Guest Op-Ed: A Salute to Winthrop’s Local Hero

By Frank Costantino

John Eade, of Winthrop, a Toledo native who narrowly survived the Vietnam War’s deadliest single-day battle and went on to high-level roles in political campaigns, architecture, and government, died Wednesday, June 22, 20222, at his cousin’s home in Lambertville, Michigan. He was 79. Mr. Eade battled lung cancer for more than two years, the disease also spreading to his brain and bones, his cousin and caretaker, Elaine Bender said. Last September, she added, a doctor informed his family John had about a month to live. But John fought on, through sheer force of dogged will, for another eight months.

“There are people who have the ability to surprise you with the evidence, against long odds, that it is possible to retain a sense of wonder, some ideals and even wistful dreams; when cynicism, demons and nightmares should have won out a long time ago. John Eade was like that, the kind of person you’re always glad to see. You know you’ll walk away with a little of that energy barely concealed behind a quiet façade; still retaining, even into his 60s & 70s and despite severe war wounds, an infantryman’s ability to walk 25 miles on short notice.” Mr. Crittenden wrote in his article.

Mr. Eade had suffered multiple life-threatening wounds and lost his right eye in a November 1965 Vietnam battle in the remote Ia Drang Valley, after North Vietnamese soldiers ambushed him, as a 21-year-old sergeant, with hundreds of his Army comrades. He kept fighting even after he had been shot in the hip, shoulder, and face; and after a shell fragment struck his foot, while also suffering burns from an American napalm strike. Though shot in the gut and the right shoulder, the injuries forced Eade to fire his M-16 left-handed. Under RPG and mortar fire, Eade said his legs and boots were sprayed with shrapnel that left a large piece stuck into his foot, so he couldn’t walk.

After a small-caliber bullet destroyed his right eye socket and shattered parts of his sinuses, making it difficult to breathe, he was knocked unconscious. “I was angry at myself for being shot in the head. I was angry at myself for being careless. I was really pissed off at the North Vietnamese.” The clash at Landing Zone Albany left 155 Americans dead and 124 wounded. Sgt. Eade was the lone survivor of his platoon.

Asked in an interview what his thoughts and emotions were at this time – as the last surviving man in his position with every expectation for being killed as the Vietnamese moved in to finish off the wounded. “Playing dead was a way to die…but it made no sense to me. Our job was to hold that position and kill the enemy,” Eade said. “I had this thing in my mind, part of the U.S. Army’s General Orders and the Soldier’s Code you learn in boot camp: ‘I will never forget I am an American fighting man. I will never surrender of my own free will. I will continue to resist to the utmost of my ability. I will not leave my post until properly relieved.” Eade said he kept repeating that code to himself, though under severe attack.

In a later interview, John admitted that “It wasn’t a matter of living or dying. It was taking care of each other and doing your duty. The anticipation of a Future is what you give up. The question was not, ‘Am I going to die?’ We all know the answer to that. The question was, ‘How am I going to die? I am going to die well”.

After more than a year spent recovering from his debilitating Vietnam injuries at a military hospital, and though battered and disfigured, John had recovered and in the late 1960s wasted no time launching himself into the University of Toledo – matriculating with three major study areas – and then later into a political career. He became an architect. He pursued a career through what he called “serial jobs,” staying only until he became restless or angry, and moving on. He was largely solitary, and had always closely guarded his privacy.

“John’s my hero,” said Dan Simrell, the former U.Toledo head football coach, who was childhood friends with Mr. Eade and remained close with him throughout life. “What he did is something I don’t know if I could ever do”, referring to how Mr. Eade survived that Vietnam battle; and then so swiftly launched himself into school and a career in politics afterward, despite his severe injuries which could make everyday tasks difficult. Mr. Eade frequently “upon returning to Toledo, stopped by my apartment for spaghetti, even though it was a difficult food for him to eat”, Mr. Simrell recalled. For Rick R., “John was a warrior on the battlefield of Vietnam and on the battlefield of politics; he was one of my mentors. I will miss & salute you, Sgt. Eade”. Another boyhood friend, Ron T, reflected on missing his friend: “He was so smart, so intelligent, so well-read”, and “the good times we had in high school and goofy things we kids in the neighborhood did, will always be fond memories for me.”

