Joseph James Swayze was born on October 2, 1945. He had ten sisters and five brothers. His home of record is Old Bridge, NJ. Joseph enjoyed hunting, fishing, and especially, girls.
Joseph attended Madison Township High School but did not receive his high school diploma until he was in the US Army. Joseph served in the US Army and attained the rank of Private First Class (PFC).
When he was stationed in Ft. Bragg, he received his wings. He gave them to his mother and told her that everyone who wore them got killed.
Swayze was killed in action on May 4, 1966, just fourteen days before his tour of duty in Vietnam was over. He was on a helicopter with 21 other soldiers. All 22 men were killed. They were on their way to a hospital.
Swayze is buried at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery in Freehold, NJ.
Sources: Frances Pfluger (sister) and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024
