THE WALL OF FACES - Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (2024)

This is his boot camp photo from Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, Platoon 220. He earned the title “U.S. Marine” on June 27, 1963.

Thank you for your service to our great country my brother. Semper Fi.

John Leon Loweranitis

Navy Cross
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Corporal
Battalion: 3d Battalion
Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
GENERAL ORDERS:
Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal John Leon Loweranitis (MCSN: 2052170), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Company Messenger of Company I, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 30 March 1967. The company was engaged in establishing platoon night ambush sites against communist insurgent forces in the Quang Tri Province when the company command group and a small security element were attacked by a North Vietnamese reinforced company utilizing heavy automatic weapons and mortar fire. At the initiation of the action Corporal Loweranitis moved through intense fire to the 60-mm. mortar position, reorganized the crew and delivered effective fire on the machine gun positions that were raking the Marine positions. When the mortar ammunition was expended he again exposed himself to small-arms fire and grenades as he moved from position to position evacuating wounded to the reverse slope of the hill. When the North Vietnamese Army attempted to overrun the Marine positions, he moved to the most threatened point and personally accounted for five enemy kills. Although wounded by small-arms fire and grenade fragments on two separate occasions, he refused to leave his position and resolutely covered the withdrawal of the command group to a more tenable position until he fell, mortally wounded. His heroic action, with complete disregard for his own life, allowed the Marines to gain the new position and account for numerous enemy casualties. By his outstanding courage, exceptional fortitude and valiant fighting spirit, Corporal Loweranitis served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

John Leon Loweranitis

Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Corporal
Battalion: 3d Battalion
Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF
GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal John Leon Loweranitis (MCSN: 2052170), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company I, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on September 3, 1966. Company I, reinforced with two ontos (tracked vehicles bearing six mounted recoilless rifles), was conducting a search and destroy mission against the Viet Cong guerilla forces, at an estimated strength of two companies, in the vicinity of An Hoa. After the sixty-millimeter mortar team of which Corporal Loweranitis was an ammunition man had expended all of its ammunition, he boarded an ontos that was under heavy enemy fire with its commander and machine gun out of action. He took charge and personally backed the vehicle out of the only landing zone that could be used for a medical evacuation helicopter. He then crossed open ground, boarded the remaining vehicle, taking over as its commander and machine gunner. He directed the vehicle forward of the position where the first vehicle was hit and delivered suppressive fire into the enemy-held wood line that was holding up his platoon and preventing evacuation of five casualties. Through his heroic actions, the medical evacuation was completed and the platoon was able to advance and inflict many enemy casualties. He stayed on as ontos commander and gunner for the remaining three hours of the fire fight, maneuvering the ontos and delivering effective fire into the Viet Cong positions and anchoring the platoon's exposed left flank throughout the action. Corporal Loweranitis' initiative and courageous actions reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.