John F. Sanford was born on February 19, 1942. His home of record is Morris Plains, NJ. He had one brother, George.

Sanford served in the US Army and attained the rank of Lieutenant (LT). He was assigned to B Company, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. He served as a platoon leader.

On February 7, 1966, Sanford’s company ran into the tiny village of My Canh in Phu Yen Province. As the men approached the village, they entered an area infested with mutually supporting, fortified, and camouflaged bunkers. In short order, the company was pinned down and unable to advance or retreat. Nineteen men from Sanford’s company were lost. Sanford was listed as killed in action on February 7, 1966. He had been in country only 22 days.

Sanford is buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Morristown, NJ.

His name also appears on the Lehigh-Northampton Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Sources: Various websites and NJVVMF, VVMF.
12/17/2024