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PFC STEPHEN D GUCOFSKI,
"Gooch," as he was known, was born December 29, 1949, to Kenneth and Violet Gucofski, in Somerville, New Jersey, their only son. They lived in Neshanic, for 15 years, then his family moved to South Fort Myers, Florida in 1964, and he attended Cypress Lake High School. He had an older sister Cynthia, and younger sister Sandy.
He was drafted, into the Army in May 1970, and was honored with a plaque at graduation at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, by Lt. Colonel Jack W. Burkheimer, Executive Officer, for having attained the highest score in his company on Rifle Marksmanship. He began his tour of duty in Vietnam on October 27, 1970. He was serving with E Company, 11th INF, 1st BN, as a Scout, Light Weapons Infantry.
On March 22, 1971, he gave his life for his Country in Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam. He is Lee County 33rd casualty of the Vietnam War. He was a light weapons Infantryman serving with E CO, 11th IF, 1st BN.
He received Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation, Good Conduct, National Defense, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign Medals, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, and Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar.
Stephen’s Memorial currently resides, with his younger sister Sandy, in South Fort Myers in a place of honor.
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