Jonathan E. Sykes was born on January 11, 1947. His home of record is Trenton, NJ. He graduated from Trenton Central High School.
Sykes enlisted in the US Marine Corps in June 1965, and attained the rank of Corporal (CPL). He was assigned Headquarters & Supply Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Division, 1st Marine Division. His unit was sent to Vietnam in May 1966.
After completing his 13-month tour in Vietnam, Sykes returned home for a 30-day leave. Upon returning to service, he requested another tour in Vietnam.
By February 6, 1968, the Tet Offensive was in full swing, with heavy fighting through South Vietnam. In Quang Nam Province, the 1/7 Marines were deployed against NVA/VC forces attacking the Danang/Marble Mountain complex. The Communist forces began the second phase of their Danang offensive at the night of February 5/6, when Charlie 1/7 engaged an NVA force south of the Tuy Loan River. Fighting continued throughout the 1/7 area of responsibility, and 24 hours later had resulted in the deaths of 17 men from 1/7 Marines. Sykes was listed killed in action on February 6, 1968.
His father, Robert Sykes, Jr., was employed by the federal government for 22 years as a communications equipment operator at the Philadelphia Naval Base. It was his job to notify families of the serviceman killed in Vietnam action. He was on duty at the time when his son’s name came over the ticker-tape machine.
In addition to his father, Jonathan E. Sykes, was also survived by his mother, Mrs. Dorothy Burman of Baltimore, MD, a sister, Mrs. Judonna Barnwell, and two brothers, Lawrence and Edward.
Sources: Various websites and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024
