The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, PFC Eurey Lee Hatchett, who died in the service of his country on July 3rd, 1966 in Pleiku Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Small Arms/AW. At the time of his death Eurey was 22 years of age. He was from Indianapolis, Indiana. Eurey is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 08E, Line 124.
The decorations earned by PFC Eurey Lee Hatchett include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star with V, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.
Eurey was the son of Bennie and Mabel Hatchett. Benny died in 1968 but Mabel is still living as of this writing (11/02).
Eurey graduated from Crispus Attucks High School in Indianapolis and attended I.U.P.U.I. He enjoyed music, was very popular, and always had a wide group of friends. His funeral was attended by an overflow crowd.
Eurey is buried in Indianapolis, Crown Hill Cemetery, Section 99B, Lot 325.
(The following tribute is from Eurey's high school friend, Ron Craig: craig_ronald@msn.com)
I met him at Crispus Attucks high school. I was a year or two ahead of him.Eurey and I loved the Attucks Tigers basketball and would frequent many of their home games. We wouldn't go together but both were constantly in attendance. Let me tell you what I do know about him. he was a low key guy, got along with everybody. He was the type of guy that everyone wanted to be his friend, now check this he was very neat and when it came to dressing took a back seat to no one, eventhough he wasn't the boasting type, I attribute all this to a strong family support system. Many years have came and gone but our fond memories of you will live on and on R.I.P.
Brother and Sister Ronald Craig and Connie Craig-Jolly
(His BSV Citation)
General Orders 99, Award of the Bronze Star for Heroism, 25th Division, 19 August 1966
For heroism in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Hatchett distinguished himself on 3 July 1966 while serving as a rifleman in the 3rd Platoon, B, 1/35th Infantry; conducting a search and destroy operation near Duc Co. His unit was ambushed by a vastly superior force and was surrounded. Private First Class Hatchett was wounded as the enemy first opened fire. Despite his wound, Private First Class Hatchett resolved to resist the enemy to his utmost. With complete disregard for his safety, Private First Class Hatchett charged an enemy emplacement to his front in an attempt to destroy it and clear an escape route for the remnants of his platoon. While performing this valorous act, Private First Class Hatchett lost his life to enemy automatic weapons fire. Private First Class Hatchett's dauntless courage, resolute determination, and aggressive action are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
|