‘Just Interested in Everything’

Susan Lewis, Mr. Eade’s partner of 27 years, said John was set to begin a job for Folgers Coffee after graduation, but the company declined to hire him after it learned he was missing an eye. Instead, John fell into politics, first helping a local candidate, and eventually rising to work on the presidential campaigns of George McGovern, Sargent Shriver, and Jimmy Carter. In the late 1970s, he served as administrator for President Carter’s National Commission on Neighborhoods. Mr. Eade was exceedingly private and shy, Ms. Lewis said. “But he could be bold when it was necessary, which was quite often.” He also enjoyed boxing, she added. During the summers, he would spend weeks or months on backpacking trips. He hiked the Appalachian Trail twice, loved Wyoming’s Wind River Range, and once hiked through Spain. “He was just interested in everything,” Ms. Lewis said. “His life had almost ended, and when it didn’t, he just became interested in everything, because he had that opportunity.”

“Once he decided to do something, he would just do it,” said cousin Mrs. Bender, who recalled Mr. Eade’s “very driven” work ethic. She frequently talked to him on the phone over the years; but during a presidential campaign, he would be working at all hours of the night and was almost impossible to reach, she said. Another friend, Jeff E. observed that “John was a hugely important political strategist and organizer in Michigan Democratic campaigns for decades. Though he mostly moved behind the scenes, his reputation preceded him wherever he went, and when he spoke, everybody listened – from county commissioners to Presidents, and all of us who worked in those campaigns”.

In the early 1980s, Mr. Eade obtained his graduate degree in architecture (M.Arch) from Ohio’s Miami University and came east to Boston. Soon he was working for a major architectural firm, and as a volunteer design instructor at the Boston Architecture Center (BAC) – all while still balancing Democratic political consulting work on the side. In 1994, Mr. Eade started a job as commissioner and then became chief of inspectional services for the City of Boston, a role he held for four years. Though a slightly built, soft-spoken man with an eyepatch, John was an unexpected character in City Hall, a little odd and engaging; serious about his work, though, and had a reputation for toughness and honesty. “John was the most honorable person I ever met in City government”, stated Rob Mc. “He was a very humble man who helped a great deal of people, including me. It was my privilege to know him and work for him.”

In his adopted Towns of Boston and Winthrop, John Eade had friends everywhere he went. They could recall little things about him, something he did for or with them at one time or another. Most of them may not have known that this quiet, gentle man was still a heroic soldier, prouder of nothing more than to have been an American combat infantryman who held his ground. After retirement from his exemplary inspectional work for the City Of Boston (working closely for & with Mayor Menino), his confidants in Winthrop became its recent Town Managers, Council Members, former Selectmen, the Police and Fire Chiefs, the Head Librarian, Contractors, Lawyers, and town pundits – all of whom intently listened to John’s sage advice, and also provided good conversation.

He was especially close to our local Librarian (and former sportscaster), getting his help to find preferred books, or taking the time to visit each other at home, share dinners, or spend extra private time discussing all manner of topics. “John was extremely honored upon becoming a Fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and proud of the accomplishments of his former students in the professional arena”, reflects Peter S. “Listening to him over countless dinners in the library’s kitchen, sharing his political endeavors and learning about government and governing was a priceless educational experience for me. John remained a trusted confidante of longtime Boston Mayor Tom Menino; and even though he was no longer in an official capacity for the City, he engaged in many late-night phone conversations with the Mayor, helping Mr. Menino realize his vision for the city.”

Chris T. from Winthrop recalls hearing about John “having a fondness for growing up playing football for his blue collar high-school team and as a cornerback for the University of Toledo. Once here in Town, he would sometimes take walks by the WHS high school football practices and the basketball court to watch the local athletes. He also used to frequent the Harvard Gardens across from MGH with to reconnect with some of his Boston friends”. Long-time Winthrop High football coach, Tony F., recalled “this athletic-looking guy with an eye patch, standing by the Miller practice field; which made me and the coaching staff wonder whether our game plan was going to be stolen. My assistant, and then I, first spoke with John Eade; when I learned that we had both played football at different Ohio colleges. After that, John watched a number of our practices (which he loved doing), and he provided me with some positive comments about the plays; and made me feel good, while bolstering my confidence. Off-season, John & I would chat at Brown’s about training methods and the coming WHS schedule. His life intertwined with so many people on so many levels.”

