Major John J. Mondry died on 31 October 1985 at the age of 44 of leukemia. Major Mondry is interred at the Riverside National Cemetery, plot 20 3747. Riverside CA.

Major Mondry graduated from MARCAD Class 11, NAS Pensacola, FL, in 1964 and designated a naval aviator. Major Mondry, after transitional aircraft training in the UH-34, was transferred to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Republic of Vietnam, where he served as a squadron pilot and HAC for HMM-261, HMM-361 and HMM-161, May 1966 to May 1967. During this period of time Major Mondry was awarded 29 Air Medals and 5 Distinguished Flying Crosses. After his first Vietnam tour, Major Mondry was transferred to Marine Observation Squadron 5 (later HML-267) , MAG-56, 3rd MAW, MCB Camp Pendleton where he transitioned into the OV-10 "Bronco" observation aircraft and also flew the UH-1E "Huey". In 1968 Major Mondry was subsequently transferred to VMGR-352, 3rd MAW, MCAS El Toro, for transitional training for the C-130 "Hercules". In February 1970 Major Mondry was transferred to VMGR-152, 1st MAW, MCAS Futenma, Okinawa. Major Mondry continued to fly many missions in Vietnam, prior to his return to CONUS in December 1971.
Major Mondry was then transferred to CG Quantico, VA for a six month period and then returned to MCB Camp Pendleton for FAC training. It was at this time, as the result of a training accident (parachute jumping), that Major Mondry was discovered to be stricken with leukemia. Major Mondry was retired from the United States Marine Corps as a Major in 1975.

Maj Mondry is survived by his widow Joyce, who resides in CA, two sons , three brothers (two of whom are former Marines) and a sister.

Captain Mondry was my OIC when I was stationed at MCB CAMPEN, VMO-5/HML-267 in 1967. Due to the nature of my position (TAD as S&C Files clerk) I worked in close proximity to Maj Mondry. I have always considered him one of the finest Marines, Marine Officers, and men I have ever known.

Semper Fi Marine.

MGySgt Tom T Constantine
USMCR Ret