Robert E. Viggiano was born on June 15, 1947, to Ernestine and Anthony Viggiano. His home of record is Waldwick, NJ. Robert had a brother, Anthony, and a sister, Elizabeth.

Viggiano enlisted in the US Army and he attained the rank of Private First Class (PFC).

Viggiano was killed in action on August 19, 1967.

The following is an excerpt from The Record dated Monday, January 29, 1973:

A major irritation in the life of Robert Viggiano, 20, were war protestors, whom he often referred to as draft dodgers.

As a form of counterprotest, he urged his draft board to move up his induction date.

“He was so thankful and proud to live in this country. When he left he asked us not to be saddened if he died in Vietnam,” remembered his sister, Elizabeth.

Pfc. Viggiano, son of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Viggiano, arrived in Vietnam in July 1967. One month later, and six months to the day from the date of his induction, he was killed when his armored personnel carrier, heading for combat area, was struck by an antitank shell.

Sources: Mary-Patricia Viggiano Allen (niece), The Record, and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024