Wausau, Wisconsin, US
U.S. Marine Corps
PFC, 2ND PLT, K CO, 3RD BN, 1ST MARINES, 1ST MARDIV
06/07/1969, Quang Nam, South Vietnam
USMC Private First Class John Edward Krzmarcik was born in Fairbanks, Alaska, the son of the late Edward J. (U.S. Army Capt. Ret.) and DeLoures (Kutella) Krzmarcik. He was born while his father, a career Army man who received a battlefield commission while serving in the Pacific Theater during WWII, was stationed at Big Delta, Alaska.
The family included oldest child Lynn, born at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina; and later Peter, born in San Juan (Camp Losey), Puerto Rico; Michael, born at Ft. Riley, Kansas (1956-2001); and Lisa, born in Merrill, Wisconsin.
John graduated from Wausau (Wisconsin) Senior High School in 1968 and shortly after graduation enlisted in the United States Marine Corps with three friends (Mark Bembinster, Scott Streich, and Bruce Hoss) under the delayed enlistment program. He served in Vietnam from early 1969 until he was KIA near DaNang June 7 of that year.
John believed strongly in what he was doing, which was why he enlisted in the Marines. He was a fun-loving, good-natured young man who loved life and hoped for a career in the U.S. Coast Guard following his service in the Marine Corps. He loved riding his motorcycle, fishing, and getting together with his buddies.
To Live on in our Hearts is to Live Forever…Gone but not Forgotten…Semper Fi!
Submitted by Lynn (Krzmarcik) Kordus, Sister