Also according to former sportscaster/writer, librarian Peter S., “His lifelong interest in sports was fueled when a former professional boxer brought him to the Toledo Gym, and taught him the rudiments of the sport. Ultimately, John competed in the city’s Golden Gloves Tournament. He also saw his first professional baseball game when he accompanied a group to watch the Toledo Mud Hens play. He competed in football and track in high school and avidly followed the University of Michigan football team, and the NFL Detroit Lions throughout his life. Plus, the first Saturday in December held a special place on John’s calendar; never missing an Army/Navy game, sustaining his unwavering passion for the Cadets, whether they won or lost”. Further, “He often influenced the lives of young people.  He once gave a boy his own basketball and encouraged him to develop his skills. He helped the daughter of a friend navigate the challenges of successfully gaining admission to West Point”, Peter S. recalled about John.

John had also become a member of Winthrop Library’s Mystery Book Club, a group of about 20 or so residents, with whom he shared his thoughts about any given title. Eade easily expressed his humorous take on the discussions with his impish chuckle.  “John was a joy for me during the times we shared at the Library’s Mystery Book Club. His sense of mischievous humor and soft laugh always brought on a smile, and added pleasure to the meetings. His presence in Town will be sorely missed by many people”, observed Linda C.

Brown’s Pharmacy Social Club

After John had come to live in Winthrop, he was most noticeable as the thin man with the eye patch. Of a slender cast, but erect figure, sloping through the Center, usually puffing on cigarette, John didn’t mind stopping for a sidewalk chat, in his soft scratchy voice, with new friends. “About fifteen years ago, after Harry had bought Brown’s, I had my first encounter with John in this pharmacy,” recalls Jack D. “A mother and young boy had come in; and the little guy seeing this unusual looking character sitting at the ice cream counter, was intrigued by John’s appearance.” Jack D. whispered in the boy’s ear: ‘He’s a pirate!’ – which the boy then exclaimed to the dozen or so people in the store. Surprised, John Eade one-eyed me with his dagger-look, but didn’t say anything; however, that had been the start of our long friendship.”

John could be also be seen on many an afternoon sitting at the counter of Brown’s Pharmacy, the Town’s former drugstore and social center, stretching time over a long cup of coffee and donut, while discussing finer points of architecture, politics, Boston, zoning, fiscal affairs, movies, or most any other subject with local officials and residents. Or he could be seen on an early evening, watching the sunset from a west-facing town bench, with a single friend or two, puffing on a smoke, sharing his opinions and many insights on current affairs with his keen wisdom.

One Winthrop Official remarked “that John Eade was one of my closest confidants – always willing to listen and talk me through some of the difficult problems in the community.” Terry D. recalls that “John always took his time and researched an issue before saying what should be done, whether the matter be for a board member, or an advisor on rodent control. He was a wonderful man, never taking credit for his contributions to our community throughout the years. I’ll missing spending time with him and hearing his advice. He made me a better thinker and problem solver,” recalls Terry.

It’s not surprising that he could so easily advise Winthrop’s local officials. During his years after Service and college, John had worked diligently in various political affairs; and was a dogged, get-the-job-done kind of worker for Presidential campaigns; primarily for Jimmy Carter. According to Peter S., “John accepted invitations to visit the White House from Jimmy Carter, as well as the last four sitting Presidents – Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump. One of his proudest moments was escorting his Mother to the Oval Office to meet President Carter.”           

Eade’s service to his country was never far from mind, despite the decades. Another of our recent heroes, from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, was prevailing on the Town to refashion many of Winthrop’s dedicated signs, when Andrew B. first encountered his one-eyed comrade-in-arms.  “At the dedication of my Grand-Uncle’s new plaque, I had given a speech about his service in Italy during WW2. John came up to me and mentioned what a remarkable speech I had made. After that, on his favorite bench near Metcalf Sq., we had many a discussion; in private we shared anything, talking about combat, the casualties and killings we both had faced.” Andrew B. once asked “John, where would you be going for a Fourth of July? He told me he’d be hiding in his room with earplugs, since the fireworks reminded him of some distant gunfire. For John Eade, it was personal.” Only combat soldiers from two generations would know what that embedded sensation felt like.

I happened to first met John indirectly via my illustration work, with which he had previously been familiar through his studies at the BAC and his position for the City, reviewing numerous new architectural projects. He explained he had noticed my name on my office door, but could not reconcile that I was “that same guy”, right here in Winthrop. He eventually introduced himself at my studio, and we quickly realized the common ground of our architectural backgrounds, and other interests, and readily shared each other’s confidence. We also shared many a lengthy conversation about town issues, current architecture designs, education, and many various topics over longer-than-expected cups of coffee at Brown’s.

