VIETNAM VETERAN VINCENT J. FALCONERI DIES IN SALT LAKE CITY UTAH AUTO CRASH

REMEMBER THE FALLEN

VIETNAM VETERAN VINCENT J. FALCONERI

DIES IN SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH AUTO CRASH

By Bob Lessard, Historian,

 Simeon L. Nickerson American Legion Post 64

(Periodically, the Gazette will publish biographical sketches of Middleboro’s military casualties. This is intended to remember the sacrifice of all veterans and those who gave their lives in the service to our country. A slogan, which truly reflects thoughts about veterans states: “ALL GAVE SOME, SOME GAVE ALL.”

 Vietnam veteran Air Force Staff Sergeant Vincent J. Falconeri, 21, of Middleboro was reported killed by an automobile crash, while driving on Interstate 15 near Salt Lake City, Utah on May 3, 1969. According to news accounts and a report of the accident issued to his parents from the Base Commander of Hill Air Force Base in Utah. He had been stationed in Utah since his return to the states in the previous nine months.

 In a letter dated 6 May 1969, from Base Commander Jack L. Alston of Headquarters 2849th Air Base Group to Vincent’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Phillip J. and Margaret (Morrone) Falconeri, 54 West Grove Street, that Vincent died from his injuries as…“officially recorded at Saint Mark’s Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah, thirty minutes past the hour of midnight, May 4, 1969”

 “Your son was held in high esteem by all members of the squadron. His work was of the highest caliber and all who knew him respected,” the letter stated. The letter continued, I earnestly hope that you and your family will be consoled at this sorrowful time by the knowledge that your son contributed immeasurably to the ideals and the way of life that we as a nation sponsor.”

 Vincent was a graduate of Memorial High School class of 1965. His photo in the yearbook also contained this quote, “The life of ease is a difficult pursuit.” He played Sachems football during his four years in High School and was Co-Captain in his senior year.

 He enlisted in the United States Air Force and was assigned as a munitions specialist with the 435th Munitions Maintenance Squadron, 35th Tactical Fighter Wing in the Republic of Vietnam from September 7, 1967 through August 15, 1968.

 During his time in Vietnam he earned the Air Force Commendation Medal. The official military citation states…“Sergeant Falconeri’s outstanding professional skill and initiative aided immeasurably in the accomplishment of his duties. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Falconeri reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.”

 Besides his parents, Vincent was survived by his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Vincent Morrone of Middleboro; a sister Mrs. Donna Newton; a brother, Dominic of Brockton; and, two nieces and two nephews.

 Funeral services were conducted from the Fahey Funeral of South Main Street followed by a Solemn High Mass of Requiem at Sacred Heart Church. Interment was in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Vincent J. Falconeri is remembered here in Middleboro by his name engraved in the Vietnam section of Central Casualty stone in Middleboro’s Veterans Memorial Park.

 Gazette readers are reminded that bricks are still available for placement in the Memorial Park. Applications are available by calling Paul Kreitzberg at 508-965-9549. (Published  Sept. 6, 2018)