Guyler Neil Tulp was born on January 8, 1949. His home of record is Clifton, NJ. He lived in Clifton, with his parents, his sister and two brothers. Guy attended Clifton High School and completed his high school requirements under the GED Program while in Vietnam.
Tulp entered the US Marine Corps in February 1967, and served in the Bravo Company, 1st Division, 2nd Combined Action Group, III Marine Amphibious Force, where he attained the rank of Lance Corporal (LCPL/E3). On Christmas 1967 Guyler became engaged to his high school sweetheart Traci Dudinyak. Gary decided to enlist in the US Marines instead of waiting to be drafted. He was a senior in high school when he stated “If I go, I want to join the best, I want to go first class.”
In February 1967 he went to Marine boot camp in Parris Island. He came home to Clifton that spring, sharp and squared away.
Tulp arrived in Vietnam in July 1968. Some time around January 1969, Tulp was wounded in action. He spent three weeks recuperating at a hospital in Vietnam.
On April 30, 1969, in the Quang Nam Province of South Vietnam, Tulp’s outfit was ambushed about fifteen miles from Danang. During the attack, a missile shell exploded and killed Tulp. He was 20 years old. In another 83 days, his tour of duty in Vietnam would have ended.
He was awarded two Purple Hearts. He is honored with 28 other Cliftonites who died in service during the Vietnam War at the Main Memorial Park in Clifton. His funeral took place on May 16, 1969 at St. Philip the Apostle Church on Valley Road. After his death his brother Gary wanted to join the Marines and had to be convinced by Marine casualty officer to stay home with his family.
Sources: Viet Nam Remembrance Committee & Clifton War Veterans Monument Committee, the Clifton Merchant Magazine and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024
