7.04.2013

Carl Mickens, KIA, July 4, 1970


(July 16-21, 1970) -- Pfc. Carl Lawrence Mickens, 26, son of Mr. and Mrs. Carl D. Mickens of 61 Wilbur Street, was killed in action on July 4 in Vietnam.

Private Mickens,  lost his life in a booby trap explosion while he was on a military mission, according to a telegram received by his parents. A lifelong Belleville resident, he had planned to be a vocational high school teacher.

Before entering the service, Pfc. Mickens had completed three years toward a teaching degree at Montclair State College. Earlier he attended night school at Fairleigh Dickinson University. He had also completed four years of apprenticeship as a tool and die maker at Western Electric Co., Kearny.

"He planned to finish college after his discharge from the service next year," his father said. "He hoped to put his experience as a tool and die maker, and his teaching degree, to use as a vocational high school teacher."

He was drafted into the army in July 1969. After completing basic training at Ft. Dix, he took advanced training at Ft. Lewis, Wash., and Ft. Benning, Ga.

Last April, Pfc. Mickens was assigned to Vietnam and became a member of the 101st Airborne Division.
"He was a good soldier and took the problems of war in stride," his father said. "He really did not want to go to Vietnam, but when the word came through, he went cheerfully."

While at Montclair State, Pfc. Mickens was a member of the Kappa Sigma Chi fraternity. He was also a member of the choir at Grace Episcopal Church, Newark. Pfc. Mickens leaves two sisters, Linda Gail, and Shirley Jean, both at home.

The Belleville Times
The Belleville Telegram