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John Camden Soper
Private First Class
281ST AHC, 10TH AVN BN, 17TH AVN GROUP, 1ST AVIATION BDE, USARV Army of the United States New York, New York March 13, 1947 to August 06, 1967 JOHN C SOPER is on the Wall at Panel 24E, Line 84 |
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My mother was John's fiance when he left for Viet Nam. That is all I can really say since I didn't know John - I wasn't even born when he died. But he touched my life. And I wish I could have known him. E-mail address is not available. |
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I knew Johnny and his parents when they first moved to Staten Island. I was his childhood friend when he was 5 years old. His parents and mine were very close. Johnny lived at 36 Andrews Street in the back building and i lived in the front. They moved to Pearsall Street, then Kensington Street. Johnny and I belonged to Boy Scout Troop 12 that met on Bay Street. The church - I cannot remember the name, but it's across from Belair Road in Rosebank. I remember the last time I saw John in his house on Pearsall Street. He was on leave from the Army and he was sitting on the sofa with his girlfriend. The news of his death was unforgetable. I went to the funeral and till this day I'll never forget it. I still have Johnny's wet suit he gave me when he went in the service and other things his parents gave to my parents. I go to his grave a few times a year - I'll never forget him.
From a friend, |
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I graduated from New Dorp High School with John in 1965. His picture covers one full page at the beginning of our year book. I don't remember when or how I met him, but I was a true loner, geek, shy and all the bad things that go with it. For some reason he'd sit with me at lunch and talk to me and I was thrilled beyond measure. He loved the Beach Boys and he had that blond, blue-eyed surfer look. I had such a crush on him, but never said so, I was happy just to have him as a friend - I had very few! I was married soon after high school and had a beautiful baby girl on August 10, 1967. I remember when I came home from the hospital, picking up the S.I. Advance and there was John's obituary. I cried so much because he was such a nice guy and so very kind to me. I saw that he was engaged and I felt so bad for his fiancee. I came across this site by accident, but I'm so glad I did and that I got to know more about John and his family.
From a high school classmate, |
A Note from The Virtual WallIn 1966 PFC Soper served with Company A, 2nd Bn, 502nd Infantry, 101st Airborne, earning the Combat Infantryman Badge during that service. Although not reflected in his MOS code, his service records indicate that he was Airborne qualified. |
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