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Born on the 4th of July, 1946, Harry Jay gave everything for his country.
He was a Medic on the battlefield.
Information copied from
Vietnam Veterans Memorial website:
TheWall-USA
Harry Jay Kordasiewicz
HM3-E4-Navy-Regular
Length of service 2 years
His tour began on Nov 15, 1967
Casualty was on Apr 6, 1968
In QUANG TRI, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY
ARTILLERY, ROCKET, or MORTAR
Body was recovered
Panel 48E - Line 29
REST IN PEACE, HARRY.
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Ed Batcho
I don't remember Harry from High School, unfortunately I don't remember most of the 812 class members. Like most I only had a handful of friends. I retruned from Viet Nam in Feb 1967 after the Tet Offensive, and remember what it was like to this day to hear bullets whizzing by your ear, but we did what we were trained to do, stand our ground. Unfortunately for some like Harry that ment 'to the death'. How sad so many young men, still just teenagers, and the wars go on. When will we ever learn to love and accept, not reject and kill. RIP Harry.
Bruce Bowling
Harry Kord was a quiet and kind young man. He had received his orders to return stateside, but delayed because another young man was due to have his first child. Sacrifice for country and friends.
Betsy Hoak Bowling'65
Bruce Brand
I have forgotten so many names from class of 64 but do remember Harry Kord well. He was in VN a little before me. Seeing his name on the wall in DC was a reminder of what a nice guy he was and an unjustifiable loss.
Beth Balber (Marcus)
Harry was a great friend.I remember his kindness & subtle sense of humor. So hard to accept his passing.Gloria Merritt (Rote)
Gloria Merritt Rote
After Harry's death, the Conservation Forum of New York State created the Harry J. Kord Award to honor individuals who advanced the cause of the natural sciences in Western New York. After the demise of the Conservation Forum, the Buffalo Audubon Society took over the award and it is still given each year in May. Harry's mother Marcella has been a generous supporter of the award over many years.
Marcia Roe (Bishop)
I don't remember Harry, but I am moved by his service and sacrifice. I went away to college and became convinced that the war was a mistake. But the issue was our government's policies, not the soldiers. What a difficult period in our history! I hope we are more respectful and caring to men and women in the armed services today.
Janis Dory (O'Hara)
I didnt know Harry in high school--just wondered how he managed to spell his last name?????????? It makes me just sad to hear of his end--especially as a medic who sacrificed so much with not much recognition. My husband was in V.N> at the same time. Upon return the guys were booed-spit upon raged at etc. At least he returned. Whether I agree or not with the politics of war I try to remain cognizant of the fact that there are real people playing the game to try to keep us safe. Esp. now that the military is all volunteer!!!!!!!!!! Let us all hope that this never happens again!Barbara Taylor (Green)
My husband is also a Viet Nam veteran, who upon his return to his home town found it necessary to change into civilian clothes as soon as possible because of the negative reaction he received. But, you know, it's never to late to say thank you to Harry and all the other Viet Nam veterans in the class of '64. So, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. WE'RE PROUD OF YOU!
Tom Lavin
Harry was in my homeroom for a gazillion years. I have thought of Harry often over the past 45 years, and I wish I could have expressed to him my thanks for his sacrifice. Harry was cheated out of the life the rest of us have enjoyed, and when I think of the injustice of war, I think of Harry. Rest in peace HK.
George Field
I knew Harry in shcool....but not well. I was in DC a few years ago, and found myself face to face with "The Wall". I saw and touched Harry's name, along with the names several other people I knew, perhaps better, who did not survive either. I was over come with tears and anger at the pain and utter frustration of those years that affected us all. Since then, I have experienced death and loss, but I don't think any match those years. RIP Harry.