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Jack Fera will not be soon forcotten by his many friends, comrades, or relatives. Jack was a wonderful young man and even though we shall all miss him, we should be thankful for having the opportunity to meet and know this truly good man.</p>
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Jack was born on 16 November 1944 in Walla Walla, Washington, he was from an Air Force family, and subsequently had a chance to do some travelling. He spent several years in Japan, and in many other installations throughout the country.</p>
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John went to St. John’s Preparatory School in his hometown of Danvers, Massachusetts, and graduated in 1962. His family was quite proud when he started Plebe Year at the Academy in July of 1962. Jack began his cadet years with an excellent start, adjusting quite readily to the new routine. Academics presented no real problem to Jack as he made a sincere application to his studies and on many occasions was on the Dean’s list. He had a curious mind and the challenge of the courses seemed to provide a form of recreation rather than just a struggle for satisfactory grades.</p>
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Jack took an interest in many of the activities that were available at the Academy. Having been a boy scout himself and knowing the importance of this organization, he joined the Scoutmasters Council for four years. He spent four years as a member of the Catholic Choir, Catholic Acolyte, Karate Club, Glee Club, KDET, Military Affairs Club, French Club, and was manager of the Hockey Team.</p>
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It was while at the Academy, in 1965, that Jack met his bride to be, Miss Margaret A. Warner, of Little Falls, New York.</p>
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Come graduation day, Jack had a busy future planned. He had chosen the Infantry and had elected service in Vietnam for his first assignment. At the completion of Airborne and Ranger Training that fall, Jack and Margie were married in November and then spent the next four months at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. At Fort Campbell Jack served as a platoon leader with the 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. He received his orders for Vietnam in February of 1967 and when June 5th came along Jack once again expressed the same attitude that he had displayed all along, that he was ready and willing to serve his country in the best way he knew how. Jack was proud to serve with the 1st Battalion, 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade. He was assigned as platoon leader, weapons supply officer, and executive officer. Jack loved his life of an Infantry platoon leader and continually instilled in him and in his men the will to perform their best, no matter what obstacles may confront them. Jack and Margie met in Hawaii in late November 1967 for his rest and recreation leave, just after Jack helped capture Hill 875 at Dak To.</p>
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Jack was fatally wounded on 18 March 1968 near Kontum, Vietnam, while on a search and destroy mission. He was buried with full military honors at West Point on 29 March 1968. He leaves his wife, Margie; parents, Mr. and Mrs. Milo Fera of Danvers; and brother Charles, now in the Air Force.</p>
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No one plans or predicts death, but Jack was ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for his country, and his feelings can be expressed by a few words from an old familiar song, “May we find a soldier’s resting place beneath a soldier’s blow.”</p>
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Jack’s awards include the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Service, Army Commendation Medal for Valor, and the Purple Heart. In addition to these, Jack has also been recommended for the Distinguished Service Cross.<br />
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