John Anthony Malan

United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal John Anthony Malan remembers his childhood as being as good as circumstances allowed. As a young man, he found joy in simple pursuits like spending time with neighborhood friends, playing street hockey, and roofing. 

Malan enlisted in the Marine Corps on April 30, 1984, seeking to escape the dysfunction of his upbringing and build a new path. Although his primary MOS was 81 mm Mortarman, he never worked in that field after completing Infantry Training School. He volunteered for the elite ranks of the Corps, serving first with the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion and later with the 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion. He took pride in serving among Marines who accomplished feats most men only dream about. 

Malan excelled in leadership and advanced training, earning a Letter of Commendation as an E‑3 for achieving the top position in Non‑Commissioned Officers School. He went on to attend Squad Leaders School, Army Airborne School, and Army Pathfinder School. 

Malan’s service came with significant physical sacrifice. He survived a 90‑foot fall during a rappelling accident from a CH‑46 helicopter in Okinawa, Japan. He was later dragged through trees while suspended from a SPIE rig during maneuvers in Puerto Rico. These events left him with lasting injuries to his right ankle, both knees, back, and neck, along with severe head trauma that resulted in chronic headaches and persistent neck pain.  

Following his service, Malan worked as an electrician for 37 years with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union. Over the course of his long and dedicated career, he contributed his skills to nearly 200 electrical contractors. 

In 2023, he was diagnosed with cancer of the bladder, ureters, and kidneys which was attributed  to toxic exposure during his service. Despite the hardships he has endured, Malan remains devoted to reading his King James Bible every day and to being the best husband and dad he can be. The support provided by Tunnel to Towers gives him peace of mind, knowing his family will have a safe and secure home in the years ahead. 

United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal John Anthony Malan would like people to know that he is a child of God and a patriot who deeply loves his country, the United States of America. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal John Anthony Malan with a mortgage-free smart home in the Let Us Do Good Village through the Smart Home Program.