James R. Gentile

Staff Sergeant James Raymond Gentile was born on February 8, 1926, at Cooper Hospital in Camden, NJ. He was the youngest of six children born to Alfonzo and Beulah Gentile. The 1930 Census shows the family living in Hainesport, New Jersey. James R. Gentile was placed in The Children’s Home of Burlington County on July 17, 1934.

James R. Gentile lied about his age to enlist in the United States Army during World War II. He may be the same James R. Gentile who was awarded the Silver Star while serving with the First Cavalry Division. James R. Gentile made a career out of the Army, and saw duty in Korea, and in time Vietnam, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Staff Sergeant Gentile had retired from active duty but was recalled to service, as his specialty of Armor Intelligence Specialist was needed in Vietnam. His tour of duty began on August 5, 1968. Sadly, Staff Sergeant Gentile was killed in action on March 26, 1969.

He was assigned to B Troop, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. He entered the service from New York and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Section 53, Site 383.

James R. Gentile was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 28W, Line 45.

My Father, My Hero

My father was killed in ‘Nam 2 days before I was a year old. Though I didn’t know him, he will always be my hero, for giving his life for his country, as a lot of other men did. I tip my hat to all who fought for the USA. If anyone out there has information about my dad, or any pictures of him, please comment at the bottom of the page.

— Jay Gentile (son), Watertown, New York — January 19, 2007

SSGT Gentile was assigned to the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (Blackhorse) at the time of his death. 11th Armored Cavalry Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia are attempting to locate relatives of all of our Troopers who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. Please contact us at www.11thcavnam.com.

— Operation Embrace — October 28, 2006

BLACKHORSE TROOPER — POST-TO-POST, HORSE-TO-HORSE AND ONTO FIDDLER’S GREEN, ALLONS AND AMEN.

— March 26, 2005

You will always be remembered.

Gentile gave his all for our country in three wars. He lied about his age to go into the military in WWII and was a Japanese POW and was lucky to survive that; he fought in the Korean War and retired from the Army but was called back up because of his critical MOS and went to Nam. He didn’t have to search the bunkers and tunnels because of his rank and age but he did anyhow and was killed by a booby-trapped grenade. He was liked and respected by all. I was deeply saddened by his death and will never forget him.

— Glenn Haller (served with him in B Trp. 11ACR, Chamblee, GA) — April 29, 2002