John Matt Plese, DOB 12 Aug 42 in Granite City, Illinois.

He served two tours in Viet Nam and 1 tour in Saudi Arabia. He was a graduate of University of Tampa, Fl. and retired from Ft. Lewis, Wa.. in 1984 as a Major. He passed away on 17 Feb 2000 in St. Louis, Mo. He is survived by his mother now a resident of Reno, Nv.. one brother of Cincinnati, OH, and 3 children, Jennifer Pack serving in the U.S. Army in Iraqi, a son, John-David Plese and daughter, Christine Gibbs both of Reno. -- Gina Plese.

John Plese, 66-67, platoon leader first platoon, B Co. 2nd Bn., 327th Inf. 101st Airborne, and later executive officer under Ron Davis. John took over first platoon, after Lou McDonald was wounded on Hill 86 on Sept 17th 1966. John was a hard driving officer, who demanded the most out of you, but gave you his best in return. After becoming XO John traveled with the company recon team "spider6bravo" on many occasions and always did his share of grunt work, whether it was radio watch on a night ambush, or sometimes even point duty, he always carried his load. Those of us who served with him will never forget him, or his big smile.

His 2nd tour was as Company Commander of A Co. 1st of the 6th Infantry, 198th Light Infantry Brigade, Americal Division.

We lost John in 2000 to Lung Cancer, but we will always remember him. -- Jim Wilson.

John Plese (1942)