Edward Charles Vanover was born on August 23, 1948 in Oxford, Chester County. Edward attended Oxford schools.

Edward entered the Marines on May 24, 1967. By November 23rd, he was serving in Vietnam.

Lance Corporal Edward Vanover was fatally wounded by hostile gun fire on July 10, 1968, during an ambush at Quang Nam Province. He was serving with Headquarters Company of the 3rd Marine Division. He was just 19 years old.