Tracey Ingleston has thought about his brother every day for the last 55 years.
On March 29, 1970, U.S. Army Sgt. Staret “Star” John Ingleston was killed in the Vietnam War. The 20-year-old was one of 14 American lives lost in an attack by North Vietnamese forces that morning at Firebase Jay in the southwest part of the country. Speaking with The Citizen days before the anniversary of his brother’s death, Tracey said Star opened fire, but did not survive.
“He went out a hero,” Tracey said.
Tracey, who was growing up in the hamlet of Martville, remembers his family getting the news in a telegram. Ever since, he has wanted to make sure his brother’s life and sacrifice are acknowledged.
To do that, Tracey is now working with Amy Lamouroux, director of the Port Byron Library, and the office of U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney to name the post office on Route 104 in Martville after Star. Tracey said the effort was suggested by someone from Tenney’s office, and Lamouroux has launched a change.org petition to build support for the change. It currently has 35 signatures.
“This ain’t too much to ask for somebody that gave his life for freedom,” Tracey said. “It’s important for communities and local people to remember the veterans and their sacrifices all across the country.”
Tracey remembered his brother and best friend as fearless. Star participated in more than 50 helicopter missions, and during his military career received a Bronze Star Medal, two Purple Hearts, two Air Medals and two Commendation Medals. After his death, he was awarded the Silver Star Medal. Tracey learned that, and the details of his brother’s death, through Army documents he obtained.
Three years to the day Star was killed, American forces left Vietnam. March 29 has since become National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Star is one of 29 men from Cayuga County who died in the war.
“My thoughts and wishes are that each and every veteran is never, ever underrecognized and always remembered in some way,” Tracey said.
As Tracey sought further acknowledgement of his brother, a veteran suggested a few years ago that he submit a recommendation for the Medal of Honor. But the nation’s highest military award requires sworn statements about the nominee’s actions from two eyewitnesses, and Tracey has only been able to find one. The Port Byron resident is still hopeful he can find another.
Tracey thanked his wife, Sylvia, as well as Lamouroux, Tenney and her office for their help with the name change effort. He noted that the Martville post office is aware of it.
Lamouroux told The Citizen that Tracey asked the library for help with his Medal of Honor recommendation a few years ago, and she knew him because his wife is a volunteer there.
The library director was happy to help, noting that she has service members in her family.
“It’s such a big sacrifice that folks in the military give, especially when they lose their life,” she said. “They deserve every recognition that is possibly available to them.”
© American Military News