Edward Karolasz, age 25, from Kearny, New Jersey.
Parents: Edward and Krystyna Karolasz
Service era: Iraq
Schools: Kearny High (1999)
Military history: Co B, 1St Bn, 187Th Inf (Tf Band Of Brothers) Fort Campbell, Ky
Date of death: Saturday, November 19, 2005
Death details: Killed by a roadside bomb near Bayji, Iraq
Source: Department of Defense, The Star-Ledger, Military Times
Michael Francis Jr. Branin, age 20, from Kearny, New Jersey.
Service era: Vietnam
Military history: 35th Infantry Regiment
Date of death: Wednesday, November 13, 1968
Death details: Hostile, killed in South Vietnam. Bronze Medal citation: For heroism in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Branin distinguished himself while serving as a Rifleman with Company C, 1/35th Infantry. On 13 November 1968, Private First Class Branin’s company was subjected to intense enemy mortar and recoilless rifle fire while it was defending Landing Zone Jean. During the initial barrage of enemy fire, a rocket struck Private First Class Branin’s bunker. Upon impact, he threw himself between the blast and the two comrades in the bunker. As a result of his heroic actions, he was mortally wounded by the flying shrapnel. Private First Class Branin’s courageous acts, initiative, and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Cemetery: Holy Cross, North Arlington
Source: 35th Infantry Regiment Association
Thomas Frank Hornby, age 21, from Hudson County Kearny, New Jersey .
Parents: Louis Hornby
Spouse: Susan
Service era: Vietnam
Schools: Kearny High (1962)
Military history: 3rd Missouri
Date of death: Friday, March 18, 1966
Death details: Killed in South Vietnam by an enemy hand grenade.
Source: Jersey Journal (1966)