The very blocks they called home in Phillipsburg now honor them.
The very blocks that William Konyu and James Suydam called home have become a memorial to them.
A gathering of residents, veterans and leaders in Phillipsburg's Pursell Hill neighborhood reminisced about how they and the boys used to play soldiers near the woods, before Konyu and Suydam went off with the Army to fight in Vietnam.
Both disappeared in separate helicopter crashes in 1969, never to return home.
But their memories live on. On Thursday, the town unveiled street signs displaying their names and the POW/MIA symbol at intersections within Pursell Hill.
"The sacrifices you have made," town Councilman Bernie Fey Jr. said, addressing veterans in general, "will always be remembered."
Konyu was 22 in 1969 when his helicopter came under fire in enemy territory, according to records from the Library of Congress online POW/MIA database. As copilot, he took over the controls when the pilot was wounded. Konyu was also wounded and the helicopter crashed. He was not found after a search of the area.
Later that year, Suydam also disappeared in a helicopter crash. He was a passenger when rotors struck a tree in friendly territory and the aircraft crashed into a river, according to the records. He status was later changed from missing to killed in action.
"All those who knew and loved him will never forget him," Suydam's cousin, Becky Suydam McDermott, said on behalf of his three sisters who now live around the country.
Resident Paul Ciemiecki, who said he lived within a block of Konyu and Suydam, was credited with approaching the town with the idea for the street signs. He said he hopes other towns will consider doing something similar for their own missing servicemen and women.
Missing Vietnam pilot's legacy still strong
The remains of another Phillipsburg serviceman lost in Vietnam, U.S. Air Force Maj. Bruce Lawrence, were finally returned in 2011, more than 40 years after his plane was shot down.
Hundreds turned out for his funeral to finally welcome him home.
Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.