photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
Dave Berry | all galleries >> Galleries >> Vietnam War '67 - '68 > SP5 Joe Lupo - KIA 26 Aug. '67
previous | next

SP5 Joe Lupo - KIA 26 Aug. '67

Joe Lupo was the Senior Aidman for Alpha Co., 2/2nd. He was killed in action on 26 Aug. '67 when the Alpha Co. medic track (20 track) hit a booby-trapped or dud artillery shell inside our perimeter as it approached the battalion aid station. His best friend and right-hand man, Bob Fazio, was wounded in the blast. Joe was decorated for valor when the 2/2nd Inf. perimeter came under heavy attack in the Battle of Prek Lok II in March '67. Joe's loss was felt deeply by all of us medics. He was one of most highly respected medics in the battalion.

In this photo, which was taken before Joe became Senior Aidman, Joe is standing on the ramp of the 20 track and SP5 Casioca (I'm not sure about the spelling), the Senior Aidman at that time, is taking care of one of the Alpha Co. soldiers.

Photo courtesy of Tom Copeland, 2/2nd Infantry. Thank you to Don Scott for adding information.


other sizes: small medium large original auto
share
Ed O'Brien 22-Feb-2017 19:38
Joe and I went thru Jungle School when we first were assigned to 2/2. I was in Charlie Company and saw Joe's track hit that bomb. I knew it was him. I was sick to my stomach knowing he didn't survive it. He was one of the nicest people you'd ever meet. I communicated with his brother, Jerry, several years ago. RIP, Joe. I remember you always.
Dave Berry25-May-2016 22:04
I remember the name. He wasn't one of my close friends, but he was a good guy.
vanessa tilghman 24-May-2016 21:59
Does anyone remember a medic by the name of robert doc tamasi???
joseantonio29-Oct-2015 05:04
an amazing piece of history.Well done.V
Al Zielinski 11-Apr-2013 00:48
The soldier with the helmet on is Sgt. Santos, the one being treated his name is Benny, they were being treated for burns when trac142 caught fire from the previous nights battle. I had more than a few beers with Joe Lupo I can still se his smiling face. I remember the day he was killed his track was i front of ours they went to the left and we went to the right to set up our night positions thenI heard the explosion and I knew it was Joes track. but for the grace of God there go I. I was with Alpha mortar platoon 2 nd squad. Al Zielinski. ( Z)
bob fazio 13-Jun-2012 00:01
my name is bob fazio ihave been in contact with joe lupo's brother jerry i was on that track 20 that day there were two others a driver an a fellow joe was taking to see the doctor
Guest 17-Sep-2011 06:10
I was standing on top of our track when the medic track 20 hit the bomb and was tossed in the air and landed upside down. Our track was 10M. Commo section HQ company. The concussion blew me off my command track. I remember medics doing a trake on one of the guys. I still have nightmares of that and the attack you mentioned later. All hell broke out and artillery had to be called in almost on top of us .


of the guys . I still have nightmares of that and the attack that you mentioned later. All HELL broke out .
Peter A. Greico 18-Nov-2010 19:53
Thanks for this web site. I was a friend of Joe Lupo's in high school and after. I joined the Marines right after high school and just missed going to Vietnam. I was in Okinawa in '63. I knew that Joe was a medic but didn't know until a few days ago that he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor and how well he was respected by his fellow soliders. Thanks again!
Type your message and click Add Comment
It is best to login or register first but you may post as a guest.
Enter an optional name and contact email address. Name
Name Email
help private comment