John T. Gutekunst

Date of Birth: 04/24/1949
Neighborhood: Lawndale
High School: Northeast High School
Street: Lawndale Avenue
Branch of Service: Army
Rank: SGT
Date of Casualty: 03/21/1970
Province of Casualty: Thua Thien
Philadelphia Memorial Panel: Panel 12
Panel Row: 6

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Gutekunst, a 1966 Northeast High School graduate, worked for 2 1/2 years at a drapery store before he was drafted into the Army in February 1969. The sergeant, a grenadier, volunteered for duty in Vietnam, where he was assigned to Company A of the 2nd Battalion, 502nd infantry, 101st Airborne Division. Gutekunst wrote home that he was proud of his service with the 101st, but felt the war effort itself was worthless. He died in Vietnam on March 21, 1970, a month before his 21st birthday. Survivors include his parents and four sisters.

Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial