Edward W. Milan was born on October 28, 1944, at the U.S. Marine Hospital in Staten Island, NY. His home of record is Carteret, NJ. The Milan family moved to Boston, MA, where Edward attended grade school. He graduated from South Boston High School in June 1962.

Milan enjoyed playing hockey and baseball. He was an avid Boston Red Sox fan.

Milan enlisted in the US Navy in September 1962. He was sent to Great Lakes, IL, for his training. After his training, he was sent to Japan where he was assigned to the U.S.S. Ranger. He also completed a course that trained him to be a meteorologist. He went to Aerographer’s school. While on the Ranger, he requested to go to school to become trained as an air traffic controller. After he got off the ship, he was sent to the Naval Air Technical Unit in Lakehurst, NJ, where he stayed until his discharge from the Navy in 1966.

In September of 1966, Milan joined the US Air Force. In January 1967, he was stationed at McGuire Air Force Base, NJ. In May 1967, Milan married Gail Auker and they lived near the Navy base. Gail was a native of Carteret, NJ. In 1968, Buddy re-enlisted in the US Air Force because he could not find adequate employment. According to his father, he wanted to be an air traffic controller and the Air Force offered this opportunity after his second tour. Milan attained the rank of Sergeant (SGT).

In January 1968, Milan was sent to Vietnam.

On March 4, 1968, at 3:10 in the morning, in Ban Me Tout, Vietnam, Milan was wounded during an early morning rocket attack. He was transported to Saigon by helicopter but passed away on route. He was buried on March 16, 1968, in St. Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia, NJ.

Milan received the Purple Heart and Good Conduct Medal.

Milan’s name was added to the NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial in 1998.

Sources: George Milan (cousin) and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024