Jack Lee Neidrick

Lance Corporal Jack Lee Neidrick March 25, 1945-March 17, 1966 U.S.M.C.

This tribute honors the memory of Jackie Neidrick, whose life and service are remembered by those who love him.
Jack Lee “Jackie” Neidrick was the only child of William Ardell “Bill” and June (Grape) Neidrick. He was born on March 25, 1945, in Dubois, Pennsylvania, and he was raised in Millcreek Township. He graduated from McDowell High School (Millcreek) and joined the military at 20 years of age.
Jackie was a Lance Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving with the 3rd Engineer Battalion, 3rd Marine Division. Jackie was a valiant soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country, he was killed in action on March 17, 1966, in the Quang Nam province of South Vietnam during a night attack at Waterpoint Hill, Camp Muir (Hill 55) due to multiple fragmentation wounds.
Jackie was laid to reset on March 25, 1966 – which would have been his 21st birthday at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Millcreek, outside of Erie, Pennsylvania.
Jackie is honored with the following awards: Vietnam War Gold Star Veteran, Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Gallantry Cross and his name is honored on the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Wall at Panel 06E, Line 22 in Washington D.C.
I am Gail Innocenzi, Jackie’s cousin. I was just 4 years old when Jackie died. How do I remember this? I suppose because it was the worst day in our family’s lives. I remember watching television with a scroll of the names of all of the soldiers who had lost their young lives. I vividly remember my mom on the telephone with her sisters June and Kay. The tears and the pain remain with me today.
Our cousin Jim Delio assisted in this tribute. Jim joined the Navy and served in the Vietnam War, as did my brother Carl Reed and cousin Stuart Salchli. Thankfully, those young men came home by the grace of God
Jim Delio wrote, “It was a cold day at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Erie, PA. Jackie and I spent a lot of time at that pond throwing rocks at the turtles and getting chased off by the groundskeeper. However, on this day - March 25th, Jackie’s 21st birthday and the day of his burial, the pond was over my left shoulder as TAPS played nearby and answered by another bugle echoing from down the hill. I loved Jackie, together we served. It was the saddest thing I ever experienced.
Jackie, Jim and I and all of your cousins and friends want to say we love you; we miss you, we will never forget you. Most of all, we THANK YOU for your sacrifice.