DOB/DOD: May 1, 1948 (Norwalk, CT) – present
MARITAL STATUS: Married Sandra Ketrincheck (1949-) on May 16, 1971, in Norwalk, Connecticut
CHILDREN: Three daughters, Lisa (1973-), Jill (1978-), and Jessica (1980-).
LOCAL ADDRESS: 41 Quintard Avenue, Norwalk
ENLISTMENT: August 14, 1967
UNIT: Battery K, 4th Battalion, 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division (REIN)
FAMILY: Born to James (1907-1974) and Florence Bifano Avalone (1912-1984). One sister, Roseann Avalone Thompson (1943-).
DECORATIONS: Awarded the Purple Heart after being wounded on February 28, 1969.
Brien McMahon High School Class of 1966
In the National Purple Heart Museum’s Hall of Honor
From The Norwalk Hour April 5, 1977
VIETNAM VET, NAVY CROSS HOLDER, SELECTED FOR AMERICANISM AWARD
A disabled veteran who won the Navy Cross while serving with the U. S. Marines in Vietnam has been selected to receive the Honor America Committee’s Americanism award, it was announced today by the committee. The presentation will take place on April 30 at the annual Red, White, and Blue Ball.
Lance Corporal John Avalone, who lost an arm during the Vietnam War and who suffered other disabling injuries, will share the spotlight with two other distinguished Norwalkers. Lieutenant Colonel Louis Genuario, US Army (Retired), a veteran of World War II and the Korean conflict, has already been announced as an award recipient. The third recipient will be announced next week.
Chairman Ann Artell said John is an outstanding recipient. After suffering serious wounds in Vietnam, which left him permanently disabled, he came home and resumed a normal life, marrying, working daily, buying his own home, raising a family, and, in general, being a good citizen. We know the community will look with great favor on this award. Young people like John are an inspiration to us all.”
John Avalone was born in South Norwalk on May 1, 1948, the son of Florence Bifano Avalone and the late James Avalone. He has an older sister, Roseann, married to Albert Thompson, who is a local fireman. Also included in this family are other familiar South
Norwalk names such as the Romanos, the Bifanos, the Renzullis and the Kishes. As a boy, John resided at 75 Spring Street in the heart of the old Springwood section of South Norwalk, which was a predominately Italian neighborhood at that time.
John was a caddy at Shorehaven Golf Club and also worked at Ruta’s Chicken Market. He attended St. Joseph’s Parochial School, Benjamin Franklin Junior High School, and Brien McMahon High School, class of 1966.
Thomas C. O’Connor, vice chairman of Honor America and one of John’s former teachers, noted, “John was a quiet, well-mannered boy when I had him in class, almost to the point of being shy. His grades were average, although he was outstanding in Industrial Arts. He never disrupted and was well-regarded by his teachers and
classmates.”
Upon his graduation from high school, the situation in Vietnam blossomed into a serious conflict. Along with several of his close friends, John enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Following basic training and a short furlough, he was shipped to Vietnam. John received the Navy Medal for his outstanding actions.
The wording of his official citation reads: ‘‘For meritorious service while serving as a Motor Vehicle Operator with Battery K. Fourth Battalion, Eleventh Marines, First Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 3 April 1968 to 27 February 1969. Throughout this period, Lance Corporal Avalone performed his duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Working tirelessly and with
meticulous attention to detail, he expeditiously accomplished all assigned tasks, thereby greatly enhancing the operational effectiveness of his command. Serving concurrently as a Sentry of the Guard, he continued to distinguish himself by the outstanding performance of his duties. On the morning of 23 February 1969, Lance Corporal Avalone alertly detected the presence of an enemy force and, firing a hand-held parachute flare to warn his unit, forced the hostile unit to launch an attack prematurely against his battery’s position. While steadfastly defending his post, he was severely wounded and subsequently medically evacuated from the Republic of Vietnam. By his initiative, superb professionalism, and loyal devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Avalone contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. The Combat Distinguishing Device is Authorized.”
The severity of John’s wounds from this incident resulted in the loss of an arm as well as multiple body injuries of the chest, head, and legs. Following a lengthy recuperation and therapeutic rehabilitation, he received a medical disability discharge. Besides the Navy Medal, John was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal with Clusters, Vietnamese Campaign Medal with device, Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon and Navy Commendation Medal with combat “V”.
Despite his physical losses, John returned to Norwalk and married the former Sandra Ketrincheck. He is employed by the Connecticut Light and Power Co. and resides at 15 Coye Road, Danbury, with his wife and daughter, Lisa.
Friends wishing to attend the ball on April 30 at the Continental Manor may make
early reservations.
END
Honor Norwalk CT veterans 