Paul Joseph Golembski
Paul Joseph Golembski
Private First Class Paul Joseph Golembski was born in Camden, NJ on October 12, 1947 to Mr. and Mrs. Sigmund Golembski. The family lived at 517 Roberts Street in South Camden. His father worked as a custodian at Pyne Point Junior High School in North Camden.
Paul Golembski enlisted in the United States Marine Corps shortly after graduating from Camden High School in June of 1966. After training as a rifleman, he was sent to Vietnam.
Paul Golembski was killed in action by enemy artillery on July 2, 1967 in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam. He was survived by his parents, sisters Marlene and Frances, and a brother, Edward. He was awarded the Purple Heart. Paul Joseph Golembski is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 22E, Line 102.
He is buried at St. Joseph Cemetery, Chews Landing, New Jersey.
N. J. Marine Dies in Vietnam
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Marine Pfc. Paul J. Golembski, a 1966 graduate of Camden High School, was killed in action in Vietnam on July 2, the Defense Department reported Monday.
The son of Mr. and Mrs. Sigmund Golembski, of 517 Roberts st., Camden, he joined the service shortly after graduation following his rejection by the Navy and had been in Vietnam about six months, his parents said.
Pfc. Golembski, his mother said, had complained of food poisoning shortly before his death. He was to have gone for treatment and tests July 3, she said.
The Defense Department reported he was killed by artillery fragments.
In his last letter, he said about 10 marines had come down with worms and stomach trouble after “eating fried chicken, doughnuts, apples and other junk.”
The youth had been afflicted with tonsillitis in February and was to have had his tonsils out, Mrs. Golembski said, but he was told he would have to wait until he returned to the U. S.
A neighbor, Mrs. Bertha Mark, of 514 Roberts st., said she corresponded regularly with Golembski and he complained of being tired and weak from his stomach ailment.
His father, a custodian for Pyne Point Junior High School, is a veteran of the Second World War. Other survivors include two sisters, Marlene, 18, and Frances, 16, and a brother, Edward, 13.
City Marine Killed After Friend Leaves
Camden Courier-Post —
“Buddies Since School”
They had been buddies since grammar school in Camden.
After graduating from Camden High School, Paul J. Golembski of 517 Roberts Street joined the Marines. His friend Robert “Bud” Phillips had enlisted in 1963 in the Navy.
But the two friends kept in touch by letter.
Then about three months ago they had a reunion in Vietnam, meeting in Da Nang.
Paul was sent to Dang Ha. Wanting to be near his longtime friend, he volunteered and was transferred to the Dang Ha naval support detachment where Phillips was stationed.
They were based only a few miles apart and saw each other “every two to three days.”
On June 18 they exchanged complaints of “tonsil trouble.”
Paul spoke hopefully of his scheduled seven days of “r&r” (rest and relaxation) in Tokyo, starting in July.
Phillips prepared for a leave with his family at 54 Yale Avenue, Gloucester Heights.
They never saw each other again.
Paul was killed later by artillery fire during action in the DMZ.
Phillips heard the news from Paul’s sister Marlene, whom he used to date.
He is returning to Vietnam for another nine months tour of duty.
It won’t be the same without Paul to reminisce about happier days in Camden.
Messages Left on TheWall-USA
The Real Hero
Paul and I grew up in Camden and were the best of friends. I joined the Navy in 1964 and was on my first tour of duty in Da Nang when Paul got to visit me for a few days of in-country R&R. After getting caught in an out of bounds area, we were separated and he was sent back to his unit while I was given Captain’s Mast. I never seen Paul again. I was sent home to attend my brother’s funeral when I got a call from Paul’s sister Marlene, that he was killed in action. I never felt so helpless than that moment when she called. Now I had to attend two funerals, one my brother, the other my best friend. I returned to my Unit in Vietnam and felt that I had a debt to pay. I volunteered for special forces and was sent to Coronado, Ca. for Seal training. As luck would have it, I was sent to Cua-Viet in the Northern most part of South Vietnam, just a few miles from where Paul was killed. It was a pleasure to tear up the enemy in that area. But, it never brought back my friend. I got out of the Navy in 1970 with a disability from service connected wounds. Somehow I feel like I am guilty because I wasn’t there with my best friend when he died. I was at home seeing his family and mine while he was alone. Forgive me my friend, I will always love you and pray that we will meet again. Bud
— Charles “Bud” Phillips, His best friend, Land O Lakes, Florida