Chahoc, David Keith
Army 1st lieutenant

David Keith Chahoc, age 21, from Lakewood, Ohio, Cuyahoga county.

Service era: Vietnam
Military history: 35th Infantry Regiment

Date of death: Friday, September 27, 1968
Death details: Killed by small arms fire, Quang Ngai Province. Bronze Star citation: 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.

Cemetery: Holy Cross, Cleveland

Source: National Archives, 35th Infantry Regiment Association