Douglas J. Weiss was born on November 15, 1946. He lived on Weiss Road in Upper Saddle River, NJ, and attended a number of local high schools including Ramsey and Mahwah. Doug’s family moved to Florida in 1965 and Doug enlisted in the US Army. His parents returned to New Jersey and died soon after; his dad in September 1965, and his mother in April 1966, while Doug was in Vietnam.

Weiss received training at Fort Dix. He was sent to Vietnam on August 17, 1965, with the 1st Cavalry Division, 7th Cavalry, 1st Battalion, Company C and attained the rank of Private First Class (PFC).

Weiss was killed in action on May 6, 1966, near Bong Son, South Vietnam when he received a gunshot wound to the head. Several aunts and uncles and his half-siblings survived him, including his half-sister, Linda Sue Chevere. He is buried at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus, NJ.

Weiss received numerous awards and medals. Some of these include the Bronze Star with “V” device, the Purple Heart, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon and the Expert Badge with Auto Rifle Bar.

His Bronze Star citation reads:
For heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force. On 6 May 1966, Private First Class Weiss distinguished himself by heroism in action while serving as a rifleman with Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, during a search and destroy operation near Bong Son, Republic of Vietnam. As his company approached a small village, Private First Class Weiss’ platoon began receiving heavy enemy automatic weapons fire. As the platoon maneuvered to covered positions, Private First Class Weiss, disregarding his own safety, returned fire from an exposed position, providing cover for his squad members as they maneuvered against the enemy. His accurate and effective fire was instrumental in enabling the platoon to neutralize the enemy force. During the engagement, Private First Class Weiss was mortally wounded. His outstanding display of aggressiveness, devotion to duty, and personal bravery is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

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

“He was the last of his family,” said his aunt. “He wanted to b e a soldier.”

Douglas Weiss was 17 when he joined the Army, 18 when his parents both died of heart attacks within seven months, and 19 when he was killed in Vietnam on May 6, 1966…

Sources: Linda Sue Chevere (sister), The Record, and NJVVMF, Photo from VVMF.
12/17/2024