Red, White & You: Honoring New Jersey’s Military Heroes

New Jersey has a storied tradition of military service, with countless individuals dedicating their lives to protecting our nation. While words can't fully capture the immense gratitude we feel for our servicemen and women, Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to highlight a few remarkable veterans and active-duty military members from our state. Read about their stories below, and if you know a military hero who deserves recognition, we’d love to hear from you! Simply answer a few questions, and we’ll take care of the rest.

1. Gladys Blount (1922-2024)

East Orange’s Gladys Blount was one of just 855 African American women selected to serve in the all-Black, all-woman Central Postal Directory Battalion during World War II. A beautician at the time, she answered the call to duty and traveled overseas to support the Allied forces, embodying the battalion’s powerful motto: “No Mail, Low Morale.” In 2022, Blount was honored by East Orange officials with the key to the city and the newly established Green Medal of Honor, recognizing her service and lasting impact. Blount, who passed away in 2024 at the age of 102, is remembered as one of New Jersey’s living legends and a symbol of strength, perseverance and patriotism. Read more here.

2. Sgt. John Basilone (1916-1945)

Raritan native Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone earned the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary leadership and bravery during the Battle of Guadalcanal, where he held off a major enemy assault over three grueling days without rest. Known to fellow Marines as “Manila John,” he had previously served in the Philippines with the U.S. Army before enlisting in the Marine Corps. Basilone later gave his life on D-Day during the Iwo Jima campaign, where he courageously led his unit through intense fire and was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross. His legacy lives on through numerous tributes, including the commissioning of the USS Basilone and his final resting place at Arlington National Cemetery. Read more here.

3. Spc. Derek Oates

A graduate of Seton Hall Prep and current East Hanover resident, Spc. Derek Oates served with the 82nd Airborne in Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2004 to 2006, where he operated as a gunner on dangerous convoy missions in Baghdad. Inspired to enlist after 9/11, Oates returned home as a disabled veteran and has since become a passionate advocate for supporting soldiers after service. He trained cadets at West Point and later built a second career through Helmets to Hardhats, founding Roofing Innovations, a construction company that proudly employs fellow veterans. During Morris County’s 2024 Memorial Day ceremony, Oates was recognized with a Distinguished Military Service Medal and delivered the keynote address, calling on communities to honor the fallen by standing with those who made it home. Read more here.

4. Spc. Gary J. Cooper

Spc. Gary J. Cooper, a longtime South Brunswick resident, was recently honored with a street sign dedication at the intersection of Richford and Constable Roads in Kendall Park. Cooper enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, serving with the First Infantry Division as a Personnel Management Specialist and earning several honors, including the Joint Service Commendation Medal and New Jersey Meritorious Service Medal. Following his military service, Cooper became a dedicated leader in the veteran community, serving as Post Commander of American Legion Post 401 for 15 years and as Middlesex County American Legion District Commander. The tribute reflects a lifetime of service—both in uniform and at home in South Brunswick. Read more here.

5. Seaman William Gerald Schumacher

A lifelong New Jerseyan, World War II veteran William Gerald Schumacher was honored for his service during a surprise ceremony in Cherry Hill last year. Born and raised in Delair, Schumacher enlisted at just 17 and served throughout the Pacific, later joining the occupation forces on Okinawa following the war. Over eight decades later, he was presented with long-overdue medals and commendations by American Legion Post 372, along with special recognition from Camden County officials. Surrounded by his six children, dozens of grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Schumacher humbly credited his proudest achievement: “I got a great family.” Read more here.

Do you know a veteran or active military member who deserves recognition? We’d love to hear their story! Click here to nominate them for a chance to be featured on Patch!