Jeffrey Von Beltz

Jeffrey B. von Beltz, Army Sergeant Major and Silver Star and Bronze Star recipient, passed away on July 28, 2023. He passed away peacefully at home from prostate cancer due to Agent Orange exposure. He was surrounded by loved ones. He was a beloved father, devoted husband, and true American hero. He leaves behind a legacy of courage, dedication, and selflessness that will forever inspire those who knew him. Jeffrey was born on November 19, 1948 in Oakland CA to Gabriel Delmas, Jr. and Patricia Campbell. When he was a young boy, he moved to Southern California where he fell in love with the beach and surfing. He became a self-taught surfer, water skier and snow skier. Pretty much anything that got his heart racing he was ready to do! He enjoyed these activities well into his golden years and got so much joy from them. Drafted into the Vietnam War, Jeffery answered the call of duty with unwavering resolve. He served with valor as a door gunner aboard a UH-1H lift helicopter during the Vietnam War as a Green Beret with the 101st Airborne Division. On July 11, 1970, he displayed extraordinary bravery, earning the prestigious Silver Star for gallantry in action. Jeffrey's aircraft came under hostile fire during an insertion mission, and he fearlessly engaged the enemy, ensuring the safe extraction of his comrades. He graduated from CSU Northridge with a degree in Journalism. He went on to become the Managing Editor at the Big Bear Grizzly. He was a part of the Ski Writer’s Association and wrote screenplays for shows such as M.A.S.H. In his mid-40’s he reenlisted in the Army where he spent 11 years as a Senior Maintenance Supervisor and 12 years as a Public Affairs NCO. In addition to the Silver Star, Jeffery's list of awards and decorations reads like a testament to his exceptional service to his country. His medals include the Bronze Star with Valor Device, Bronze Star, Air Medal with Valor Device, three Air Medals, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, and two Army Achievement Medals, among others. He was also recognized with the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star for his unwavering commitment to defending freedom. To know him was to love him. He had this magical quality about him where he could calm a person’s spirit during difficult times. He had the ability to ease someone’s fears and replace them with a true knowing that things would be okay. He was the person that everyone always came to for life advice and guidance. He also had a wonderful sense of humor. He is survived by the love of his life of 30 years, Carol von Beltz. His 3 children - Tiffany Miller and husband Chris, Chelsea Perez and husband Larry, and Max von Beltz and wife Kris; 2 stepchildren - Seth Clark and Amiee Clark and his 10 grandchildren – Maggie, Dominic, Nathan, Izzy, Dax, Ali, Sky, Manu, Otto and Nova. He was greatly loved and admired by his family and friends, and he will be deeply missed by all.

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Jeffrey Von Beltz

November 19, 1948 - July 28, 2023