The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, PFC Edward Joseph Dunsey (Blotzer), who died in the service of his country on October 9th, 1967 in Quang Tin Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Small Arms/AW. At the time of his death Edward was 23 years of age. He was from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Edward is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 27E, Line 79.
The decorations earned by PFC Edward Joseph Dunsey (Blotzer) 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.
Eddie is buried in Calvary Cemetery, Pittsburg, PA.
(Following biographical information supplied by Eddie's brother Patrick Dunsey, PatrickDunsey@cs.com)
Ed was born in Pittsburgh, PA on March 6, 1944 and grew up in the Mt Washington section of that city. He attended St Justin High, where he especially enjoyed participating in some of the school theatrical productions. Ed worked at the neighborhood Bards Dairy store while attending school.
After graduation, Ed lived for a year in Los Angeles, CA, where he worked at Robinsons department store. He returned to Pittsburgh and enrolled in classes at Point Park College. Leaving college due to financial considerations, he completed a training program for radiology technicians.
Ed was working in the radiology department at Presbyterian-University Hospital in Pittsburgh at the time he entered military service.
Ed did his Army basic training at Ft Bragg, NC, and then completed advanced infantry training at Ft Polk, LA. He began his Vietnam tour with A 1/35th in July 1967.
Ed had a talent for writing, a dry wit, and a vast propensity for helping others. His Roman Catholic faith was an important facet of his life. Ed's memory is cherished by his mother and stepfather, Anne and George Dunsey, by his brothers, George and Patrick Dunsey, and by the many relatives and friends he touched with his kind and
good nature.
(by Dick Arnold)
Eddie was a proud member of Company A, 1/35 Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. Killed with ten others over a nameless little hill NW of Mary Lou, Quang Tin Province, 10/9/67
As we were approaching the hill Eddie mentioned to someone that it reminded him of a hill near his house in Pittsburg.
I remember him as short, with red hair--just an average guy trying to do his best and get back home.
Eddie died with several others, right above me after our part of the platoon was overran. Tony Taschler put a rosary in his hand the next morning.
RIP Eddie.
GENERAL ORDERS NUMBER 3516 AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL FOR HEROISM
For heroism in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. On 9 October 1967, Private First Class Blotzer distinguished himself while serving as a Rifleman in Company A, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry, conducting a search and destroy operation mission near Phouc Son. Private First Class Blotzer's platoon was progressing up the side of a jungle-covered mountain when it was taken under automatic weapons fire from a reinforced North Vietnamese Army company. The enemy was firing from prepared positions, well concealed in the thick vegetation, and their intense fire killed several in the platoon instantly. The platoon leader moved forward and attempted to destroy the strongpoints which were holding the platoon in check. As he returned from his foray, he was struck by enemy fire. Observing this, Private First Class Blotzer ran through the hail of hostile fire to the side of the fallen platoon leader. He started to move the wounded officer to a more protected position, be he was mortally wounded in his heroic attempt. Private First Class Blotzer's inspiring personal bravery and self-sacrificing courage are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
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