by Dennis Augustine
During a flag ceremony, procession, and service at the Madronia Cemetery in Saratoga, California, I stood beside my friend Bill Rothenberg. We were asked to rise and recite the “Pledge of Allegiance.” As I did, I couldn’t help but think of Private First Class “Tony” DeLuca, a proud son of Hoboken, New Jersey. Tony was an Italian-American known for his big heart and bravery. He was born in 1949, (a year older than me), and was the only son of second-generation immigrants who ran a corner deli on Washington Street, not far from where my late parents lived.
Tony was known for his loyalty, his swing-dancing skills at Sinatra Park on the Hudson River overlooking New York City, and his dream of opening a small record store with his cousins. He played shortstop for Hoboken High and never missed Sunday dinner with his Nonna, who made the best meatballs on the block.
When his draft number came up in 1969, Tony didn’t flinch. He told his buddies at the VFW bar, “It’s my turn. I’ll represent Hoboken proud.” He served in the U.S. Army, 1st Cavalry Division, in Vietnam. Letters home spoke of monsoon rains, jungle nights, and the brothers he served alongside. They always ended with, “Tell Ma not to worry.”
On April 4, 1970, during an ambush in the A Shau Valley, Tony, a 21-year-old, tragically lost his life while helping evacuate wounded comrades. His body was returned home draped in the American flag, and the entire town gathered to pay their respects. Firemen in dress blues, old neighbors with tears in their eyes, and children on their fathers’ shoulders lined the streets as Tony was laid to rest at Holy Name Cemetery in Jersey City.
Tony never had the chance to open that record store or dance at his sister’s wedding. However, his memory lives on, etched on a plaque at City Hall and deeply ingrained in the hearts of a community that still whispers his name on days like today.
Rest in peace, Tony. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.
#MemorialDay #HobokenHero #NeverForget #PFCAnthonyDeLuca #AmericanHero #HobokenRemembers
