School when he left the service.

Martin was listed as missing in action on October 6, 1970.

Synopsis (from the POW Network) as to the circumstances behind being listed as MIA:
John Bernard Martin II, USNR, was a pilot assigned to Fighter Squadron One Nine One aboard the USS Oriskany. On October 6, 1970, LT Martin was returning from a night barrier combat air patrol mission. On his first approach he stated he had vertigo and was waved off for being low and slow. On his second approach the aircraft set up an excessive sink rate and impacted the ramp.

Martin’s single seat F8 Crusader hit the carrier and bounced into the Gulf of Tonkin, offshore of North Vietnam.

Martin was placed in a casualty status of Deceased/Body Not Recovered.

Information provided by Bernard Martin (father), POW Network and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024