Robert Hyatt Wescott, Jr was born on January 8, 1935 in Englewood, NJ to Robert Hyatt Wescott and Kathryn Audrey Martling. His home of record is Englewood, NJ. Westcott attended Lodi High School from 1951 to 1952. He then worked for Dumont Television Corporation in East Paterson NJ.

He enlisted in the US Army in 1953, serving continuously until 1969. Wescott served in Korea and later served two Tours of Duty in Vietnam. He attained the rank of Sergeant First Class (SFC), “The Jumping Mustangs,” and last served with 11C, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment.

During his 16 years of service, Wescott received the Bronze Star Medal, Air Meal, Army of Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp, Korean Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars and 1 Silver Star, United Nations Service Medal, Sharpshooter Badge with Pistol and Rifle Bars, Korea Defense Service Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, two Good Conduct Medals, Army Commendation Medal with 1 Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman Badge and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon.

Wescott was killed in action, during his second Tour of Duty in Vietnam, on April 29, 1969. LZ Wescott was named in his honor. He is buried at Beverly National Cemetery in NJ. His name was added to the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial in 2013.

Sources: Family member, various websites and NJVVMF.