David William Robertson was born in Newark, New Jersey on December 19, 1945, to John and Helen Robertson. David grew up in a family with one brother, John, and three sisters, Theresa, Helen and Marguerite. Early on, the family lived in both East Newark and Harrison, New Jersey. David attended East Newark Borough School, followed by Harrison High School from which he graduated in 1963. After his high school graduation, the family moved to Kearny in 1963, which was David’s home of record. David first worked as a copy boy for the Star-Ledger in Newark before taking a position as a service manager for Schick Electric Company in New Haven, Connecticut.
David was inducted into the US Army in May 1967. He completed his Basic Combat Training at Fort Dix, NJ, followed by completion of Advanced Individual Training at Fort Jackson, SC. During his training, David’s weapon proficiency was recognized with both rifle and machine gun marksman awards.
Sergeant Robertson deployed to Vietnam in October 1967 as a rifleman within Company C, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (United States Army Pacific). On June 27, 1968, SGT Robertson was killed in action by enemy small arms fire while on a search and destroy mission in the vicinity of Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam. SGT Robertson had just returned to action after four weeks in a military hospital recuperating from a leg injury and per the Jersey Journal, he was killed the day after his promotion to Sergeant. SGT Robertson was recognized posthumously with both a Bronze Star and Air Medal, the latter for his active participation in more than 25 aerial missions over hostile territory in support of counterinsurgency operations.
SGT Robertson was 22 years old at the time of his death. His funeral mass was conducted at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church and he was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington, New Jersey (Block 35/ Section B / Grave 1915).
SGT Robertson’s decorations and awards include the following: Bronze Star Medal; Air Medal; Purple Heart; Combat Infantryman Badge; Vietnam Service Medal; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar/Machine Gun Bar/Auto-Rifle Bar; Military Merit Medal; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Ribbon.
In addition to the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Sergeant Robertson is also honored at the Kearny Vietnam Memorial in Kearny’s Memorial Park.
Sources: Ron Woods, John Robertson (Father), and NJVVMF.
4/2/2025
