Joseph J. Ingino Sr.

The streets of heaven got a little more crowded with Angels today as the Vietnam War claimed the life of Joseph Ingino. Joe fought his years long battle with Agent Orange with the courage of a member of the U.S. Army’s Big Red 1 Division. He was surrounded by his family at his passing.

Joe served with the First Infantry Division in 1969-70. In 1971, he met the love of his life Joan and in 1972 they married.

Joe was an in-country Vietnam Veteran who served between 1969 and 1970 with the First Infantry Division. His meritorious service earned him the National Defense Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and the Army Commendation with Oak Leaf cluster.

In 2010 he was inducted into the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame.

Joes advocacy for Agent Orange exposure awareness was well known and had earned him the nickname “Preacher.” In 2005, he worked with the Town of Oyster Bay to bring the “Vietnam Wall Experience” to Marjorie Post Park in Massapequa to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. He was proud to have been instrumental in establishing the nation’s first visible legacy to the more than 300,000 Vietnam Veterans chemically wounded or killed by Agent Orange dioxins.

The Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross also known as the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry is a military decoration of the former Government of South Vietnam (Republic of Vietnam). The medal was awarded in recognition of deeds of valor or heroic conduct while in combat with the enemy.

Individuals who received the medal, ribbon, and a citation were personally cited at the Armed Forces, Corps, Division, Brigade or Regiment level.

Joe was a long time Board Member of the New York State Veterans Home in Stony Brook.

Joe was a tireless worker/member for the Vietnam Veterans of America LI Rolling Thunder Chapter 6, and was called Papa Duck by his ducklings (Gold Star Moms).

During the first six months of 1969, the Division conducted extensive reconnaissance-in-force and ambush operations in the Iron Triangle and Trapezoid jungle areas as well as in the vicinity of An Loc. On 18 March, the Big Red One joined with the 25th Infantry and 1st Cavalry Divisions in a joint operation northwest of Lai Khe called Atlas Wedge. In late May and early June several elements of the Division were involved in the Battles of An Loc I and II. In June 5th ARVN Division and Big Red One soldiers constructed and opened the 90-kilometer road from Phuoc Vinh to Song Be – a milestone in the struggle for freedom in South Vietnam. During the latter part of the year, the Division’s participation in the “Dong Tien” (Progress Together) increased. This joint US and South Vietnamese military program was designed to enable the South Vietnamese Army to take on a more demanding part of the Vietnam conflict. Fire Support Bases were jointly manned; joint operations were conducted; patrols contained soldiers of both armies; tactical operations centers were jointly manned; training in each other’s tactics and techniques were conducted; and ARVN units were introduced to Big Red One support capabilities.

These aggressive steps forward lead the way for other joint military partnerships in Vietnam. On 10 August 1969, MG A. E. Milloy assumed command of the Division. In August and September, elements of the Division were involved in several Battles along Thunder Road (National Highway 13) as enemy forces tried to disrupt convoys or attack Fire Support Bases. During October and November, Big Red One units discovered numerous enemy base camps and caches of weapons and supplies. When it was announced that the Big Red One colors would soon be returning to Ft Riley, the reason, as stated by the Division Commander, MG Milloy, was ” We have worked ourselves out of a job!” The Big Red One returned to Ft. Riley in April 1970.

Joe is survived by his wife Joan, children; Annmarie, Joseph, Stephanie, Lisa, Katy, grandchildren; Bryan, Isabelle, Anthony, Charlie, Josephine, Salvatore, Giuliana, Angelina, Lauren and Dominic along with daughter-in-law; Loni, and sons-in-law; Charlie, Phil and Angelo.

Rest easy my brother.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to the Long Island State Veterans Home in Stony Brook:

https://veteranshome.stonybrookmedicine.edu/donate