Vietnam War Hero, Central Grad Honored With Street Naming Ceremony

The third and final ceremony in a year of honors bestowed upon local military personnel was set beneath a warm sun and mild breeze Saturday in Long Valley, as John L. Lindaberry was honored by veterans of Washington Township.

Private First Class Lindaberry, a West Morris Central High School graduate, was killed while fighting in Vietnam on Nov. 16, 1967 – just 17 months after receiving his diploma.

American Veterans Association of Washington Township (AVAWT) members, along with friends, family, and residents, all came to the Califon Road Cemetery atop Schooley’s Mountain to honor Lindaberry by unveiling a street sign with his name.

The ceremony came 46 years to the day after Lindaberry made the ultimate sacrifice. The soldier died in a battle along the Cambodian border. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star for his heroism while serving in th e25th Infantry Division, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment.

Washington Township Mayor Ken Short and New Jersey Assemblyman Anthony Bucco (D-25) both briefly spoke at the ceremony. Each official announced a resolution and proclamation, respectively, for Lindaberry’s honor.

Lindaberry’s sister Susan and brother William, along with other Vietnam War veterans and West Morris Central graduates were in attendance Saturday. The Washington Township Police Honor Guard also gave Lindaberry a salute, and guests were invited back to Highlands Presbyterian Church after the ceremony for refreshments.

Earlier this year, Army Cpl. James “Jamie” Smith was honored with a road-naming ceremony on Memorial Day at Rock Spring Park. Smith died in battle in Mogadishu, Somalia in 1993. On Veterans Day, the entryway to Zion Lutheran Church was named in honor of PFC. Vincent E. Fields, who was killed in action in Iwo Jima, Japan in 1945.

A replica of the Vietnam Wall Memorial in Washington D.C. that lists John Lance Lindaberry has been acquired by the AVAWT and is currently on display at the Washington Township municipal building. It will spend time on display at both West Morris Central High School and the Washington Township Library through the end of the year.

Information provided by the American Veterans Association of Washington Township.