The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, SP5 Dennis James McCauley, who died in the service of his country on August 6th, 1967 in Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Grenade During Sapper Attack on LZ Montezuma. At the time of his death Dennis was 23 years of age. He was from Keansburg, New Jersey. Dennis is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 24E, Line 84.
The decorations earned by SP5 Dennis James McCauley include: the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.
Dennis is buried at Shoreland Memorial Cemetery in Keyport, NJ.
The following obituary for Dennis J. McCauley (HHC 1/35th KIA 8/7/67) came out of the Asbury Park (NJ) Gazette dated Aug. 14, 1967.
Asbury Park was then the main "shore" newspaper for much of the Jersey Eastern Shore. It was not, however, located all that close to the town of Keansburg. It did not appear to have an actual story of the death of McCauley and no photo.
McCauley Services Set for Wednesday
Keansburg-- Spec. 5 Dennis J. McCauley, 23, of 3 Briarwood Ave. will be buried Wednesday in Beverly National Cemetery following services at 9 a.m. at St. Anne's Church here.
The soldier, who joined the Army at 18, was killed by an exploding hand grenade near Pleiku, Vietnam.
Visiting at the Day Funeral Home, Keyport, will be from 7-10 p.m. tonight, 2-5 and 7-10 p.m. tomorrow and Tuesday.
Spec. 5 McCauley was a member of the Jaycees and the Sportsman Club, here. He was born in Brooklyn, NY, son of Mr. And Mrs. Michael F. McCauley Sr. Also surviving are two brothers, Michael F. Jr., Hopewell Junction, NY and George A., Brooklyn, and 11 nieces and nephews.
(Another Obit Follows)
Taken from page 1 of the Asbury Park Press (August 8, 1967 -- includes photo's)
Two Shore Men Killed in Vietnam
Two 23 year old Shore men who pursued careers in the Army and volunteered for duty in Vietnam have been killed there.
They are 1st Lt. Howard J. Schnabolk, and Spec. 5 Dennis J. McCauley, son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael F. McCauley Sr., 3 Briarwood Ave. Keansburg.
Sp. 5 McCauley, who joined the army at 18, attended St. Michaels Grammar School, St. Leonards Academy, and was graduated from Fort Hamilton High School , all in Brooklyn . He lived in Keansburg three years.
Mrs. McCauley said last night her son "never told us what he was doing in Vietnam because he didn't want us to worry." He had been a battery clerk at Ft. Sill , Okla. , for which he had received an outstanding performance citation. He served overseas in Germany.
Joined Guard
He returned home after the first 3 years in the service when his mother became ill. While home and working for the American Can Co., Cliffwood, he joined the National Guard at Red Bank, but a year later he re-enlisted in the army.
"He'd tell me not to worry," Mrs. McCauley said, "and I told him to re-enlist if that was what he wanted. He always wanted to wear a uniform."
His brother, Michael Jr., a New York State Trooper, described his 6-ft 3-inch, 200 pound brother as an "athlete and a real sportsman." He said, "He was well liked by everyone, especially children."
Sp. 5 McCauley left for Vietnam Jan. 2.
He belonged to the Jaycees and Sportsmans Club, Keansburg. His major hobby was hunting.
Also surviving is another brother, George, of Brooklyn.
Bronze Star Citation
For meritorious service in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. From January 1967 to August 1967, Specialist Five McCauley distinguished himself while serving as the Forward Resupply Chief for the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Command Post and later as Senior Clerk in the Personnel Section. Specialist Five McCauley's initiative and drive were the primary reasons for the smooth, efficient manner in which the resupply section functioned. A capable planner and organizer, he anticipated many problems and took corrective action before they could materialize. Although in charge of the supply section, he never failed to do his share of the often demanding physical labor involved in the operation. Specialist Five McCauley's proficiency, initiative, and aggressiveness were quickly noted and won him his promotion to that rank. In April 1967 he was made senior clerk of the personnel section because of his leadership and experience, and significantly improved the efficiency and capability of the battalion administrative section. On 6 August 1967, he was mortally wounded by a hostile grenade. Specialist Five McCauley's achievements and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
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