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06 Dec 2003
The photo and following article is taken from Daily Intelligencer Journal, Lancaster, PA, on March 29, 1968:
Sp. 4 David DeWitt Killed In Vietnam
Specialist Fourth Class David Eugene DeWitt, 20, of Lancaster, who described himself as "an old timer" to the struggle in Vietnam, died in action in Vietnam on March 25.
DeWitt's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene B. DeWitt, of 118 Dauphin St., learned of their son's death in a telegram Thursday from the Army.
TWO LETTERS
Two letters from DeWitt arrived at the DeWitt home Thursday along with notification of his death.
Mrs. DeWitt said that in one of her son's letters he said "Mom, I'm an old timer over here now, there aren't many of the orginal men left any more."
The telegram which informed DeWitt's parents of his death, read as follows:
"The Secretary of the Army has asked me to express his deep regret that your son, Specialist Four David Eugene DeWitt died in Vietnam on 25 March, 1968, as a result of a wound received while on a combat operation when engaging a hostile force in a firefight.
"Please accept my deepest sympathy, Kenneth G. Wichkam, Maj. Gen., USA."
Mrs. DeWitt said Thursday that she had received no further word as to the nature of the wound, nor any notification as to when the body would be returned to the U.S. for burial. She added that present plans call for her son to be buried with full military honors.
The mother, the former Nina Phillips, said that DeWitt entered the service a year ago, and had been serving with the 25th Division near Saigon for the past seven months. He was recently promoted to Spec. 4, and assigned as a leader on a track.
DODGE EMPLOYE
He was born in Montrose, W.V., attended Manheim Twp. High School (PA) and was employed two years by the Dodge Cork Co. before entering the service.
The body will be escorted home by Sp. 4 Leroy J. Miller, 755 Stevens Ave., who enlisted with DeWitt in March, 1967, under the "Buddy" system.
Survivors in addition to his parents, include a brother, Charles DeWitt, 446 W. Lemon St., a sister, Linda, at home and the maternal grandmother, Olive J. Phillips, Lancaster.
The death of the young soldier brings the total of casualties for Lancaster County to 25 since the Vietnamese War began. In addition 58 more local men have been reported wounded, and one is on the missing list.
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27 May 2005
This article appeared in the Daily Intelligencer Journal (Lancaster, PA) on 22 March 1969:
WAR VICTIM GETS TWO MORE MEDALS
Two more medals for valor in combat have been posthumously awarded to a Lancaster soldier killed in Vietnam March 25, 1968. This brings to 10 the number of medals awarded Spec. 4 David E. DeWitt, whose parents live at 118 Dauphin St.
Lt. Gen. Kenneth Wickham, of Ft. Meade, Md., informed the soldier's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene B. DeWitt, that their son has been awarded the Merit Medal and the Gallantry Cross with Palm by the government of South Vietnam.
DeWitt was cited previously for helping to fight off an enemy attack as part of a recoilless rifle team. He was serving as the driver of an armored personnel carrier with a scout platoon of the 23rd Infantry at the time.
"Had it not been for his unwavering professionlism," the citation said, "the scout section would have sustained many more casualties and evacuation of the wounded would have been impossible."
DeWitt's parents previously received these awards for their son: Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Viet Campaign Ribbon and Markmanship
Badge with Rifle Bar.
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From a native Philadelphian and Marine,
Jim McIlhenney
christianamacks@comcast.net
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