THE WALL OF FACES

I remember you every Memorial Day and many times in between. Your memory will live with me forever.

Jon F. Warmbrodt
Date of death: Killed in Action
Home of record: Santa Monica California
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Jon F. Warmbrodt (MCSN: 0-107564), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company L, Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 25 January 1969, elements of Company L were operating in Quang Ngai Province when the Marines moved into an enemy minefield. Observing that the unit had sustained several casualties in the initial explosions, Second Lieutenant Warmbrodt fearlessly rushed across the hazardous minefield to assist the wounded men. Realizing the necessity for removing the injured as soon as possible, he immediately requested medical evacuation aircraft and commenced directing corpsmen to treat the more seriously wounded. Prior to the arrival of the evacuation aircraft, he established a landing zone and, disregarding the dangers involved, personally cleared a path to it, enabling the safe extraction of the seriously injured. Concerned with the safe removal of the remainder of his men from the minefield, he was directing a tank in clearing a path from the hazardous area when he was mortally wounded by the detonation of an enemy explosive device. By his courage, sincere concern for his fellowmen and selfless devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Warmbrodt inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Action Date: 25-Jan-69

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Second Lieutenant

Company: Company L

Battalion: 3d Battalion

Regiment: 26th Marines, 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade

Jon was the only son of Fred and Alvern Warmbrod. His mother was my daytime mother while my mother was working. I spent most weekdays for three years in their home. Jon was born with a club foot deformity which made it difficult to enlist in the Marines. He so loved his country that he persisted and was finally accepted as a Marine. Jon was very bright and fun loving. I am watching the series on PBS about Vietnam and still grieve the loss of Jon and another childhood friend, Stephan Coalson. I pray that someday I'll be re-united with Jon in Heaven.

Jon and I were enlisted Marines at Camp Pendleton when we first met. We were on ECP hold, having been selected for the ECP Commissioning program. He was a bright, energetic young man who wanted to serve his country, his Corps and to get in the fight over in Vietnam. Jon's father was a grounds-keeper for some celebrities, including the actor Glen Ford...a WW II Navy veteran. Glen liked Jon and helped pay for Jon's college education, in fact. I remember he was proud to learn that Jon had become a Marine.

Jon and I were enlisted Marines at Camp Pendleton when we first met. We were on ECP hold, having been selected for the ECP Commissioning program. He was a bright, energetic young man who wanted to serve his country, his Corps and to get in the fight over in Vietnam. Jon's father was a grounds-keeper for some celebrities, including the actor Glen Ford...a WW II Navy veteran. Glen liked Jon and helped pay for Jon's college education, in fact. I remember he was proud to learn that Jon had become a Marine.