Daniel J. Myers was born on December 17, 1946, to Archie and Nettie Myers. He was born 11 months after his father’s return from Europe in WWII. He had one brother and one sister, Archie and Kathy. His home of record is Stewartsville, NJ. He graduated from Phillipsburg High School in 1965. He enjoyed hunting and motorcycle riding as well as being a born again Christian.

Myers was working for CJ Pickel, when he was drafted into the US Army. He completed his basic training at Fort Dix, NJ, in 1966. He served with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division and attained the rank of Specialist 4 (SP4).

Myers was killed on January 30, 1967. While riding in a ¾ ton truck, lumber from an oncoming Vietnamese vehicle struck him, but not before he pushed his fellow soldiers out of the way. He was awarded the Soldiers Medal for actions of Heroism.

He is buried at Stewartsville Lutheran Cemetery. Along with his parents and siblings, he was also survived by his wife, Barbara, and son, Daniel.

In November 1966, Myers was wounded and received a Purple Heart after being wounded by enemy gunfire during a battle near the Cambodian border during Operation Attleboro. He was rescued by General Westmoreland’s helicopter.

Other medals and decorations that Myers received include the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal Ribbon, the Purple Heart Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. In addition, the Vietnamese Government awarded him the Armed Forces Honor Medal, second class, the Republic of Vietnam, the Military Merit Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.

Sources: Kathy Kinder (sister), various websites and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024