Alfred Pino was born on December 13, 1946, in Paterson, NJ, and his family moved to Clifton, NJ, when he was about 6 years old. His home of record is Clifton, NJ. A 1965 graduate of Clifton High School, Alfred worked at the Food Fair in Verona, NJ, for a short time before enlisting in the US Marine Corps.
“Freddy” as he was called by family and friends, had originally tried to enlist in the Navy as his father had done in World War II. The Navy enlistment quotas were filled. However, the US Marines were still accepting.
Pino entered military service at Parris Island, SC, on January 31, 1966. After basic training, he became engaged to Loretta Russo. He spent his 30-day leave at home before reporting for duty, and arriving in South Vietnam on July 7, 1966. He was assigned to a weapons platoon, 2nd Platoon, B Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Regiment, 3rd Division. He attained the rank of Lance Corporal (LCPL).
On March 16, 1967, at the age of 20, while serving in Quang Tri Province, Pino was killed in action by a mortar barrage on Hill 861.
He was buried at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Totowa, NJ. He left behind his fiancée, Loretta.
Sources: The Viet Nam Remembrance Committee & Clifton War Veterans Monument Committee and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024