Many a time, John would just stop in to my office with a concern about some aspect of the developments happening in our Town, but always insisting on my ready discretion. Or we’d discuss some finer point or design issues for planning projects I was working on in the City, and share his keen insights. John expressed his high opinion of my architectural drawings, which he had previously seen for the many Boston projects he was inspecting for the City. And he was also flattering about my watercolor fine artworks. On one occasion, when I had a show at our local Beacon Gallery, I hosted an afternoon’s live watercolor painting demonstration. John sauntered in, and intently watched as I completed one portrait of another friend; then surprised me by agreeing to sit for his portrait. His steady gaze and distinctive black eye-patch, and a military-color shirt, made for a most descriptive painting of his persona. Recently, it was a privilege for me that the family had asked for copies of this portrait (which John owned) to display for his final services.

A Call from Biden

After Mr. Eade had moved back to the Toledo area in September 2021 because of his illness, he stayed with Mrs. Bender at her Lambertville home. One night several months ago, Mrs. Bender said, they were eating dinner together when she got a call from a Washington, D.C. number she didn’t recognize. “It was President Joe Biden, wanting to speak with Mr. Eade. President Biden thanked Mr. Eade for his service”, she said, “and they chatted about his brain tumor; Mr. Biden’s son, Beau Biden, had died in 2015 of brain cancer. He was incredibly moved by that call, it really meant a lot,” Mrs. Bender said of her Hero-cousin.

That horrific Vietnam battle at LZ Albany had remained raw for Mr. Eade, even decades later. In a local news interview with The Blade, of Toledo, OH late last year, he apologized for his tearing up, as memories of that “horrendous” day rushed back. Mr. Eade recalled how, one by one, he watched as the three other members of the fire team he led were killed – Wilbert Johnson, Barry Burnite, and Oscar Barker, Jr. Years later he helped to secure Silver Stars for his Amy platoon buddies, honoring their actions on the battlefield.

John’s Winthrop friend and confidante, Peter S. reflects “Looking back at the most horrible day of his life in Vietnam, which he and I never discussed (but only now known and understood), represented not an end, but a beginning to an extraordinary life. I am gratified that he chose me as a friend. He will always be my hero” John Eade has left just such a similar, unforgettable imprint on many friends here in Winthrop and in Boston.

A Decorated Soldier

During the past difficult year, U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur from Ohio, who was long-time friends with Mr. Eade, had pushed the Army to award Sgt. John Eade a Distinguished Service Cross, the branch’s second-highest decoration, for his actions that horrendous day in Vietnam. John had told Toledo’s The Blade he was deeply uncomfortable with Congresswoman Kaptur’s pursuit of the Distinguished Service Cross to recognize his own heroic actions. So many others in his platoon who died that day, he said, are “the people that deserve this honor, not me.” But Ms. Kaptur persisted, calling John a hero, convinced that John had received inferior recognition from the Army.

In May of 2021 for Memorial Day, Congresswoman Kaptur had officially read a full recounting of John’s Heroics – titled “I Am Going To Die Well”, by Jules Crittenden – into the Congressional Record. However, Army officials ultimately declined her request because no eyewitnesses survived to confirm what happened to him. Instead, the Army recently awarded Mr. Eade a Bronze Star, which Congresswoman Kaptur personally presented to him about a week before his death. “He’s probably the greatest soldier I personally know of from our generation,” said U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur. “He walked toward his end with utter dignity and courage, I’ll tell you that,” Ms. Kaptur said.

During Ms. Kaptur’s final visit a week ago, they discussed Mr. Eade’s final resting place – he chose to be buried in a military cemetery in Massachusetts, she said. Ms. Kaptur asked his permission to have a Statue built honoring him, to be located in Toledo.

Former Sgt. John Eade, this unassuming, reserved, heroic man and soldier, then silently saluted Congresswoman Kaptur –    his final act of honor and service for his country.

Winthrop Salutes You Too, John Eade.

The article is by  Frank M Costantino, with help from Peter S, Chris T, Jack D., Terry D., Linda C., Tony F., Andrew B., Winthrop. And adapted from articles by Jules Crittenden, for The History Reader, November 15, 2010, Boston Herald editor/reporter on Middle East conflicts; & Luke Ramseth, Toledo Blade Staff Writer, Jun. 24, 2022.