Sgt. McCurry served in the Army during The Vietnam War. John served in the 101st Airborne Division know as the “Screaming Eagles.” Prior to being deployed to Vietnam John’s unit received extensive training at Fort Bragg, NC. John was later deployed to Vietnam and fought in the Khe Sanh Region before being deployed to Cambodia. While in Cambodia John’s unit fought against the Viet Cong and the North Vietnam Army. This area was known as the Ho Chi Minh Trail which was a strategic part of supplying the Viet Cong in South Vietnam with armament and munitions. The Battles fought in that area were extremely Brutal. Eventually John’s unit was returned to the Khe Sanh Region of Vietnam to continue to engage the Viet Cong.
During many Firefights and Mortar attacks John led his men in counter attacks which kept the Viet Cong from advancing. John’s diligence and perseverance insured the mission assigned to him was accomplished.
During one of those many battles in 1970 and when John was leading his men he sustained life threatening wounds. John was medevac to a hospital for his wounds and rehabilitation. He was later returned to the U.S. and eventually discharged from the Army. John received an Honorable discharge and was awarded the Medal of The Purple Heart for those wounds that he received in Vietnam. During John’s time in service he was awarded the following medals and citations. Each of theses represent specific areas of recognition and achievement. National Defense Service Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Bronze Star Medal and Marksman.
After being discharged from the Army John returned home to Philadelphia, Pa. He resumed work as a Machinist specializing in making fittings for NASA and various other space related projects. John and his wife Linda while residing in Philadelphia raised two sons, John and Michael. Upon retiring John and Linda moved to their present residence in the Pines. John and Linda both enjoyed retirement and the many activities offered at the Pines. While living at the Pines John spent many hours visiting The Veterans Memorial and Honoring those Veterans named there. John quietly passed away on August 8, 2023 at his home in the Pines. Although it had been more than 50 years since serving in Vietnam John was haunted by his experience there and those wounds that he received there. Throughout his life John was at all times and Honorable and Patriotic man who loved his Family and his Country.
Lovingly submitted by his wife, Linda McCurry