Scope and Contents

The collection consists of approximately 0.75 linear feet of materials documenting Edward Den Braven's U.S. Army service as a medic with various units, as well as his involvement with Vietnam Veterans Against the War and the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The materials include a scrapbook; an address book; clippings; military orders; event programs; photographs; artifacts; and ephemera. The materials are dated 1966-1971 and 1985-1995.

Biographical / Historical

Edward J. Den Braven (born Marcellinus Edward Den Braven) was born August 11, 1947 in The Hague, Netherlands. In 1958, he and his father immigrated to the United States. They lived in South Orange, New Jersey while his mother and brother remained in Holland. Den Braven was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam as a medic. He was stationed at an LZ near Hiep Duc and Que Son, where he supported an artillery unit. He was involved in calculations for firing guns. He also worked with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade, Americal Divison. He received the Bronze Star. He left the U.S. Army in 1968.

After his military service, Den Braven remained active in veterans affairs. He helped bring about the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial. He became a civilian EMT and then trained as a Nurse Anesthetist. He worked for the Atlantic City Medical Center for over 25 years. Den Braven passed away on March 29, 2020.