From a contemporary press report:
John J. Unterkofler, 73, a Marine Corps Colonel and budget officer who retired from Marine Corps headquarters in 1979, died December 10, 2000 at home in Fairfax. He had brain tumors.
Colonel Unterkofler was a graduate of St. Joseph’s College in his native Philadelphia. He received a master’s degree in accounting from George Washington University.
He began his military career at the end of World War II and served in the Pacific. He was an infantry officer in Korea during the Korean War and was also posted to Vietnam during the conflict there.
Between those wars, he was assigned to Okinawa and Japan, where he commanded Camp Fuji.
His honors included the Distinguished Flying Cross and a Bronze Star.
After he retired, Colonel Unterkofler was treasurer at the headquarters of the Navy Relief Society.
He was a Eucharistic minister and teacher at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Annandale and a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Alhambra. He volunteered as a soccer coach with the Braddock Road League.
Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Loretta Rauch Unterkofler of Fairfax; 10 children; a sister; and 15 grandchildren.
UNTERKOFLER, JOHN J. (JACK), COL, USMC (Ret.)
On Sunday, December 10, 2000 of Fairfax, VA. Loving husband of Loretta R. Unterkofler; father of Loretta Merrow, Kathleen Burchard, Eleanor Reynolds, Lynn McAuliffe, Lisa, Tina, Carl, John Jr., Paul and Mark Unterkofler. Also survived by one sister and 15 grandchildren. Friends may call at MURPHY’S FALLS CHURCH FUNERAL HOME, 1102 W. Broad St. (Rte. 7), from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, December 13, where prayers will be recited at 8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 8800 Braddock Rd., Annandale, VA, on Thursday, December 14 at 10 a.m. Friends are asked to assemble at the Administration Building, Arlington National Cemetery on Monday, December 18 at 1:30 p.m. for graveside services at 2 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Coletta’s School or KOVAR (Knights of Virginia Assisting Retarded).
Michael Robert Patterson was born in Arlington and is the son of a former officer of the US Army. So it was no wonder that sooner or later his interests drew him to American history and especially to American military history. Many of his articles can be found on renowned portals like the New York Times, Washingtonpost or Wikipedia.
Reviewed by: Michael Howard