The Bayonne Memorial Day Parade Committee announced that it has named Joseph Kochanski as Grand Marshal of the 2024 Bayonne Memorial Day Parade.  Mr. Kochanski is a Vietnam veteran of the U.S. Army.

Joe Kochanski was born and raised in Bayonne and attended S.A. Roberson Grammar School and the Technical Division of Bayonne High School, from which he graduated in 1964.  Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and received his basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey.  Upon completion, he was stationed in Fort Rucker, Alabama where he received aviation training.  When transferred to Fort Benning, Georgia, Joe was assigned to the 11th Air Assault Division which then became the First Air Calvary Division. Upon deployment, his unit, the 48th Assault Helicopter Company,  known as the Blue Stars and Jokers,  was  assigned to support the First Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division and its two airborne infantry battalions.  As part of the United States troop buildup in 1965, his tour with the 101st was spent on combat operations in several areas of South Vietnam, also supporting the Republic of Korea Second Marine Brigade, the 5th Special Forces, and units of the Republic of Vietnam Forces. His duties were flying door gunner and maintaining UH1D and UH1B Huey helicopters within the unit.  His duties also included performing base camp security and convoy duty.  Upon his return from Vietnam, he was assigned to Fort Eustis, Virginia where he trained soldiers for deployment to Vietnam.

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