(Images & Information pulled from NutleySons.com © 2001 by Anthony Buccino)

Nutley’s size of 29,513 had lost 9 of its bravest men during combat during the Vietnam War.  All of these men made the ultimate sacrifice for their nation and the integrity and freedom it upholds.  War is possibly the most dangerous, exhausting, and terrifying experience that can be imagined but these brave men put their nation and others' lives over their own.  This Vietnam War memorial is dedicated to the legacy of all brave 9 Soldiers who died upholding the values of the United States.

Richard Bates Jr - Not much is known about Richard Bates or his legacy or story but he Served his nation bravely in the Vietnam War.  Passing away on September 17th 1966 in Quangtri Vietnam.

Robert Edwin Brinckmann - Colonel Robert Edwin Brinckmann of the 34th Tactical was a decorated and longtime Air Force Pilot, having the Distinguished Flying Cross with Two Oak Lead Clusters and the Silver Star.  Their Squadron was stationed at Korat Airbase in Thailand, but Brinckmann lost his life after the F-105 he was flying was shot down on November 4th, 1966 by anti-aircraft in North Vietnam.  Along with him his comrade Capt. Vince Scungio was also killed in the attack.  Although he passed away in 1966 the body of Brinckmann was not returned home until 1990 after being MIA since ‘66.  Robert Edwin Brinckmann now lies peacefully, buried with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery.

Alfred J. Critelli - Pfc. Alfred Critelli who moved around most of his life, found a home here in Nutley after moving from Woodridge.  Before going to Vietnam Critelli had moved to East Rutherford where he was a graduate at St. Mary’s High School in Rutherford.  Critelli, before going to Vietnam married his wife, Sheila Conroy on October 16th 1968.  Later leaving his three brothers and sister, Moe, Francie, Daniel and Joseph surviving him along with his parents Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Critelli.  During his time while serving Critelli was a member of the Second Battalion, Company B, 12th Infantry.  Critelli had fallen during his time in combat on December 11, 1968 after dying from small arms fire in a firefight.  A former employee of the Western Electric Co. and a parishioner of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Alfred J. Critelli lived a loyal and brave life, serving others before himself showing solitude and integrity of the highest class.

David Dinan III - Lt. David Dinan III, an esteemed and brave Air Force Pilot lost his life in Vietnam after a distress message was transmitted from his aircraft on March 19th, 1969.  His death was confirmed after discovering his body along with his parachute and crashed aircraft nearby during a search.  His body could not be recovered due to heavy fighting in the area and was marked as KIA (Killed In Action) by the U.S. Airforce.  During his time of service, Lt. Dinan was a member of the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 288th Tactical Fighter Wing, and 7th Air Force.  Although Dinans body was not able to be recovered at the time of its discovery, 45 years later in 2017 his remains and belongings where brought back home, laying him to rest with full military honors on April 25th, 2017 in Arlington National Cemetary.  A brave hero who is resting well.

Matthew Murice Dwyer Jr. - Lance Corporal Matthew Murice Dwyer served two tours of duty in Vietnam when he bravely died after his helicopter was shot down on February 28th, 1968, 11 miles from Khen Sanh.  Dwyer had received a purple heart after being wounded in the leg in November of 1966 just two years before he was set to be discharged from the military.  After his injury, Dwyer spent time in Hong Kong recovering and reassuring his family of his health and safety.  After being discharged for his injury, Dwyer later enlisted again because “he felt sorry for the people and he just had to do his part to help out” according to his fiancee.  Matt was admired by many around him, seen as a strong, introspective type of man, according to his Aunt, “(dwyer) would rather walk away from fight than argue.  It wasn’t because he was afraid, he was a big boy, over six feet.  He just could not be bother with it.”  Dwyer was a long time Nutley resident attending Yanticaw Elementary, Franklin Middle, and Nutley High School during his younger years.  Before graduating Nutley High, Dwyer never told his never told his family what he was doing or where he was going.  He bravely enlisted to fight for his nation, earning a purple heart and dying honorably fighting in combat.  The embodyment of a sacraficial and strong person.

Richard Greenspan - Marine Private First Class Richard Greenspan was a Nutley High School graduate and a member of Temple B’nai Israel, Nutley, where he was Bar Mitzvahed.  Not much is known of his death but he was killed in action on November 10th, 1968 in Quan-Tri Province, Vietnam.  He was a brave soldier and man who fought proudly for his nation.  He was the sixth Nutley man to lose his life valliantly in Vietnam.

Michael P. Halpin - Private First Class Michael Patrick Halpin was a well-rounded man, playing football and baseball in high school and was largely involved in extracurricular activities.  Before enlisting, living the American dream working for a trucking company and planning on marrying his high school sweetheart Carol Lucas.  Michael had planned on making a career out of the military to serve out his enlistments and have a family after his deployments.  Sadly Halpin of the 5th infantry, 25th division passed away before completing his deployments, on January 19th, 1968 in action in Tay Nihn province in South Vietnam.  During his time in service Halpin was awarded 7 medals, the Good Conduct Medalm the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Serivce Medal, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon and the Combat Infantry Badge.  All medals given to show his contribution and strength he provided to the effort in Vietnam.  He was known by friends and family as the “Bear” and had a nice personality and was good-natured.  He passed away trying to save his buddies in combat and lived his life in every way serving others.  He made sure to protect his family and friends above himself.

Arthur Rego - Nutley High School graduate Corporal Arthur Rego was the first casualty from Nutley in the war.  Rego was a marine in the Second Battalion of the Third Marine Regiment in the Da Nag sector.  Rego was assigned to guard the airstrip of the newly liberated village of LeMay whe he was killed by a sniper while on night patrol on January 26th 1966.  Known as Artie by his friends, Rego was well known around, being a long time Nutley resident attending both Lincoln Elementary and Nutley High.  Rego was also a member of the Boy Scouts and football team, engaged in the community, and confirmed at Holy Family Church.  Among his teachers and administration at Nutley High School, he was seen as a respectable young man who was quiet but yet humorous and enjoyable in any situation.  “He set a standard of neatness in dress for himself that stood as an example for the whole student body.  He often said he would like to have a million’ he has indeed a million who are indebted …”.  After his discharge Rego had hoped to take the New Jersey State Police exam to serve his community but he died bravely serving his nation and putting his strongest foot forward.

Thomas Van Houten - Private First Class Thomas Van Houten, who was drafted along with his brother Richard both completed basic training together and where assigned to Company C in the 5th battalion of the 9th infantry division.  Thomas was sadly killed in action in south Vietnam on January 24th, 1967 at the age of 19.  He earned a Purple heart for his bravery and dedication during his time in Vietnam.  Thomas was remembered as a hard worker and a sincere friend.  He was also one of the best bowlers on the Shop-Rite team.  His mother remembered Thomas writing to her saying “Thomas never told me of his hardships or anything bad.  He told me everything was fine and quiet.  He knew he had a job to do.  He was fighting for his country.”