Warren W. Pfefferle

Private First Class Warren W. Pfefferle was born in Camden, NJ on January 26, 1944. He lived in Merchantville, NJ, and graduated from Camden Catholic High School in 1962. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps shortly afterwards.

Private First Class Pfefferle began his tour in South Vietnam on September 6, 1963. His MOS was 03001, a basic infantryman. He served with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division. He went to Hong Kong for R&R and was returning to his unit when the KC-130F #149802 crashed after taking off from the airport with 59 people on board. His body was recovered.

Private First Class Pfefferle was killed in an aircraft accident off the coast of South Vietnam on August 24, 1965. His body was recovered and he was brought home to New Jersey for burial.

Private First Class Pfefferle was survived by his parents and his grandfather, William Van Pfefferle, Chief of the Camden Fire Department from 1950 through 1958. Warren Pfefferle’s great-grandfather, Joseph Maxwell, and his great-uncle, Harry Maxwell, were both career Camden Fire Department members.

Warren W. Pfefferle is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 5E, Line 31.

Farewell to a Fellow Marine

For 40 years I’ve wondered if any of the Marines I went through boot camp with in 1963 (Plt 173, D Co, 1st Btn) were killed in Vietnam. I recently found this website and now I know. Warren died on my 20th birthday, 8/24/65. I really didn’t know him very well (there’s not much socializing at Parris Island!), but even though it’s been 42 years, it saddens me to learn that he didn’t make it back. Farewell my brother Marine and thank you for your service to our nation. It’s my prayer that your family has found comfort and peace through the only one who can truly give it — our Lord Jesus Christ. Semper Fi!

— Michael Cunningham, fellow boot camp Marine, Lewes, DE — November 23, 2007

Just a Curious Inquiry

At the age of 14, I took a class trip to Washington, D.C. in which one of the people in my group ventured to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and found the name “Warren W. Pfefferle.” I have a liking for history and I also am quite interested in my own family tree. One question arose from seeing this name with the significant same last name as myself and I was just wondering if in fact this young man was related to myself. I am the grandson of Arthur C. Pfefferle. I offer this extra name in aid that maybe somebody may be able to figure out the connection, if there is one. If anybody in relation to Warren views this message, please send me an email. I’m really quite excited to hear some sort of reply. Thank you.

— Brian Pfefferle, Lexington, KY — July 18, 2001