The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, 1LT David Keith Chahoc, who died in the service of his country on September 27th, 1968 in Quang Duc Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Small Arms/AW. At the time of his death David was 21 years of age. He was from Lakewood, Ohio. David is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 42W, Line 27.
The decorations earned by 1LT David Keith Chahoc 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.
David is buried in the Holy Cross Cemetery in Cleveland, OH.
On October 3, 1968 the Cleveland (Ohio) Press reported the deaths of 5 area men in Vietnam. 2 of these men were Cacti. One was Spec 4 Joseph G. Ambrosio. The other was:
"Lt. David Keith Chahoc, 21, son of Mr. And Mrs. Clarence C. Chahoc, 1570 Highland Ave. Lakewood.
"Lt Chahoc, known by his middle name, Keith, was drafted in October, 1966, and won his commission at Officer Candidate School. He volunteered for Ranger Training and left for Vietnam Sept. 10.
His Father said that he had not been assigned to a command but was accompanying combat units for observation.
"He was killed last Friday on combat operations during a fire fight, according to the official message.
One of his last acts before leaving for Vietnam was to register to vote. His mother said: "he heard a lot about Vietnam, he read a lot about it, and he wanted to know whether our effort was worth it."
His father added: "He wasn't there long enough to find out."
Two brothers and a sister also survive him.
(His BSV Citation)
General Orders 6026 Award of The Bronze Star Medal for Heroism, 4th Division, 21 November 1968
For heroism in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Chahoc distinguished himself while serving as a Platoon Leader with A, 2/35th Infantry. On 27 September 1968, Lieutenant Chahoc's listening and observation patrol was in the rugged mountainous terrain southeast of Duc Lap, proceeding towards the area in which they planned to establish the listening and observation post when they discovered a well-camouflaged enemy bunker complex. The team was immobilized by an initial volley of enemy fire but Lieutenant Chahoc rapidly directed effective counter-fire, moved his men into a defensive perimeter, and called for the support of the company. Although the patrol's position was assaulted several times, through the outstanding leadership of Lieutenant Chahoc the enemy was repulsed. Shortly before the company arrived, the enemy began throwing numerous grenades at the patrol's posItion and Lieutenant Chahoc was mortally wounded. Lieutenant Chahoc's personal bravery, determination, and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
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