Kevin Henry
by Ron Poness on 06/14/22
From Mick
Corporal Kevin Henry was an exemplary United States Marine. He was born in Jersey City, NJ on 12 December 1946. He attended Teaneck High School, NJ and upon graduation headed west to the University of Colorado Boulder. He left college before graduating to enlist in the Armed Forces. He felt that he'd likely go to war and the U.S.M.C. would be the place to be.
He signed papers for a two year enlistment, raised his right hand, and swore the oath. His stint with the Marines started on 20 September 1967 and he got an early active duty discharge in April 1969 after returning home from the Vietnam War. He earned two Purple Hearts, one in May 1968 on Foxtrot Ridge and one in September 1968 on Mutter's Ridge. His last operation was Dewey Canyon in the A Shau Valley in February-March 1969.
He earned the Presidential Unit Citation and the Combat Action Ribbon among other awards, ribbons, medals and badges.
He was in the field with Fox Company, Second Battalion Third Marines for his entire 13 month tour and, except for hospital strays due to wounds, was an M-60 Machine Gunner 0331 the entire time. The argument can be validly made that Corporal Kevin Henry saw more ground combat in the Republic of Vietnam than many others who made an entire career of the U.S. Armed Forces. He was a credit to the Corps and will be missed greatly by those who served beside him and those who knew him.
Kevin had lots of interests as a civilian and seemed to excel at anything he took a shine to. He knew Porsche Autos inside and out and became an excellent salesman. After he retired he joined the well known Griggstown Farm Market making puff pastry for their famous Chicken Pot Pies.
He was as bright as they come. And well read. A great conversationalist was he. With a keen wit and dry sense of humor. Could he tell some great stories? You bet!
He loved the New York Yankees, jazz, photography, the Marine Corps and Vanessa. Up until December 2021, Kevin had been taking care of himself, including visits to the gym. Sadly, Kevin passed away five months after being diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He had been treated at the Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center in East Orange, NJ. He was very pleased with the staff there and with his treatment; he couldn't say enough good things about them. Kevin was cremated and interment will take place at the family plot in George Washington Cemetery, Paramus NJ. He is predeceased by his brother Bruce and is survived by his brother Leland.
Sympathy and Memorial Cards may be sent to Vanessa Van Keuren. Please contact Vanessa directly or Mick Hughes for her address.
Corporal Kevin John Henry, United States Marine Corps, has reported to his last duty station. Where he'll be able to watch over all of us. Rest in Peace Marine. Semper Fidelis.
SF Poness
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