Countryside in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

John H. Brancato, Jr.

Photographed by Sean Flynn, June 9, 2024

1. John H. Brancato, Jr. Marker

Inscription. The people of the City of Countryside
in appreciation and recognition of valor and honor
dedicate this playground in memory of
John H. Brancato, Jr.
United States Marine Corps, who lost his life
in the service of his country in Viet Nam
by order of the City Council of Countryside, Illinois
this the 4th day of July, 1972

Erected 1972 by City of Countryside.

Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • War, Vietnam.

Location. 41° 47.526′ N, 87° 52.274′ W. Memorial is in Countryside, Illinois, in Cook County. It is at the intersection of West Plainfield Road and South Ashland Avenue, on the left when traveling east on West Plainfield Road. The marker is in front of the sign for Brancato Park, a small playground park. Touch for map. Memorial is at or near this postal address: 65 West Plainfield Road, La Grange IL 60525, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this memorial is in Greater Chicago.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western

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Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Specialist John R. Sullivan (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Memorial Park (about 700 feet away); Veteran's Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); Veterans Memorial Flagpole (approx. 0.4 miles away); 1925 Erie "Type B" Steam Shovel (approx. one mile away); This was "Countryside" (approx. 1.1 miles away); Bennett Field Lights (approx. 1.3 miles away); Veterans Memorial Tree (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Countryside.

Regarding John H. Brancato, Jr.. John Harrison Brancato Jr. lived at 5408 South Kensington Avenue in Countryside, about 750 feet as the crow flies from the plaque and park that bear his name. Brancato graduated from Lyons Township High School in 1967, and shortly thereafter enlisted in the United States Marines. He was sent to Vietnam in December 1967.

Brancato Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean Flynn, June 9, 2024

2. Brancato Park

Brancato was 18 years old on February 7, 1968, when he was killed in Quang Nam Province by what a Chicago Tribune report about his death described as "an enemy fragmentation device." According to the Tribune, Brancato had five sisters and four brothers.

Also see . . . Vietnam Virtual Wall: John H. Brancato Jr. (Submitted on June 10, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 10, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 10, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 316 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 10, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.