Born in Milwaukee in 1934, John was the younger brother to his sister, Joyce.  His father left when he was young and his strong mother taught him manners and discipline growing up.  John joined the Army at the age of 16 by having his mother sign his enlistment papers.  That was the beginning of his lifelong military service.  He was in Project White Star in 1962 in Laos as a Radio Operator.  John served with the 1st SFGA, 7th SFGA and 10th SFGA from May 1961-Dec 1966.​

     John was stationed in Lengries (Bad Tolz), Germany in 1963, where he married Reinhilde, adopted her 7-year old son, Robert and had his daughter, Susan.  In December 1966, John was given orders back to the United States.  They lived briefly in Fort Knox before John served another tour in Vietnam; then after a year each at Fort Riley and Fort Leonard Wood, he decided to aim for retirement in the Southwest. He was a recruiter for several years in Gallup, NM before finally retiring from the Army in 1975 and settling in Roswell, NM. 

    John had several jobs in retirement but was most proud of his time at New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell where he helped train future generations of military leaders.  He eventually moved to Las Vegas in 1985, where he spent all but the last few months of his life.  His time in Las Vegas is highlighted with Chapter 51 Special Forces activities for over 20 years.  This group of men became his family and he lived to serve them. 

     John didn’t wear his emotions on his sleeve and was the master of keeping secrets, which bode well for his military career. But he left a special mark on everyone he met, didn’t take relationships lightly and will be truly missed, but never forgotten. 

John’s awards include the NDSM, CIB, VSM, NDSM w/OLC, Parachute Badge, Senior Parachute Badge, RVCM, AFEM (Laos), GCMDL 4th Award, USA RCT Badge and the RVN Gallantry Cross with Palm.